When first beginning to think about setting goals in recovery, we need to be able to ask ourselves what it is that we value most. If we are able to tap into an understanding of our values, we will be better able to direct ourselves onto the path that will lead us to the realization of these goals. Once we have determined where we want to focus our energy, the next step is to set measurable and realistic goals. Setting realistic and measurable goals ensures that we don’t set the bar too far out of our competence zone so that we have a higher chance of failing, and it also ensures that we can evaluate the extent to which we are obtaining and achieving our goals. For instance, if we set a goal to “meditate more often,” we cannot measure that and therefore we will leave the door open to slack off of our stated goal. On the other hand, if we set a goal to “meditate 4 times per week,” we can then actually measure whether or not we are meeting our goal, and we can then decide whether that goal was too ambitious or whether it was not ambitious enough and make changes accordingly.
The next step in setting goals in recovery is to identify the categories in which we want establish goals. Typically, we can look at specific facets of life that might include goals related to education, occupation, interpersonal relationships, family, and fitness. We can also set goals related to our mental and emotional well-being which is often a great place to start in early sobriety. These goals might be committing to psychotherapy once a week, meeting with a sponsor once a week, attending three NA meetings, practicing meditation twice a week, and attending church two Sundays a month. These are all examples of goals that could be set in early sobriety. We have discussed the importance of setting measurable goals, and now we can look at the importance of setting realistic goals. If we decide to take three classes, work 40 hours a week, go to five meetings, engage in a romantic relationship, and play basketball twice a week, this might lead to an overload of stress which could eventually work as a disadvantage to achieving our goals.
Tree House Recovery of Portland, Oregon uses cutting-edge techniques in individualized programs to help men achieve freedom from addiction. Taking a holistic, sustainable approach to the inner and outer effects of addiction ensures you or your loved one will emerge with the confidence and skills to manage your addiction independently. No one is beyond help- our Admissions Counselors are available 24/7 at (503) 850-2474
