Creating Achievable Goals
Setting resolutions is not always easy or fun. With so many aspects of life to address, you can easily become overwhelmed by the amount of goals you wish to create. Goals can have a tendency to shift as life changes, stress, and other challenges create obstacles that may make you lose sight of the original plan. Setting goals that are unrealistic or are too generalized can also make them difficult to maintain.
As you reflect on what goals you would like to create, be sure to consider the following:
- Make your goals specific and concise: Setting goals that are measurable and easy to observe progress can make them more successful. Goals that are too general can be difficult to follow through with and make it more likely to be discouraged by the individual.
- Identify why the goal is important to you: Understanding why you are choosing specific goals can help you identify ways to achieve them. This can also help you stay motivated and continue working on them even when faced with multiple challenges.
- Make sure they are realistic: Everyone has larger-than-life goals and dreams that they want to fulfill, but in reality, not all of these things are achievable. Setting goals that are reasonable and within your ability to achieve is important. You can always retain longer-term goals that you continuously work on, but goals with no completion in sight can be difficult to follow through on.
Setting goals to achieve related to mental health can be daunting. Everyone’s needs are different and your mood can change dramatically within a moment’s notice. When it comes to managing sobriety and mental health commitments, goals should be centered around making lifestyle changes that support recovery. Life can throw unexpected changes at you at any given moment. Being equipped to handle these challenges will help you avoid relapse and stay on track in recovery.
If you are not sure where to begin, consider the following mental health goals for 2021:
1. Engage in more self-care
Self-care is important for mental health and it is one of those things that can be easily overlooked. While juggling the responsibilities of everyday life, making time for yourself can be one of the first things you neglect. Doing something that makes you feel good can improve your mental health and make you feel more capable of managing your obligations. Self-care is different for everyone so be sure to find something that makes you happy. Meditation, exercising, getting a massage, going for a walk, or spending time with friends can all be effective forms of self-care.
2. Set achievable goals
Having goals will keep you motivated and help you stay on track. Setting goals for yourself also includes creating a plan to achieve them. Identify things that are important to you and make a plan that you can follow. You can do this on your own or with the help of a therapist. Having a therapist helps you create your goals an not only helps you stay accountable, but also serves as a valuable outside perspective that can keep you grounded.
3. Surround yourself with positivity
While you should avoid “toxic positivity” that forces you to overlook negative emotions to maintain an optimistic outlook, too much negativity can be detrimental to your mental health. You can create balance in your life by surrounding yourself with more positive people. Energy can be contagious and spending time surrounded by negative thoughts and feelings will take a toll on your mental health. While it is impossible (and not natural) to stay positive and optimistic all the time, building positive relationships with others can be energizing and motivating.
4. Give back
Volunteer work is one of the most fulfilling activities you can participate in to feel a sense of community. Giving back to others not only makes you feel better but is also beneficial to the cause you have chosen. Volunteering gives you an opportunity to connect with individuals, learn from other people’s perspectives, and helps you feel more appreciative. Whether you choose to give back by becoming more involved in the sober community or by choosing another interest you are passionate about, volunteer work is full of positive interactions that can reinforce your commitment to your recovery.
5. Celebrate yourself
It can be easy to get lost in thought about the “what ifs” and “should haves”. Thinking about those things is only natural, but it can hinder your growth and progress. Rather than focusing on what could have been, take some time to reflect and celebrate all of your successes. There is always room for growth and improvement, but if you do not take time to appreciate how far you have come, you will never feel satisfied. Recovery and sobriety are life-long commitments and the journey takes one day at a time. Having goals is important, but it is equally vital to take a step back and appreciate the excursion thus far.
For help with your mental health or overcoming an addiction in 2021, contact Nexus Recovery Services today.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse or addiction, we are here to help. Give us a call at 888.855.6877 or send us a message below and one of our admissions counselors will do their best to get you the help you need.