Well if I haven’t convinced of the value of meaningful work to the treatment of drug addiction by now, I never will. So if you really believe that having purpose and direction in your work will keep you out of another visit to a drug rehab, where do we start:
The simplest way to find the best work-stress-life fit is to work in reverse.
Just like when you build a new home, you must visualize it first
Once you can see what you want, you need a plan with timelines
Follow your plan
Alter or adapt your steps as you proceed, always keeping your ultimate destination in mind

The hardest thing when doing this exercise is turning off the negative voice in our heads, the one that says, â??you canâ??t do thatâ??. While it is true that if you are 45 years old and 5 feet tall that making the N.B.A. as a pro basketball player is unrealistic, you could still making a wonderful living in basketball as a coach, consultant, open a company selling dream basketball camps or a myriad of other possibilities
You need to find a quiet and comfortable spot, away from other people. Then take your list of questions and answer them as truthfully as you can. Answer them as though your life depends upon it, because IT DOES!

Again, yes this is work. No, it is not easy. However no one jumps into substance abuse when they are filled with confidence and have a compelling future they love. People who love what they do and are building something of meaning and value have little time for drugs and alcohol. Why wait until you get to a drug rehab? Why not take the time to dream of your future now?

As corny as it sounds, if you are having trouble getting the ball rolling, try putting the phrase, â??If I could wave a magic wandâ?? (IICWAMW for short) in front of any question

IICWAMW where would I live?
IICWAMW what would I do for work?
IICWAMW what people would I like to work with?
IICWAMW what type of clients would I like to serve?
IICWAMW what accomplishments would I want?Go though the entire list writing as much as you can for each question

Start this process, and spend some time with it. Don’t rush it. Don’t sell out by saying, it’s not possible. Anyone that has the skill to keep an drug addicition from friends and family, and is able to plan their drug use and maintain their drug supply, has the skill to do this exercise. Give it a try!

This entry was posted on Tuesday, May 24th, 2005 at 6:27 am and is filed under Drug Addiction, Drug Rehab. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.