Can't seem to motivate myself to stick to the program

[werin585]

Hi everyone. I haven't really been on here a whole lot yet. When I first got the program i was all pumped up and i started in right away, and honestly, it helped, a lot, but here i am like two months later not even done with session two. I'm finding it hard to stay commited to all of the outlined exercises in the book. Anyone else feeling my pain? I really know i need to get back on track, and i've promised my husband that if he would keep paying for the program that i would do it. I'm frustrated and overwhelmed. In need of some support, Erin

[ssdurell]

Erin, I think you need to move on. Try listening to a session CD twice in one week, then next week a new CD. Just try to use the relaxation CD before bed each night and keep a journal by the bedside for any thoughts or feelings. Catch up with the workbook later. Don't beat yourself up over it. The program is not a race. It's a system to improve your life.
Steven

[melissa225]

Erin,

I find myself doing the same thing and even think about returning the program. I've stressed myself out about how much the program cost me and I'm already struggling with money as it is so having that problem and then trying to stay motivated with the program i understand what your talking bout. Let me know how you are doing maybe we can work to motivate each other

Melissa

[Ldybeth]

Hi Erin & Melissa, I just wanted to let you know that you're not alone and that I understand as well. This is actually my second purchase of this program. I had purchased it almost 8 years ago, I believe, and attempted to try it but was in denial about my active alcoholism at the time as so didn't complete it. I have been sober for over 5 years now and ended up purchasing the program again a few months ago but only just started it last week. It does take a committment but I find that going upstairs an hour or hour 1/2 before bedtime gives me the most quiet time and helps me to relax before going to bed.

I have tried many therapists but it can be quite a long process to find just the right one and I don't feel that I've ever really gotten any help for my anxiety. I suffer from generalized anxiety, panic disorder and agoraphobia with social anxiety. Wow! Right! Quitting drinking definitely helped tremendously, at least took away all the problems that that particular issue was causing but left me with my original issue, which was still the anxiety. Medication has helped to take the edge off but doesn't do anything to teach life coping skills. I've finally had enough and am ready to give this a shot. I am only on Week 2 and I did miss a couple days of Week 1 and I don't listen to the relaxation tape every day but I find that for me, journaling has been HUGE (which I've never done before) and listening to the weekly CDs at least twice each week does make a difference. I find that I miss something if I just listen to it once and can absorb more if I listen to it at least twice. The workbook is also awesome, along with the coaching CDs. I always feel like I'm with friends when I listen to any of the CDs- friends that understand! Lucinda mentions that we tend to be perfectionists, I certainly know that I am but I am trying to take her advice and not do the program perfectly. I carry the Session/Weekly cards in my wallet and pull them out to look at them as I start my day and then throughout the day when I feel that I need that comfort.

I am really hopeful that this program will work and I already feel much better knowning that I'm moving in the right direction. I know that you two can do it too! I'll be praying for you, okay. Take care!