Setting Recovery Goals You Can Actually Reach
Big goals need small pieces
'Get my life back' is a real goal, but it is too large to act on. Breaking it into pieces makes it something you can begin today.
A simple way to build a goal
Make it specific. 'Go to my appointment on Tuesday' is clearer than 'get more help.'
Make it small enough to finish. If you doubt you can do it, shrink it.
Tie it to something you care about. Goals tend to stick when they connect to your values.
Give it a time frame. This week, this month.
Decide who will know about it. Telling someone adds support.
Short-term and longer-term
Short-term goals might be about this week: sleep, appointments, a conversation you have been avoiding. Longer-term goals might involve work, school, housing, health, or repairing relationships. Having both helps. The short ones give you quick wins, while the long ones give you direction.
Use your strengths
Goals often feel more reachable when they use what you are good at. Someone who likes to plan might make a written schedule. Someone who draws energy from others might pick goals that involve a partner or group.
When you miss one
Missing a goal is information, not failure. Ask what got in the way, then adjust the goal or the plan. That is part of how it works.
Get help shaping them
A counselor can help you choose goals that fit where you are. If you are thinking about treatment, admissions at Cherry Creek Treatment Center in Wichita is at 316-330-7126.
