NAVIGATING YOUR LIFE THROUGH PASSION AND RESILIENCE: FIND YOUR FORMULA

NAVIGATING YOUR LIFE THROUGH PASSION AND RESILIENCE: FIND YOUR FORMULA

Moss Jackson, PhD
Psychologist and Success Coach

IS THERE A FORMULA FOR NAVIGATING LIFE?

I think there is! In fact I think there are many formulas, some better than others. We all have a formula, although it may not be well articulated. Some people have thought about what makes for a good life and have designed unique formulas and action plans to fulfill their visions. Others may not have reflected on this existential question about life and have instead let the circumstances and ups and downs of their lives dictate how their lives turn out.

LIFE STYLES

A number of years ago I wrote my first book “Navigating For Success: Passion, Goals and Action.” It was based on in depth interviews with people who were living both successful and satisfied lives and others who were not particularly satisfied with how their lives were turning out. I called some Navigators, while others were described as Survivors or Victims. You can check these life styles out in previous posts. The book was well received and I have used many of the principles and distinctions from “Navigating For Success” (NFS) in my therapy and coaching work.

A LIFE CRISIS

I have also applied what I wrote in my personal life. In fact, I think the NFS ideas and practices saved my life and helped me to redesign myself to become happier and more satisfied in my current life. Some of you might remember that I was close to death about two years ago, I had become exhausted with pneumonia, developed septic poisoning and had bacterial meningitis in my brain. Three organ systems were failing, i.e., my respiratory, liver and pancreas were all in terrible condition. When I was admitted to Bryan Mawr Hospital, the medical staff told my family I had a 5% chance of recovery. I can only imagine what they were feeling and thinking during that dark time.

LIFE FORCE

Well, what the medical staff did not know was that I had a powerful life drive and I believed in a benevolent universe. My daughters were quick to let them know that. When I came out of an induced coma about a week later I used my Navigating For Success formula to regain my strength, organ renewal, balance and recovery. I would like to share this formula with you now.

THE QUEST BEGINS

I first asked myself what I loved about life. I thought about what was important to me regarding my family, work, interests such as writing, music and art, the vitality of my body and my therapy and coaching practice. Almost immediately my daughters let almost everyone we knew what was going on. We communicated this through an internet resource called Caring Bridges. Every day I would post how I was doing and connect with my caring community. I spoke with total transparency and open heartedness.  Over the next several weeks, as I was recovering in rehab, I received over two thousand comments and encouraging messages. It was truly amazing to receive so much love and support. Their support and encouragement allowed me to give up any remaining attachments to not feeling good enough about myself and granting myself love and self-approval.

THE APPLICATION

Through this recovery period I declared what was most important and passionate to me and started to outline several goals and action steps toward success. For example, I wanted to reclaim my healthy body. My goal was to walk without assistance, dress myself and get stronger. Each day I would review my progress and set new sub goals around my health. Then I outlined several key actions I would take to reach my goals. I also learned the value of grit and resilience. I resolved not to not give up. Although very weak and nervous, I persevered and walked a little further each day, first with a walker, then a cane and eventually on my own. I also wanted to write another book on life extension and stress so I used my trusty iPad to write down my thoughts. My memory was terrible at that time and my iPad was a very powerful resource.

THE WORK

Bottom line was that I left rehab walking on my own and continued to use this formula for personal improvement and self-expression to move me along each day. I would invite people over to walk with me, first one block at a time and gradually further distances. I worked with a physical therapist for three months to continue building up my body. Every day I imaged by body and brain healing. After three months of antibiotic infusion that I gave myself twice a day, the infection in my brain had disappeared. I was getting better every day. I then took on a personal trainer to further develop my balance, flexibility and strength. During this time, I invited my clients to my house for their sessions or talked with them by phone.

THE FORMULA

The essence of my navigating life formula can be summarized as follows:

Success = Passion + Goals + High Impact Actions + Resiliency. The beauty of the formula is in its creativity and aliveness. It allows for changing focus and staying in action. Regardless of how one feels, resiliency keeps you moving forward. You can see applications of this formula in “Navigating For Success: Passion, Goals and Action” and my most recent book on the psychology of life extension, “I Didn’t Come To Say Goodbye.”

SUCCESS

Besides continuing to use the formula in my life, during which I have written four books, a memoir and a film script and enhanced my key relationships, I have used the formula as a GPS guidance system in helping my clients to create extraordinary lives of success, accomplishment and happiness. Today I have a thriving therapy and coaching practice with an amazing group of clients aiming to live non-toxic lives as navigators.

HOW ABOUT YOU?

Do you want to be a Life Navigator? Do you want to learn how to become super clear about your life vision and purpose? Does the idea of having a GPS to guide your daily choices and actions appeal to you? Do you want to know how to satisfy the three basic psychological needs of Safety, Connection and Personal Power? I suggest you read my new book “I Didn’t Come To Say Goodbye: Navigating The Psychology of Immortality,” or examine on your own these crucial questions:

  • What do you love about your life?
  • What is most important to you?
  • How can you create the notion and faith of a benevolent universe
  • What goals should you be working towards?
  • What action plan makes the most sense to get you the success and satisfaction you deserve?
  • How can you become more resilient andresolute in staying focused and determined?

 

TAKE ACTION

I wish you great success. Luck and circumstances will not be the key factors that determine your life satisfaction. Why give your power away? Create your own model of a desired life and build it one step at a time. If I can be if any help as a coach, contact me at mossalan@aol.com or call me at 610-642-4873, ext 23.