New Year's Resolutions for People in Recovery
Setting New Year’s resolutions is a fun tradition, but it can be much more than that. It’s also a time to take actionable goals for yourself, promoting a life of sobriety. Many people use the SMART Goals framework, but there are others to look into as well. Following a framework will help you set specific goals that you can put into action.
Let’s learn more about why goal setting is important for your recovery, along with examples of good New Year’s resolutions.
What is an Addiction Recovery Goal and Why is it Important?
Recovery is an ongoing journey that helps people live a life of intention and self-direction. It’s not just about quitting drugs and alcohol. Most people find this journey transformative as they improve their health, learn new coping skills and build resilience and self-esteem. Setting goals help people grow and develop into the individuals they want to be.
No matter where you are in the recovery journey, having goals is important. Goals are intended to shape your behaviors and decisions, as well as help you create a new mindset when dealing with adversity and life in general.
The benefits of having goals in addiction recovery are:
Improves self-esteem
Promotes positive thinking
Provides direction
Increases productivity
Triggers new behaviors
Offers a sense of purpose
Examples of New Year’s Resolutions for Those in Recovery
When you’re in recovery, achieving a life of sobriety can feel overwhelming. You may focus on the big picture of living sober, but this can make it difficult to bounce back from challenges. Any setbacks may be viewed as failures, when in reality, recovery is a journey of ups and downs.
The better approach is to create smaller, short-term and long-term goals. This way, if you do have a setback, you can look back at the changes that you have already accomplished. And, as you achieve smaller goals, you get a boost in confidence and self-esteem.
The goals you set will look different depending on your individual needs and where you are at in the recovery process. Here are some examples:
I will exercise 30 minutes a day. Regular exercise releases feel-good endorphins in the brain to boost your mood and help you fight stress. It also improves stamina, strength and energy levels, making it easier to manage cravings.
I will learn a new sober hobby. You will need to find new ways to enjoy your free time now that drugs and alcohol aren’t a part of your life. Make it a commitment to find new sober hobbies such as cooking, gardening, music or art.
I will schedule quality time with friends and family. Rebuilding relationships doesn’t happen overnight. Make it a priority to schedule quality time with loved ones at least once a week. Play board games, watch movies or go out for a nice dinner.
I will do something kind every day. Addiction can be all-consuming, making it difficult to see past your problems. Random acts of kindness are a reminder that you are part of something bigger. Being kind to others also boosts self-confidence and promotes stronger relationships.
I will celebrate my successes. Every day, you’re working toward a sober lifestyle. There will be ups and downs, but make sure that you don’t let your mistakes define you. Setbacks happen, and you’re not a bad person if you make mistakes along the way. All it means is that you need to reevaluate what is working and what is not working.
Seek Help with Goal Setting in Addiction Recovery
Bridge The Gap provides therapeutic mentoring services, supporting individuals who are struggling with mental health, addiction and launching into adulthood. We support families as well to ensure they are on the path to recovery and able to provide an environment that is conducive to healing. To learn more about how we can help you with goal setting, contact us today at 805-558-4599.