In my last entry, I wrote about the growth that can happen once a person steps out of their comfort zone. This has been on my mind a lot lately, especially because I have an incredible amount of time on my hands. I can either choose to use this time in a productive manner or I can squander it and play computer games to dull my mind and pass the time. Or I can do both. (Angry Birds can be entertaining every once in a while.)
How can I create a space that will push me forward and help me be productive and creative? I need a system, a routine, guidance.
Victor Frenkel wrote a book called Man’s Search for Meaning. I read the book several years ago and the detail I found most important and most memorable was that no matter what your current situation, (in his experience, spending time in Auschwitz) if you have long- term goals and strive to achieve them, your sanity will emerge intact. Hope will keep your mind strong and your heart full. He called this type of therapy, logotherapy. It focuses on the future, not on the past.
Back in university, I took a psychology class called Sensation and Perception. I don’t remember much about the course except for one project in which I had to state a goal I wanted to achieve and create a reward system that would motivate me to achieve said goal. I think I chose something about losing weight or eating healthy. I don’t remember how it panned out, but it has been a helpful resource for my current endeavor.
Unintentionally, I have already done the necessary research to move forward with my plan of self-actualization.
I did some brainstorming and goal-setting. I made a chart and a reward system and I’m excited to get started. (I started yesterday, but I already feel motivated and inspired). I have 7 different goals and each goal has several activities that will help me achieve it. Each category has a minimum amount of time necessary per week to receive credit. At the end of each week, I’ll tally the amount of points I’ve earned. If I reach the minimum amount, I get a reward. Something small, but significant. At the end of month, if I reached the minimum amount of points, I get a bigger prize.
The first month is a test drive. I don’t know how it will go and whether I will feel like my goals are being achieved or not. If it is a success, I will go on to month two and on.
The name of the project is “A Better Life Challenge”.
I’ll let you know how it goes.
On the health front, I have an appointment with my dear Hematologist today. Hopefully, we will have more information about the treatment. When I can start, etc. We are still in the dark about the health insurance’s ability to foot the bill. Man, bureaucracy is a bitch! But we are all patient and positive.
Wishing y’all a light-filled, productive day.
Posted by Liora Meidan on November 22, 2011 at 7:14 am
Proud of you Healey, you are right to be as positive, goal oriented and creative. Saba always said “savlanut mevia lenizachon” patience leads to success!
Yesterday, I met the first Healey other than you who writes it Hili. she is a new Israeli 10 years old who moved to the area. She is a gingit and so funny and active.
As always I send you much love, hugs and plenty of good energy!
Liora