...But how happy is 2021 going to be when our resolve slips and we find that our eager and motivational NY resolutions vanish by Day 5? Is it because we are putting the bar too high (excuse the pun) or are we being unrealistic in setting our goals for the New Year?
The plan may just be to follow the old adage - a day at a time and to set realistic goals - a good way to do this is to break it down into increments. So if your plan is to 'give up alcohol' then perhaps change this to 'giving up for a week.' Then, during this week, keep a diary for each day and note down anything you notice - your urges and cravings (note the time, place and what is going on at the time) and maybe note down too, when you are feeling strong, capable and better about yourself and not drinking.
So after you succeed in the first week of January, keep trying for the next week, the next month and so on. When you do lapse (and you probably will at some stage), don't be disappointed. Treat it like an experiment about yourself and keep notes on this too - and then reward yourself when you feel strong enough to stop again.
New Year and the first couple of weeks are important in setting the tune for the year - is this the year that you give up? Maybe. Is this the year you talk to your family/be a better friend/keep the garden looking good ? Sure, perhaps.... Is this the year where your relationship with yourself improves and you learn to love yourself - everything about you, even the challenges such as addiction. YES! 2021 is the year where you can look in the mirror and say, "I've got this," and mean it - acceptance of yourself and commitment to your challenge. And to tell yourself that you've got support where you need it (this forum, friends and family, your GP, your psychologist or counsellor) and most of all being open to change.
What has worked for you when you have made New Year Resolutions?
Which ones didn't work?
Were there any goals that surprised you and encouraged you to keep going? Sometimes these can be quite simplistic but effective.
Who or what surprised you in a good way, something that you did not expect and ended up being a positive outcome?
I'm looking forward to hearing about your recovery goals and sharing your plans for next year - stay well everyone
