If Not Now, When? Resilience, Growth Mindset, and Storytelling Through Cancer with Ray Hartjen

On this Healthy Mind, Healthy Life episode, author and musician Ray Hartjen shares how a 2019 multiple myeloma diagnosis reframed his life. We unpack his “timeline” exercise, growth-mindset habits, and the mottos that keep him moving: “If not now, when?” and “Punch today in the face.” Ray explains how writing his memoir, Me, Myself, and My Multiple Myeloma, turned one-to-one support into one-to-many advocacy, and why relationships—not routines—belong at the center of our days. Practical, candid, and immediately usable for anyone navigating illness, uncertainty, or a needed reset.

About the guest :

Ray Hartjen is a writer, musician, and storyteller whose career spans banking, pharma, consumer electronics, and SaaS. After being diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2019, he transformed his fight into service—publishing books, performing with The Chronic Padres, and advocating for patients and caregivers worldwide.

Key takeaways:

• Use the “timeline” exercise: mark Birth and Death, then locate “where you are now” to stop taking time—and people—for granted.

• Shift from crisis-driven change to daily practice: schedule what matters with who matters.

• Growth mindset is whole-self work: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual domains rise or sink together.

• Anchor actions with clear mottos: “If not now, when?” drives starts; “Use up today” drives follow-through.

• Storytelling heals and scales support: writing a candid memoir turned private messages into community impact and hope.

• Purpose audit for work–life fit: when values and calendar diverge, joy and peace degrade—re-align deliberately.

• Service expands resilience: engaging other patients and caregivers creates meaning beyond metrics.

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How to connect with the guest

Search “Ray Hartjen” on social platforms to connect directly. His book: Me, Myself, and My Multiple Myeloma.

Website: https://rayhartjen.com/

Want to be a guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life? DM on PM - Send me a message on PodMatchDM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avik

Disclaimer: This video is for educational and informational purposes only. The views expressed are the personal opinions of the guest and do not reflect the views of the host or Healthy Mind By Avik. We do not intend to harm, defame, or discredit any person, organization, brand, product, country, or profession mentioned. All third-party media used remain the property of their respective owners and are used under fair use for informational purposes. By watching, you acknowledge and accept this disclaimer.

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