A New Year with CD

The New Year brings about many hopes and dreams for people trying to improve their lives and wellbeing.  As with any self-improvement it takes time and effort.  Most New Year’s resolutions fail because people do not understand the process of creating a healthy new habit.  Most behaviors and activities take years to develop and so it is true that most unhealthy behaviors have been developing for many years and so it is just that much more difficult to overcome.  So if you are trying to have a good year in 2019 then, do just that, have a good year.  Stop trying to accomplish more than is possible by the end of February and do not give up if you have set backs.  Most New Year’s resolutions are done by Valentine’s Day.  The year is 365 days long and if you succeed in reaching your goals for the day 200 times you will be killing it in 2019.  So how do we accomplish this?  Keep it simple.  The first thing that successful people do is they set GOALS and they set them in writing. This minimizes the chance that you will change your goals or give up on them completely.  Second, place the goals in a visible spot and let others know what you are trying to accomplish so they can support you and even encourage your successes. Third, don’t give up!!  Expect setbacks.  No one is perfect and when trying to overcome a life time of bad habits it will take time and practice to create healthy new behaviors.  If, for instance you are trying not drink at all then you may want to consult some alcoholics in recovery to see how they are doing it.  If you are trying to lose a few pounds or slow down on shopping or gambling then you may want to start a new hobby that will help you reach your goal.  There is nothing new to the idea of self-improvement and today I would like to share some simple goal setting ideas to help you make 2019 the best year yet.
First, learn the art of setting S.M.A.R.T. Goals and don’t be discouraged when you have a setback.​

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​​Remember that every journey starts with just one step.  When setting goals be sure to make them incremental so that you can get a sense of accomplishment.  Self-esteem and confidence will build throughout the year as you track your successes and build confidence for the long journey ahead.  A wise man ounce said;
                                                                               “Don’t wish in a year from now,
                                                                               You had started something today.”
If you hope to develop a self-directed program of recovery and want to set goals about substance use or your drinking habits then that is ok too.  Just remember that with alcohol and other drug relapses can be dangerous but they don’t have to be an all or nothing situation.  It is ok to stop immediately and to get back “on track” with your goals and desires.  Reach out by phone or in person and avoid keeping secrets.  Rigorous honesty in addressing your hopes and dreams will be visible through your well placed and displayed goals.  One day at a time you can accomplish greatness.