Take the focus back to the present with the One Day at a Time Hypnosis Script

Thinking about and planning for the future can be a very helpful skill, but when we do it excessively it can cause anxiety and prevent us from fully engaging with the present.

The One Day at a Time Hypnosis Script from The Script Collection was put together to help clients focus more on what they can do right now, rather than constantly running internal simulations about what might happen in future.

The pre-talk demonstrates that there are pros and cons to both living in the moment and planning for the future, and that both are key elements of a healthy, balanced approach to life. It acknowledges that our internal simulations of the future are often inaccurate, failing to take into account that we learn and grow over time. Importantly, it asserts that the future does not need to be dealt with right now.

The induction begins by gently encouraging the client to simply "follow along comfortably to the sound of these words." It reassures the client that part of them knows how to relax and process new learnings without having to try. The client is prompted to notice all the different areas of the body softening and relaxing and then to access memories of deep contentment and ease, deepening this relaxation even further.

Time is likened to water - always able to "find its way," smoothly and patiently navigating around obstacles. The image of gliding like an eagle "on the wings of time" creates a further sense of freedom and lightness around the idea of giving in to the currents of time.

As the client glides in to rest on a mountain top, they are able to look down and watch themselves from a distant "place of complete calm." They watch themselves taking a breath of relief and relaxing even deeper, creating space within to "reorganize things" into a simpler, more manageable form.

A pool of water is used as a metaphor for the mind: when it is agitated it becomes murky and cloudy, but you cannot do anything to make it clear. It simply needs time and space for the sediment to naturally sink back down. A description of clear, illuminated water emphasizes both the vibrance and the deep calm of the life within.

Now the story of an "old friend" who "turned his life around" by taking up running demonstrates that "you can always go twice as far as you think you can" if you forget about the final goal and simply "focus on getting to the next waypoint."

With the momentum of this uplifting story fresh in the client's mind, the script motivates the client to recognize the parts of their life they have influence and control over and to take action to find out what they can start doing right now to "deal with things more effectively." It also acknowledges those aspects of life that the client can't control, and encourages them to be okay with that, to "just do the best [they] can, one day at a time."

The experience of internalizing this new approach is likened to "setting off on a great journey." Extending this comparison, the script acknowledges the "unexpected pleasures" and "new perspectives" that can be gained on such a journey, such that the person who finishes the journey is not the same one who started it. Again we return to the idea of always focusing on getting to the next waypoint, always taking it one step at a time.

Finally, the client is guided to see a future version of themselves living in this way, and feeling much calmer and clearer as a result. A description of how this will feel is full of embedded commands instructing the client to relax, appreciate the present moment, and trust themselves to deal with things effectively day by day. As they merge with this future self, they are able to fully experience their new sense of strength and patience.

Add the One Day at a Time Hypnosis Script to your script library today!

One Day at a Time is also available as an MP3 download.