RECOgnizing a New Me in the New Year

Ah, the new year. How many times have you set goals for yourself in January, only to have them fall by the wayside before even the seasons change? Part of the beauty of self-improvement is that you’ve never run out of chances to make a change. Take the time this year to set healthy goals for yourself, commit to meeting them with consistent effort, and reach out to your recovery resources for crucial guidance in making your way through the coming year.

Be Realistic

Although you may be tempted to make dramatic improvements to your life when contemplating your new years’ resolutions, be careful that they are not unrealistic. One of the major reasons you can burn out on your resolutions is if you set the bar too high. Slow and steady really does win the race–a little bit of improvement every day is more stable and more dependable than taking on huge changes which may or may not last. For instance, “I’m going to start a new business and make my first million” might sound more attractive than “I’m going to start a business and try to break even in the first year,” but setting yourself up for failure won’t motivate you to move forward.

It’s also important to consider how far you’ve come in the past year. Don’t sell yourself short–you’re capable of tremendous things. Just make sure you’re giving yourself ample chances to succeed so that your new years’ resolutions don’t end up feeling like an impossible pressure to achieve. Taking on a number of small changes in different aspects of your life can add up to a significant impact on your overall sense of self without being overwhelming. Try making a few minor resolutions, from exercising more to reading more to practicing mindfulness and forming trusting relationships.

Commit to Consistency

It’s no secret that every January, like clockwork, gym subscriptions fill up according to new years’ resolutions and, by mid-March, a sizable number of people are already back on the couch. A large part of the problem is that it’s easy to commit to a grand concept, like “this year, I’m going to get in shape,” but it’s not so easy to hit a goal that wide without a concrete plan of action.

Make your goals specific and don’t just set them out in an overarching statement–form a step-by-step plan for how you’re going to get it done. Consistency plays a huge role in your success. Instead of saying “I’m going to lose twenty pounds,” say “I’m going to run twice a week and work with my personal trainer twice a week until I lose twenty pounds.” Give yourself simple, actionable directions for hitting your target. This way, you can check on yourself each week and see if you’ve been consistent in working towards your goals.

Accountability Is Key

Holding yourself accountable really is what makes or breaks your resolutions. As part of setting up your goals, make sure to include a dedicated time each week to assess your progress. Be honest with yourself about how it feels to be working towards your goals and be open to reworking your methods each week to ensure that you don’t burnout or give up.

Other people can also play a huge role in helping you work consistently towards your goals. It’s a lot easier to disregard your commitments when you’re the only one who knows about them. By connecting with people who have your best interests at heart, you allow yourself to be held responsible by a power bigger than your own judgment. When you’re tempted to skip out on putting in the work, it’s not always hard to rationalize it to yourself, but  it’s much harder to rationalize it to someone who knows your goals. Connecting with your sponsor, your peers in 12-Step programs or other treatment groups, and your support system will allow you to share your resolutions with people who’ll hold you to them and motivate you when your resolve wavers.

Connect With Your Resources

If you received treatment for addiction at a recovery center or healing facility, chances are there are quality resources for making the most of your new life already available to you. Many treatment centers offer post-acute services and aftercare programs which often serve to connect you to alumni or your peers in recovery, creating a network of support that will last your entire life.

RECO Intensive offers a wide variety of comprehensive programs and benefits for its alumni, including monthly events, group activities, an annual retreat, and weekly Alumni Nights every Thursday. Alumni Nights act as a platform for those at any stage in recovery to open up about their struggles and successes in an open forum and also features special guest speakers.

Even at the beginning of your treatment at RECO Intensive, you’ll join the Alumni Buddy Program. Upon arrival, you will be assigned a buddy who has graduated from the RECO program. Your buddy is your resource for all things recovery, from intake to post-treatment life coaching. Your alumni buddy gets the benefits of helping you through your journey and you get the benefits of having a more experienced community member to show you the ropes.

While it can be easy to let your new year’s resolutions fall by the wayside, it doesn’t have to be. Once you’ve been through recovery, you’re at an advantage for achieving your goals. As you enter the new year, you can use the tools and resources you’ve gained in your recovery to improve every aspect of your life. No matter what your goals are for the upcoming year, your peer network and recovery professionals can provide the guidance and support you need to succeed. At RECO Intensive, we know that recovery is a lifelong process. Our alumni program can provide you with a strong sense of community, connecting you with peers in recovery across the country with whom you’ll share nourishing and uplifting relationships long after your stay in treatment comes to an end. Make the most out of your recovery–use it to propel you forward into a future you’ve built by your own design. Call (561) 464-6533 to learn more.