We come up with all kinds of stories to convince ourselves that we don’t really have to do something. It’s called self-sabotage. We don’t believe we are worth accomplishing whatever it is we have set out to accomplish. Even years into our recovery we can still act in this self-sabotaging way, which harms our ability to progress in our lives. It isn’t because we’re “bad” at recovery or failures. Everyone is prone to self-sabotage, especially addicts and alcoholics. Addiction and alcoholism are the epitome of self-sabotage. After repeated experiences relapsing again and again, addicts and alcoholics still make the decision to sabotage their recovery and any advancements they are making. Once they finally find a way to thrive in recovery without self-sabotaging their sobriety, the inability to stick to a commitment can still come up. If you are having a hard time sticking to anything other than your sobriety, you are not alone. Here are some tips to help you.
- Focus on short amounts of time: There’s a reason we use the saying “one day at a time” in recovery. We need to make mid-term and long-term goals. We also can only tackle life one day at a time. Focus on today while keeping the idea of tomorrow in mind.
- Believe in your ability: You might be feeling like you can’t do anything or that you can’t do anything right. If you’re sober and you’re reading this, you’re doing something right. Some days, staying sober is the only thing you can do right in a day. Here’s a little secret: it’s the most important thing you can do right, each and every day. If you’re able to do that over and over again, you are able to do anything you set your mind to. Remember, it’s a process.
- Invite other opinions: For goals like workout routines it’s always better to do things socially. When it comes to your personal commitments, you can’t exactly invite others to participate. You can, however, invite others to help you stay accountable. Pick an accountability partner who you trust to objectively keep you on track. Text them, share an accountability app with them, or call them every day.
- Remember that expectations are a shortcut to resentment: Even the lowest expectations might not be met. When expectations are particularly high, there is almost always a guarantee that there will be disappointment as a result. The last person you should have resentments toward is yourself. Manage your expectations by checking in with your therapist about them so you can set new, healthy, realistic expectations which give you room to succeed.
Oceanfront Recovery is a treatment facility offering life changing residential programs along with a full spectrum of care. Our philosophy helps men and women change their story from addiction to recovery, empowering them to succeed in life. With specialized programs for executives, offering privacy and room to work. We know you can achieve anything in recovery. Call us today for information: 877.279.1777
