With 2021 just about here, many of us are glad that 2020 is coming to an end. 2021 offers new hope with Covid-19 vaccines making their way to Americans. At the same time, this is the time of year to start making resolutions for the months and year ahead. Generally, resolutions that might include becoming better, healthier, stronger editions of ourselves. For those in addiction recovery, the new year can be a great starting point to develop individual goals for next year.
Goal setting in recovery goes much farther than just “be more motivated” or “get in shape” Although recovery is kind of a moving target because we keep it in the day, there are countless of other personal pursuits that incrementally support our continued sobriety.
One of the most important things we do at Simple Path Recovery is when clients arrive, we sit down with them and develop an addiction treatment plan with goals and objectives. This becomes the client’s roadmap for treatment and beyond as the pursue their desire to get sober and change their lives. Goals can help a person prioritize their actions and directions while re-establishing sentiments of intent and self-worth. Goal setting motivates clients to keep going when the path of least resistance says “stop.” Goal setting is important in recovery as it helps avoid complacency, but it’s also important in life. Goal setting allows people to move forward, challenge themselves, and achieve.
S.M.A.R.T Goals
In recovery circles many people follow the S.M.A.R.T. program when it comes to goal setting. Essentially, S.M.A.R.T. indicates that a goal be Specific and Measurable enough to calculate. They are Acceptable and Realistic enough to be demanding, but also attainable, and Time-Bound so that clients can plan for a specific period. For example, wanting to get sober is a large ambition (especially, if you have never been sober). However, we can break this down into smaller, specific goals that are building blocks to sobriety. Goals like attending 90 twelve-step meetings in 90 days is a prime example. Also, setting a timeline to completing the 12-steps with a sponsor.
These incremental, small steps will be less overwhelming, but contributing directly to your goal of continued sobriety. While a long-term goal of yours might be to rebuild a relationship with your parents, a short-term goal might be to write them a letter to accept responsibility for your actions and apologize. In addiction recovery, small successes are just as important as the big ones. They demonstrate incremental progress towards the bigger goal and motivates clients to keep moving forward. They also have a healing effect for clients and their families.
Most importantly, success can give a person in recovery the hope, the desire, and the encouragement needed to keep moving on the right path.
Goal Setting for Recovery at Simple Path Recovery
As you can imagine, clients can take small steps to accomplish goals in all levels of addiction treatment. At the beginning, it can be a simple as completing detox and advancing to partial hospitalization phase. Along the way, they learn how to eat right, start an exercise program, or cope with tough cravings. They also can begin to goal set or plan for their future – enrolling in a trade school, applying to college, or pursuing a new career.
Goals in recovery can be both big and small, but they should be thoughtful and personal. They may relate to a person’s physical, emotional, or spiritual health. No matter what a goal is, it should be important and meaningful to you. If you are looking to set goals in recovery, start by asking these questions:
- What do you want to improve? (i.e., lose weight)
- Are these goals realistic? (e.g., lose 15 lbs. in two months)
- What is most important to you? Why?
- Which goals are essential to your overall well being?
The day you determine to set goals in recovery is the day that you regain command over your life. It is the day that you are start living and appreciating the world around you. And it can also start today. If you are thinking about getting sober or coming back from relapse, please do not hesitate to call us at 855-467-3625 to learn how to get back on the “simple path” to recovery.
Simple Path Recovery is a beach side, boutique addiction treatment center located in Pompano Beach, FL. Recognized as a Top Florida Drug & Alcohol Rehab, Simple Path is committed to individualized care, 12-step integration, and Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT). Their addiction helpline is available 24/7 at 855-467-3625.
About the Author
Matthew Koenig is the principal of Last Call Marketing, which devotes their efforts to Digital Marketing, Content Marketing, Website Design and SEO, primarily in healthcare and tourism concerns. Mr. Koenig is based out of South Florida. His sober date is June 10, 2013.
