Mindset, Micro-Goals, and Winning the Day

An Update on My Heart Transplant Journey

From the very beginning of this journey, I’ve known that mindset would be everything.

Physically, my healing depends on the incredible care I’ve received, my doctors, nurses, and care team, and the powerful medications working inside me. But recovery isn’t just about the physical. It’s also a mental battle. And early on, I realized that if I wanted to not just survive, but thrive, I needed to get my mind right.

So I created a kind of mindset formula, my mantra:

Mindset = Positivity + Optimism + Meeting each day with an enthusiasm unknown to mankind. And that equation is powered by: Curiosity. Vulnerability. Kindness. Gratitude.

Of all those elements, gratitude has been the most powerful.

That’s why I started the Gratitude Project, also known as #SockIt2Paul. It’s a way for me to recognize and appreciate the people who’ve walked with me through life. Think about it—how often do we get the chance to say, “You’ve made a difference in my life”? More importantly, how often do we take that chance?

This project, which began as an Instagram series, has allowed me to do just that, through socks. Each pair I receive represents a connection, a friendship, a story. And each post has given me the opportunity to say things I maybe should’ve said long ago: I’m grateful for you. I’m thankful our paths crossed. You’ve been a blessing to me and my family.

Where I Am Now

Right now, I’m in what’s called Rejection 2 (R2), something they don’t want to see. The goal is to get to R1 or R0. The good news is that R2 is completely reversible with medication. The tough part? That medication is a steroid that hits hard.

The first time I was on 100 milligrams of the steroid, it rocked my world. Three straight days where I felt totally out of sorts. So as I head into this second round of treatment, starting again with 100 mg and tapering down over two weeks to 60 mg, I’m doing it differently.

I’ve thought a lot about how I win each day. I am utilizing micrograms to “keep score” and to have success indicators that are measurable and meaningful.

Micro-Goals: My Strategy to Win the Day, Everyday

This time, I’m setting micro-goals, small, intentional goals that help me focus on what I can control. If I meet those goals, I consider the day a win.

Day 1 (100 mg):

• Took a long walk around the neighborhood (0.7 miles, long for me right now)

• Completed physical therapy session

• Go to the grocery store and run errands with Jenne

• Won the day: PJC 1 Steroids 0

Day 2:

• Walked at Spring Creek Park (0.8 miles)

• Posted ten new #SockIt2Paul updates on Instagram

• Teach Dad to make vegetables soup

• Attend MNC Board Meeting

• Won the day: PJC 2 Steroids 0

Day 3 (Sunday June 22):

• Go for another walk

• Post more updates

• Do some light yard work

• Make dinner for the family

These micro-goals keep me grounded in the things I can do instead of being consumed by how the steroid might affect me.

Looking Ahead

I fully expect to be at R1 or R0 when this round is complete. And I believe my mindset will play a major role in getting me there. Because while I can’t control the medication, I can control my attitude, my effort, and how I show up each day.

So here’s what I’ll keep reminding myself, and maybe it’ll help you, too:

Control what you can control. Don’t worry about what you can’t.

Thanks for continuing to walk with me on this journey. Your support, encouragement, and yes, your socks, have made all the difference. Stay tuned. There’s more to come.

— Paul