CHANGE : Final Ramble for 2007

  The time is once again upon us to usher in the new and release the old. . . 

at least in a symbolic or intentional manner. Turning such intentions into reality is quite a difficult task. After a string of failures to accomplish New Years resolutions, the very idea of changing a behavior itself can become part of the stagnation of the procrastinators world.

Most people change unwanted behaviors exclusively through a process of accepting their current state of reality and then recognition of the unwanted result of that behavior followed by commitment, will power and perseverance to reach the goal committed to. There are no shortcuts to changing behavioral patterns. Compulsions must be countered repeatedly and consistently in order to neutralize and eradicate the obsessive thought patterns that drive our unwanted behaviors. Think of an unwanted behavior as a mathematical  integer such as negative 10. The ideal desired behavior would be positive 10. Much of ones early efforts receive no psychological reward since even a major effort would not be enough to even come close to even zero.

(U R HERE)

(-10) -9 -8 -7 -6 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 >>>(ZER0)> 

+1 +2 +3 +4 +5 +6 +7 +8 +9 (+10) (GOAL)

It has been stated that it takes 50 times repeating a bad behavior for it to become hard wired into the brain as a reflex behavior or so called bad habit. On the other hand it will require 100 times of repeating the opposite behavior in order to neutralize and reverse that bad habit. One with several bad habits cannot realistically expect any genuine change without hard work over time and commitment to rehabilitate. When people look me in the face and tell me they have made a 180 degree turn around after a few weeks it can be assured that person is quite naive or a damn liar.

There is a saying where I come from that "You can't bullshit the bullshitter." Associating with chemically addicted individuals on a daily basis has helped me to realize the profound truth of this frank metaphor. Over the years I have grown to accept being the poster child for adult ADHD. I'm not ashamed of this anymore than I would be ashamed of being diabetic or asthmatic. I even share this with my youthful patients often as a means of helping them feel less stigmatized for receiving treatment. I believe that if they recognize my accomplishments then they too will realize that they could do the same. Dr. Ed Hallowell, Author of "Driven from Distraction" and fellow ADHD sufferer is an excellent resource for any reader interested in learning more about the positives of ADHD.

Stubbornness is one of the keys  since this trait is characteristic of the ADHD. I've used mine to prove the things I can accomplish instead of what I shouldn't be able to accomplish. Preparation + Opportunity are the keys to success. When working in the prison environment I met many who used their stubbornness in a manner that was counterproductive and illegal. Practicing that behavior created habitual patterns so strong that most individuals had it hardwired in their brains that the whole world is wrong and that they are just misunderstood. Out of thousands I may have met a handful who accepted responsibility for their crimes. I know comparing ADHD to Adult Antisocial Behavior is like comparing apples to pears but it helps to highlight the crucial catalyst of free will in an individuals outcome. Without a desire to work for the change that is desired that change will not occur. 

Procrastination and disorganization attract negative karma and thus unhappiness. Taking on too much are the seeds of procrastination and disorganization, so limit setting is often the key to improving ones productivity and self esteem. Work on one problem at a time until that problem is solved, then move on to the next problem. This can be more easily taught to a child than an adult. Adults are more prone to learning things the hard way since they are more hard to contain than children. Mix in a little drug abuse and you may as well forget it. As a doctor my limit is set at crack addicts. When one has fallen to the depths of smoking crack there is even little that God can offer them so who am I to offer them help. A few have survived and made it back from this hell but I know that it was done mostly through their will to survive by facing the truth and having something worth fighting for. If an addict sees you in an enabling role you can only hurt them more. Cut them loose.

For 2008 I plan to follow my own advice and see what happens. As always I wish to thank everyone who found my journal worth a few minutes of their time to read over the past year. I wish you all a most Happy and prosperous New Year in 2008. 

spirituality and mental health

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