During the MKE Week 2 webinar I learned about the Personal Pivotal Need (PPN) and chose my two PPNs: Helping Others and True Health. I learned how to write on my index cards my pledge (I promise to…), commitment (I always keep my promises), chore (clean the bathroom), and PPNs.

During this exercise Mark kept emphasizing, “Do it NOW! Do it NOW! Do it NOW!” Next to the chore I was instructed to draw a blue rectangle. I was encouraged to look for blue rectangles this week.

Within 5 minutes of the webinar ending I saw blue rectangles everywhere! My insulin bag was a blue rectangle. So was the alcohol swab box. When I saw the blue rectangles I could hear Mark say, “Do it now!” I kept thinking “I need to clean the bathroom.”

The next morning I woke up early to clean the bathroom while everyone slept. I could hear Mark’s voice telling me, “Do it now!” While I cleaned the bathroom I asked myself “Why am I doing this?” Subby replied, “To help others.” Once the bathroom was cleaned I felt proud I completed my task, a task I had been procrastinating to do.

Afterwards I went for a brisk walk with a few garbage bags in my hand and pockets. Today was recycling day. As soon as I saw the recycling bins and bags, I noticed they were blue rectangles. Immediately I heard Mark’s voice, “Do it now!” As I collected pop and beer cans, milk jugs, and water bottles, I felt happy and at peace.

One neighbour’s recycling bag was on the road, its contents strewn all over the road. I collected the contents and stuffed them back into the bag. Immediately I heard Subby ask, “Why am I doing this?” “To help others and true health!” was the reply. I kept hearing in my mind “Do it now!” “Why am I doing this?” “To help others and true health!” “Woo hoo!”

At one point Marky Mark and the Funk Bunch’s “Good Vibrations” started playing in my mind as the four sentences continually played in a loop in my mind. I felt great and excited! The light drizzle could not dampen my spirit.

Not only was I able to learn the importance of having PPNs and being excited about any tasks I encountered but I was using this lesson in real life! To celebrate the completion of my tasks I enjoyed a warm mugful of hot chocolate.

In the MKE Week 2 lesson, on page 7, there is a quote by John Wooden that sums up what I learned this week.

“Success is peace of mind which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming.”

— Coach John Wooden