
Think smart for your recovery
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Good evening folks, how are ya? One of the most helpful things I learned in my recovery journey was how to set SMART goals, goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
It wasn’t just about “quitting drinking”; it was about breaking that big goal into smaller, manageable steps that felt doable and motivating.
Here’s how SMART goals made a difference for me:
Measurable: Tracking my progress was key. I used a journal to note each day I stayed sober and how I felt. Seeing those wins added up made me proud and kept me going.
Achievable: I kept my goals realistic. Starting with one day or one week made the bigger picture less overwhelming. Each small success gave me the confidence to keep pushing forward.
Relevant: My goals always tied back to my deeper “why.” Whether it was improving my health, repairing relationships, or just wanting to feel more in control, keeping those reasons front and center kept me motivated.
Time-bound: Giving myself a timeline—like aiming for 30 days sober—helped me stay committed and gave me something to celebrate at the end.
If you’re on your own recovery journey, try setting one SMART goal for yourself today.
For example:
“I’ll replace my evening drink with a cup of tea for the next 7 days.”
“I’ll attend one support group meeting this week.”
“I’ll journal about my progress every night for the next 30 days.”
Breaking the journey into smaller, actionable steps takes the pressure off and helps you build momentum. Recovery is about progress, not perfection.
What’s one SMART goal you could set for yourself today? Let me know, I’d love to hear what’s working for you!
Have a great evening my friends and stay well! I love ya
Matt x
