Sticking with Your Recovery Goals
Now that you’ve set your goals, it’s time to create a plan that helps you stay on track each day! Sticking with your goals throughout the year is going to have its struggles, but creating a plan that keeps you moving in a positive direction is a great way to make good decisions along the way.
Everyone’s process is different, but we’ve gathered some tips to help you stick with your goals and overcome your challenges.
List the Reasons Why You Are Making a Change
You’ve decided to make a change, and your reasons to change are a great way to motivate yourself each day. When determining what your goals for the upcoming year(s) are, write down a list of all the reasons why you decided to make that change. Keeping copies of your list in various places to ensure that you will see it during the day will put a smile on your face and give you that extra boost of positivity.
Not every reason needs a written description, either. Simply attaching a photo of a child or a loved one may be enough to remind you why you are in recovery and improving every day.
What Encourages You?
You should also create a list of what encourages you. While your list of reasons to change creates daily motivation to accomplish your goals, creating a list of encouragements helps during the times you may be struggling. Once you’ve created the list, work on an encouragement action plan.
This plan is for you to use when you’re struggling to persevere through a challenge or when you find yourself slipping into negative habits. Share both your list and your plan with a sponsor, coach or support group so that they may motivate you along the way as well.
Rely On Your Support Team
When initially setting your resolutions, think about your support systems and decide how you are going to utilize them. Who will help you to be accountable and stay on track during your recovery?
This helps you stay on track during your recovery and allows you to create memories with the people that support you! When creating a recovery plan, schedule out dates and times that you can meet with your sponsors and coaches.
Even if you are having a great week, going to support groups allows you to spread your positivity and enthusiasm to others who may be struggling.
Journal About Your Experience
Sticking with your resolutions is a daily journey of ups and downs. Keeping a journal is a great way to express your thoughts on a daily basis and release any frustrations you may be having in a healthy way. This also creates self-accountability towards your goals.
Were you supposed to go for a run on Friday but missed it? Go for a hike on Saturday instead and note it in your journal, along with the reasons why you were unable to run on Friday as originally planned. Reflect on what encourages you or triggers your addiction – and write it down. When writing about your daily actions and situations, note whether you are creating a healthy habit or if you are handling situations in a negative way.
Personal reflection allows you to more easily recognize when you are straying towards old habits that trigger addictive behavior, or if you are forming new, healthy processes to move forward. Note your accomplishments on a daily basis and be sure to share them with your sponsors, coaches and support groups. Remember, treat yourself the best way possible.
The goal is not perfection; it’s constantly striving to improve your health, wellness, quality of life, and personal relationships. Remain sober and do the next right thing and everything else starts to fall into place.
Not everything is going to go the way you planned, but as long as you continue working towards your goals, you are succeeding in your journey every single day. Want to speak with a counselor about sticking with your goals? Contact us today.
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