While you were getting treatment for your addiction, or perhaps during a recovery meeting, you were told to come up with various goals and then try to achieve them. These goals will vary from person to person, but they may include things like: remain sober, learn what my triggers are, find a job, make new friends, make amends with my family, etc. While saying that these are your goals is easy, carrying out each goal is another story.
All of us do it, we stick with a goal for a few days or maybe even a few weeks, but then get distracted, begin to procrastinate, or simply forget. So maybe just thinking about these positive goals for your recovery is not the only thing you should do. Below are eight very useful tips for setting your recovery goals. Hopefully by following these simple tips, you will not lose sight of them.
Reaching a positive recovery goal is like hitting a very hard target, the more positive and easy the goal is, the more likely it will be accomplished. This will then encourage you to seek loftier goals.
Tip 1: Write Them Down
Think of the things that matter most to you in your life; what are some things that you would like to accomplish or experience? Once you have came up with these things, take two pieces of paper and write your long term goals on one piece and your short term goals on the other. Keep in mind a long term goal is typically something that will take at least one year to accomplish. Once you have written them down, post the paper onto an area that you will see every day. Doing this first tip is very effective because you will be able to have a look your list every time you walk by it.
Tip 2: Take a Closer Look
Now that you have written your recovery goals down, take a closer look. Think about each one; is the list comprised of things that you truly want to accomplish? Are you ready to work for these goals? As long as you feel you have the willingness and determination to achieve them, then continue. If you feel that you are not ready for one, then cross it out, add it to the back, and work on it at a different time.
Tip 3: Plan
Your goals have been written, you have examined the list, now it is time to work out how you will achieve the goals. It is possible that you are not sure how you will reach some long term goals, maybe achieving a short term goal will lead you to the success of a long term one. For example, if you want to be a rehab counselor and help other addicts, you will need to have knowledge of how counseling works; going back to school is a great way to achieve this.
Tip 4: Learn to be Flexible
Life is constantly changing and evolving; learn to be open and flexible to the changes around you. Maybe some changes will not suit your goals; this is okay, if this happens then go back to planning a new strategy. Most importantly do not give up if you hit a roadblock; find a way around instead.
Tip 5: Tell Others
It is a good idea to involve others in the goal setting process. In doing so, you are more likely to achieve your goals when you share them with your family, friends, counselors, and sponsor. They may give you valuable advice and their support will most likely help you get one step closer to achieving your positive recovery goals.
Tip 6: Be Open to Failure
Try to be open to possible failures; if and when they come, welcome them with open arms and then keep on going. This may be easier said than done, but if you remain strong willed, you will get past them. Anyone working towards positive recovery goals will always hit a bump, failure is an important part of the process, it will only help you to learn and grow.
Tip 7: Do Not Give Up
There is never a goal that you cannot reach. You may get discouraged and start to doubt yourself, but this is a part of human nature; instead keep trying and do not give up. There may be many paths that will lead you to your destination, try out these different paths if need be. Learn, grow, be patient, be persistent, and you will get there, you will reach your positive recovery goals.
Tip 8: Celebrate
When you have successfully met any of your goals, and you will, celebrate. This is an amazing accomplishment, so take a breath and enjoy that feeling of happiness. More importantly, celebrate in a healthy way, this was a positive recovery goal achieved; this may include treating yourself to a day at the spa, a day at the sports arena, a nice meal, flowers, etc.
