Do You Have an Energizing Mission?
According to studies of people who have survived “incurable” cancers, they had two things in common at the time they were battling the disease. First, they believed that their treatment—whatever it was—would work. Second, they experienced a re-mission; their illnesses didn’t disappear, but they took on something larger than themselves, a new mission. They dedicated themselves to a new life’s work. For some it was a charity, for others a friend or family member, but in all cases, they took on something they felt was more important than themselves.
Waiki, our chow chow, is currently struggling with cancer. Since becoming sick, she has been less focused on our other dogs and more focused on us. She is now dedicated to her relationship with Beth and me. Waiki depends on us in ways she didn’t or wouldn’t before, even allowing me to pick her up and put her in the car. She embodies trust.
Waiki’s health was deteriorating when I left for Las Vegas at the end of July, and it got worse upon my departure. When I cut my trip short and returned home, however, she improved. Something about me coming home allowed her a recovery or remission of sorts. Her tumor stopped bleeding; she starting eating on her own; and she began walking much better. Since that time she no longer is affected by her tumor, and even though she struggles to get up from the floor, she is always up for her daily walk.
Beliefs can have that effect. They are powerful. To help clients who are struggling with an illness, try to connect them with an important mission. Assist them in finding a higher purpose, and it might make a difference. The flipside of this is exemplified in retirement. Those who feel like they lost their identity and purpose upon retirement may have a hard time enjoying it.
People who have a mission they really identify with rarely struggle with motivation. Rather than trying to address motivation on a behavioral level, look at the reasons for doing what you’re doing. Establishing or reconnecting with a purpose reduces the issue of motivation. When there is a strongly held mission, things like behaviors, motivation and identity are more likely to fall into place.
P.S. Do you want to reprint this article? Please do. Just be sure that it remains intact and includes the following bio.
About Terry: Terry Hickey, M.S., is a Certified NLP Professional Coach, Business Trainer and Consultant, a Certified Master Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming and the co-owner of NLP Advantage Group. Originator of the Belief Breakthrough Method™, Terry specializes in teaching coaches and entrepreneurs how to rapidly resolve limiting beliefs about wealth and success. His tips and strategies can help you launch yourself into the future you want… NOW. http://terryhickey.com/
