Around this time each year, you’ll find numerous articles about how to set goals and why they matter. But keep in mind: you can establish a new initiative or build upon an existing goal based on your current progress at any time. Here are some techniques for paving the way for success.
Benefits of Goal Setting
None of us are born with the ability to achieve goals—it’s an acquired skill, usually a result of our intention to move from a fixed to a growth mindset. As you’re creating a sober life, you may find that certain goals not only add to your motivation but also give you a sense of accomplishment.
In fact, Health Direct notes that goal setting can be “an especially important step for people in recovery for substance abuse and mental illness.” Based on the principles of cognitive behavioral therapy, even the smallest targets can be essential for your well-being, such as attending at least one peer support group meeting each week, or managing depressive episodes by ensuring you get out of bed earlier.
Other benefits include:
- Improved clarity and focus. Goal setting helps define what you want to achieve and offers a clear path to follow. This allows you to concentrate your energy and resources on specific, meaningful objectives. For example, setting a goal to save $3,000 for a vacation clarifies how much you need to save and where to prioritize your spending.
- Increases self-confidence. Achieving personal and professional goals, even little ones, builds a sense of accomplishment and boosts self-esteem. It shows that you’re capable of turning intentions into results, reinforcing your belief in your abilities. The American College of Sports Medicine uses this approach to “help people facilitate growth and self-discovery.”
- Enhances time management. When you know what you’re aiming for, it becomes easier to allocate time for important tasks and avoid distractions. For instance, setting a specific work schedule that helps you enjoy more dedicated family, friend, and hobby time encourages your productivity.
- Improves decision-making. Goals act as a filter for decision-making by aligning choices with your priorities. When faced with multiple options, you can evaluate which ones bring you closer to your objectives. For example, if your goal is career advancement, you may choose a professional development course over a less impactful activity.
By working toward goals, you often develop new skills, habits, and perspectives that contribute to your overall growth. The process itself is as rewarding as the result.
10 Tips for Creating Goals You Can Stick With
Here are just a few ideas to help you design meaningful objectives, one step at a time.
- Make Your Goals SMART
This acronym stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Define your goals with clarity. Instead of saying “I want to get fit,” specify: “I will run 3 times a week for 30 minutes over the next 3 months.” This approach creates a clear roadmap and structure. - Align Goals With Personal Values
Set goals that matter deeply to you. If the goal connects to your core values—like health, family, or career growth—you’ll feel naturally motivated. For example, if you value relationships, a goal could be, “call or meet with one family member weekly.” - Set Realistic and Attainable Goals
Stretch yourself, but don’t aim for the impossible. Setting unattainable goals leads to frustration and burnout. For instance, aiming to double your income in a month might not be feasible, but increasing it by 10% over six months could be. - Then, Write Them Down
Documenting your goals makes them tangible and easier to commit to. Place them where you can see them daily—on your fridge, desk, or as a screensaver on your phone—to keep them top of mind. - Break Goals Into Manageable Steps
Large goals feel overwhelming sometimes. Divide them into smaller milestones. For instance, instead of aiming to “run a marathon,” focus on “run 2 miles a day, 3 times a week,” which is the equivalent of training for a 5K. If you have yet to explore the concept of habit stacking to improve your goal’s success, give it a try. - Anticipate Obstacles and Plan Solutions
Consider potential challenges and how to overcome them. For instance, if time management is a problem, schedule specific time blocks for your goal or eliminate distractions. - Focus on the Process, Not Just the Outcome
Emphasize daily or weekly habits that contribute to the goal. For example, instead of focusing solely on losing 20 pounds, focus on actions like meal prepping, drinking more water, and exercising regularly. - Establish Accountability
Share your goals with a trusted friend, mentor, or accountability partner. Regular check-ins can keep you motivated. For example, if your goal is to exercise more, commit to working out with a buddy. - Celebrate Small Wins
Through 12-Step programs, you’ve learned the importance of acknowledging incremental progress, so recognize and reward what you achieve with other goals, too. This reinforces positive behavior and keeps you motivated. For example, treat yourself to something special after hitting a weekly milestone. - Regularly Review and Adjust Goals
Life changes, and so should your intentions. Set aside time weekly or monthly to evaluate your progress. If necessary, tweak your goals to ensure they remain relevant and achievable. For example, revise your timeline or adjust the scope if you’re not hitting desired benchmarks.
It’s also important to visualize success. Picture what achieving your goal will feel like. Visualization strengthens commitment and provides a sense of purpose. You could create a vision board or use journaling to reinforce this mental image.
Ivory Plains: Find Your Best Self
At our addiction rehabilitation program in Adair, Iowa, our board-certified professionals understand that many people establish the immediate goal of sobriety, but then often need help creating the life they desire after that. Our goal is to help you explore new ways of thinking and being so you can accomplish this. Talk to a member of our admissions team to learn more.
