I assume that being unsure of how well I'm progressing in this program is part of this affliction of anxiety & depression. I have found that I want so badly to recover that I constantly judge the length of time & attention that I am giving to the program each day. In trying to be a perfectionist, I try to follow as many recommendations, instructions and exercises that I can, but typically I feel that I should be doing more (part of my profile of unreasonable expectations).
I guess what I am asking here is what parts of this program are "a must" to follow and what others are "do them if you can find the time". I do have quite a few other daily obligations, and even though working this program is paramount in my life, I'm finding it hard to devote the time and attention that I know that it deserves.
ie: In session 2, here is what has been recommended:
Read your card for the session 1st thing each day.
Do your relaxation CD @ least once, preferrably 3 X a day
Listen to your audio tape @ least 3 times per week
Listen to a Bonus CD if possible
Read some other motivational or educational book
Visit this site daily
(If you follow "The Challenge" for Session 2:
- there are 5 recommended Exercises for the week)
Write in you journal daily
Work in your workbook daily
(which I believe has 8 - 10 recommended Exercises for the week)
Exercise @ least 1 hr. each day
Practice your 6 steps when you feel any signs of anxiety
Etc., Etc., - w/out looking I am sure I've missed something. I really hope this doesn't sound like I'm complaining, because I can assure you that I am not! It is just VERY important to me to do this program to the best of my ability, and since I am completely unaware, I would really appreciate some advice on which elements are most important & are the core of success for this program.
If it is simply a matter of what works best for the individual, that's fine w/ me. I think I'm just struggling to determine the "have to's" on a daily basis. Thanks for any recommendations - professional ones would be appreciated as well.
SoHopeful
How can I be sure how I'm progressing???
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- Posts: 1
- Joined: Thu Aug 04, 2011 11:35 am
Re: How can I be sure how I'm progressing???
Hi sohopeful,
I could relate to everything you said. Us perfectionist do get ourselves into trouble don't we.
Two days ago all I could think about was ANXIETY and doing the program and doing it so perfectly
that it would work faster then it was supposed to.!!!! I sat down and told my husband and he gave me
some very good advise = "cut yourself some slack". I did. I skipped one day of the program and only worked
on slowing everything I did down. Then I decided if all of the work was feeling overwhelming I would give
myself 2 weeks to do a tape instead of one. This thinking got me so back on track that I am following most
of the program daily (except for the journal where I fail miserably).
I hope my experience might be a bit helpful to you ! It sounds like you plan to hang in there and so do I.
My best to you,
one thousand one
I could relate to everything you said. Us perfectionist do get ourselves into trouble don't we.
Two days ago all I could think about was ANXIETY and doing the program and doing it so perfectly
that it would work faster then it was supposed to.!!!! I sat down and told my husband and he gave me
some very good advise = "cut yourself some slack". I did. I skipped one day of the program and only worked
on slowing everything I did down. Then I decided if all of the work was feeling overwhelming I would give
myself 2 weeks to do a tape instead of one. This thinking got me so back on track that I am following most
of the program daily (except for the journal where I fail miserably).
I hope my experience might be a bit helpful to you ! It sounds like you plan to hang in there and so do I.
My best to you,
one thousand one
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- Posts: 2
- Joined: Thu Aug 04, 2011 11:27 am
Re: How can I be sure how I'm progressing???
Don't be so hard on yourself. It sounds like you're doing all the right things. Remember we're perfectionists...I've had the same feelings. Just keep calm and keep moving on.