As the year comes to a close, it isn’t a bad idea to set some sober goals for the new year! Setting goals and celebrating their achievements has been proven to help you in your recovery, even when the goals and achievements are small things. Remember, it is often a bunch of small goals that amount to one big goal, so there is never a feat too small!

Setting Sober Goals

Setting sober goals is a completely individual process that depends on where you are in your recovery. If you are fresh out of rehab, you may have one set of goals, while a person who is a year or more into their recovery will be completely different. Also, your goals will be different so that they apply specifically to you and your own unique situation.

If you are wondering where to get started, there are some things you can focus on to set yourself up for a strong and successful year of recovery in 2018!

1. Promise to take things one day at a time. Wonder why this works? It is because it is the most simple way to get through the present moment, sober. When you begin to think about staying sober for a week, a month, or a year, it is really easy to get overwhelmed and send yourself into a downward spiral. No need! As long as you stay sober in the present moment, you’ll stay sober. Because the present is all you really ever have.
2. Set a goal to spend a certain amount of time each day on your recovery. For example, you can set a goal of going to at least one 12-step meeting per day, or maybe it is partaking in another sober activity that keeps your recovery at the forefront of your mind. Whatever it is, make sure you have a time set to focus on your sobriety each day.
3. Set a time goal. This one will be relative to how long you have sober. So, if you are only a month in, make it a goal to reach six months. If you have four years, make it a goal to reach five. No matter what, always keep reaching forward and moving towards your next big milestone.
4. Set big life goals to keep you focused on the right thing. For example, set a goal to rent your own apartment in 2018, buy your first car, or get and hold on to a great job. Keeping the positivity flowing in your life will make you grateful for all the good out there and you’ll realize that by staying sober you’ll allow for room for good things to happen in your life.
5. Don’t expect to be perfect. Staying sober is a lot of hard work. It is important to be realistic in your expectations for that you don’t get frustrated and burned out. You may have moments where you think about your drug of choice or even come close to relapsing. That is ok, you are only human! However, make sure to take measures and set yourself up so that you don’t actually end up physically relapsing. If you are committed, you can prevent it!

Setting sober goals for the new year can help you stay on track and make sure you continue focusing on your sobriety. Keep your list of goals somewhere that you can see them so that you can check in every day and make sure you are working continuously towards them! If you ever feel like slipping, you can take your list out and remind yourself why you are working so hard to stay sober. Always remember that it is completely worth it, and you are too.

Here’s to a happy, healthy, and sober new year!