S.m.a.r.t. Goals: 9 Ways To Set Realistic And Achievable Goals In Recovery

Setting personal goals for yourself will be part of your recovery when you go to an addiction treatment center to get healthy and sober. Whether they are short-term or long-term goals, you need to be able to achieve them.  

Goal setting is crucial in any process, whether it is for addiction recovery, weight loss, or job advancement. People who have objectives feel more purposeful in their life and are more likely to make positive changes. When you set and achieve goals during your recovery journey, you can keep track and celebrate each milestone along the way.  

It's worth noting that not just any goals will suffice. Poor goal-setting techniques might hinder rather than aid the process of recovery. When developing your objectives, there are numerous things to consider, and everyone's goals should be unique and prioritized. Milestones and achievements will differ from one individual to the next. 

Creating Your Own S.M.A.R.T Goals 

Though goals differ between individuals, the most acceptable ones share several characteristics and, most importantly, adhere to the S.M.A.R.T. — specified, measurable, achievable, realistic, and timely — acronym. 

The guidelines below will assist you in setting healthy and S.M.A.R.T recovery objectives. 

#1. Be realistic. Setting impossible objectives can only cause you harm. Do not put yourself in a position to fail. Establish goals that will challenge you but are achievable. 

# 2. Be specific. Goal-setters frequently make the error of setting goals that are too broad. These do not provide enough direction for the steps that you must take to achieve the goal. 

#3. Break it down. Once you have decided on a particular, attainable objective, break it down into stages that will help you achieve it. Develop concrete, smaller objectives to achieve your larger goal. 

#4. Set measurements. How will you know if you have achieved your objective? Some, such as returning to work, are more straightforward to assess than others. What if the purpose is to build a relationship? Something like this may be more challenging to quantify, but it is still doable. If you are hoping to repair a damaged connection, sending an apology letter or setting up a meeting with that individual could be a measure of goal achievement.  

#5. Set time limits. Do not leave your objectives undefined. This creates a "someday" mindset, which rarely leads to goal achievement. Goals and deadlines work better together to motivate us to take action. Be aware that you may have some setbacks while you work toward your objectives. However, hitting speed bumps does not signal a failure; it merely indicates that you are human. 

#6. Give yourself grace. Recognize that while you plan your goals, you may face obstacles. In reality, speed bumps are a sign of being human and not a sign of failure. You do not have to give up if you do not meet your deadline. Allocate time to grow and learn. Giving yourself grace does not excuse or rationalize bad behavior. Instead, it means you accept imperfection and are OK if you do not achieve every objective you set. 

#7. Be flexible. If you cannot meet a goal, or it is evident that the goal is no longer viable, modify it. Developing new healthy behaviors is part of the healing process, and your plans may change. Some things are out of your hands. Expect to change timelines, parameters, or even goals. The key is to set new goals, not to abandon old ones. 

#8. Find helpful resources. You are not alone in your recovery, and you have options as you set your rehabilitation goals. Support groups, family, friends, online sources, and therapists are traditional resources. Goal-specific resources are often accessible as well. For a job hunt, unemployment offices and online networking platforms are valuable tools. 

#9. Embrace accountability. Do not attempt to complete the race on your own. Share your goals with someone as you make them. A friend, a support group member, a sponsor, or a family member are people you can share your objectives with and who can help you achieve them. Solicit their help in holding you accountable for both minor and more significant steps along the way to reaching your goals. Knowing that they will inquire if you finished those job applications or called that number will motivate you to complete the tasks you set out to perform. 

Setting objectives or making S.M.A.R.T goals is an excellent way of making yourself responsible. Achieving them can enhance other positive characteristics that you might need to work on during your recovery. Although you might face difficulties in achieving your goals, do not get discouraged or give up.  

Recovery Is All About Milestones 

The recovery process will have many milestones along the way. These milestones or objectives are motivating turning points that help you stay on track with your sobriety; they are an essential element of the rehabilitation process. If you are looking to change your life and get free from the grips of addiction, we can help you at DetoxNearMe.com. 

Drug and alcohol treatment professionals are dedicated to assisting individuals in overcoming addiction to be the most excellent versions of themselves. If you or a loved one are struggling with a substance use disorder, a treatment center can provide long-term therapy to ensure you have the best options for achieving a healthy and successful recovery. 

By reaching out to DetoxNearMe.com, you can discover the best available options for treatment in your area for you or a loved one. Contact us today to learn more about the help that is out there for you.