Setting Attainable Goals in Recovery

Reaching Milestones During Recovery

When it comes to recovering from an addiction, it is important to keep in mind that sobriety is not a destination but a life-long journey. However, setting goals and achievable milestones while in recovery can prove to be beneficial.

With the New Year upon us, it’s time to set your intentions for the year ahead. The experts at Tranquil Shores are here to share some tips to help you stay on the path toward a sober lifestyle by setting small goals that add up along the way.

Why Setting Goals is Important

When embarking on your journey toward recovery and wellness, it can seem like a mountain of a task to maintain sobriety. However, setting smaller objectives that help you to work toward that larger lifestyle change can help you to conquer it day after day.

When cutting out alcohol and drugs from your life, it’s common to find yourself with more:

  • Free time
  • Money
  • Energy
  • Emotional wellness

Having more of these things can help to motivate you to make better decisions for yourself, propelling you forward toward where you want to be in life. This gives you an opportunity to dedicate your efforts toward productive activities like:

  • Learning new skills
  • Improving relationships
  • Focusing on your career
  • Strengthening your spirituality
  • Improving your finances

As you continue to grow, it’s easier to keep track of how far you’ve come. This ultimately makes you more likely to continue on a positive path in life.

Tips for Setting Smaller Goals

When setting goals, it is important to begin with laying out what it is that you want to achieve in the long run. For most people struggling with substance use disorders and addiction, the end goal is to continue a life of sobriety.

One of the best ways to do this is to set SMART goals. These are objectives that are:

  • Specific: What are you trying to do? How can you work toward this?
  • Measurable: How will you measure this goal?
  • Achievable: Do you have the resources/ability to meet this goal?
  • Relevant: How does this align with your general goal of sobriety?
  • Time-bound: When do you want to accomplish this goal?

Holding Yourself Accountable

After setting these goals for yourself, it’s important to hold yourself accountable every step of the way. While this can prove to be a difficult task at times, there are plenty of ways that you can ensure success.

Some tips to help you do this include:

  • Writing down your goals in a list
  • Set deadlines on your calendar as a reminder
  • Find a friend to work toward the same goal with
  • Share your goals with those who support you
  • Designate a loved one to check in on your progress
  • Be flexible with your goals
  • Be prepared for life events that can get in the way

As you continue your journey toward recovery and wellness from substance abuse, one of the most important things you can do is be patient with yourself. At some points during the process, it can feel like you’re not doing enough and can even feel hopeless—but remember to look back at where you were and how far you’ve come.

Seeking Help at Tranquil Shores

Whether you’re recovering from alcohol or drug addiction, Tranquil Shores can help you every step of the way toward wellness and recovery. Our experienced clinical team of addiction experts is dedicated to providing unique and personalized therapy to those looking for help with substance use disorders in Florida.

Please call us at (727) 391-7001 or reach out to us online to take the first step on the road to recovery today.

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