The 2ndStarts story ends with a service in the form of a “live course” that gives those with detrimental behaviors, or the potential for ( detrimental behavior ) a different option in which to change, improve and heal their lives.
The 2ndStarts story starts about 34 years ago, and my decision to become a nurse. The choice was almost an accident, even though I was the son and grandson of two nurses. During the early years of my healthcare profession, I became obsessed with becoming an entrepreneur. I had a multitude of ideas that brewed constantly from my mind but soon found out that I certainly did not possess a number of traits that should accompany a captain of industry. I had a natural tendency to daydream and procrastinate. It did not take long for me to realize that I had to get hold of those debilitating traits, or I would never be able to realize my dreams of being a self-made man.
The late-night infomercial scene, which contributed significantly to my entrepreneurial dreams, lead me to the concept of self-help. The promise to change a person into “ more” was captivating. I devoured these materials. I read and followed everyone and every program. I learned so much about human nature, procrastination, fear of failure, fear of success, etc., etc., etc.
I soon learned the hard way that the knowledge of these principles did not always translate into success. These self-help gurus and their programs were not necessarily helpful but extremely entertaining. The entire industry began to boom, and some of the gurus became rock stars. Magazines and programs were everywhere, but the results, as it translated to making money, getting successful real estate deals, and providing life-changing results far lagged behind the growth of the self-help industry itself. My results also lagged. I continued to study and learn about the self-help industry but soon resigned that I didn’t have what it took, and it wasn’t just me. The rate of success was extremely low, although the advice and tactics seem very sound.
As the focus of my healthcare career changed, I became introduced to groups of people whose procrastination and the lack of focus and clarity required a more significant price to pay than that of the struggling entrepreneur. There was a vast difference between not making a couple of extra dollars compared to incarceration, illness, or death.
But the mentally and physically ill, and the socially and behaviorally disadvantaged had their own set of advocates already. Medical professionals, therapists, and social service workers were there to protect and serve this population, but the results were not much better, and relapse remained extremely prevalent. And these results were with the best and well-intentioned minds available.
At this point, I began to wonder were these groups destined to suffer the same fate I have previously resigned myself to in my entrepreneurial efforts. Some of us didn’t have what it took to “ cut the mustard.” They certainly had a lot more to lose. I began to dedicate my time to explore this question. I asked many questions about myself and people like me. Honest questions. I also probed the minds of both correctional professionals and inmates, medical professionals, and substance abusers. These interviews, along with my in-depth study of self-help methods, brought me to some fascinating conclusions. These conclusions served as the basis for the 2ndStarts system of life management.
