Goal setting often proves important to accomplishing numerous tasks. The undertaking might play an even more critical role in helping individuals overcome substance dependency.
The Definition Of A Goal
Goals are defined as objectives people hope to meet over a given period of time. Moreover, to accomplish such feats, prospective achievers also must work towards their attainment and potentially make sacrifices along the way.
The Importance Of Goal Setting In Recovery
Addiction treatment professionals maintain that goal setting usually proves crucial in the addiction recovery process for several notable reasons such as:
- Helping those in question to identify personal and professional aspirations
- Encouraging healing subjects to focus on the present and future
- Inspiring recovering individuals from thinking about past mistakes and struggles
- Creating a solid work ethic
- Learning to embrace positive attributes like patience and perseverance
Moreover, those who set and attempt to reach their goals often gain a greater appreciation for small victories and build towards larger accomplishments.
How To Achieve Goals During Recovery?
Usually, recovery is a challenging period in one’s life. Conquering the associated physical and mental hurdles could prove difficult. Therefore, the process typically takes time and is filled with many peaks and valleys. That said, an improving soul might increase their chances of attaining their recovery aims by adhering to suggestions like:
Making Goals Specific
One’s aims can never be too broad or poorly defined. The recovering person must identify a specific goal and work to achieve said intention. For example, one cannot merely say they want to change the type of influences in their life but clearly promise themselves that they will only associate with positive individuals leading productive lives moving forward.
Ensuring Goals Are Measurable
Those battling addiction must make sure that their aims are measurable. This means that specific intentions should answer a question like how much exercise will I obtain each day. Answering with a response such as 15 to 30 minutes provides a tangible amount for the subject in question to strive for.
Formulating Achievable Aims
Many people possess lofty goals. This is often especially true for those in recovery. Said subjects are understandably eager to put their difficult pass behind them and return to or establish a joyful and productive existence.
That said, all goals should be achievable. Intentions that are too great or simply cannot be attained over a short period of time should be avoided and could result in negative emotions including anger and frustration. Ergo, recovering addicts are encouraged to set smaller goals requiring less heavy lifting to reach.
Embracing Relevancy
Healing should set goals that are relevant to their recovery. For example, efforts need to focus on an activity designed to improve their health and help them maintain their sobriety. Relevant aims include obtaining a greater number of hours of sleep per night and consuming a more balanced diet.
Establishing A Deadline
Every goal should be set along with some type of deadline. While achieving certain aims takes time, such intentions cannot be open-ended or go on forever. One might decide to move to a new residence. That said, said task must be accomplished over a defined duration.
Breaking Goals Down
It is permissible to establish long-term intentions. However, time-consuming or potentially complicated goals might require breaking down. This means writing said aims down and differentiating them into specific steps. Occasionally, one might need to sharpen the focus or divide the overall aim into numerous smaller sub-goals that are more manageable to reach individually.
Showing Flexibility
Goal setters must demonstrate flexibility. As time progresses, one might realize that a specific goal or undertaking might be too hard to achieve or that their intentions have changed. This is perfectly acceptable. The key lies with being able to reach such an understanding, displaying a willingness to reevaluate, and making the necessary changes on the fly.
Allowing For Setbacks
One must understand that struggles and setbacks are inevitable. However, these challenges should not be used as an excuse to fall back on bad behavior but as a learning experience geared towards making necessary improvements.
Contacting Us
Those seeking to reverse the terrible cycle of addiction are urged to consult with us. Our central and southern Florida treatment centers have helped countless former dependents slay their dragons and reestablish clean living. Call us at 772-266-5320.
