“If you can remember why you started, then you will know why you must continue.” 

– Chris Burkmenn

Dear Readers,

 

Please find below a very encouraging post from Ali Kerr on regaining motivation in recovery. Losing motivation can be a real danger in recovery because it means you may stop doing the things you need to do in order to maintain your recovery. Short periods of low motivation are not that big a deal, but things become far more dangerous if you become stuck in this mood of low energy for a long period of time. Staying motivated in recovery can be challenging, especially when you are still adjusting to how to live without behaviours and cope with triggers. There may be many thoughts, feelings and situations that lead to relapse. Learning to deal with those feelings/triggers is a part of the process but some people may feel discouraged by the discomfort and the ups and downs of the experience.

In order to keep your motivation in recovery it is a good idea to stay connected to the reasons why you decided to recover. You might have quit to be healthier, to have a better relationship to your family, or because you went through some painful and negative consequences. Reminding yourself of these reasons can be a good way to rebuild your motivation if you have lost it.

We hope you’ll find the post below helpful in your journey to recovery and healing.

 

 

Losing Motivation

 

 

 

Are you losing motivation towards your new year goals yet?

We’ve all been there: setting an inspiring goal, feeling positive and going for it! Then something suddenly knocks us down, seemingly out of nowhere, and we might struggle to keep going. Some might even give up altogether.

If this sounds familiar, you might be wondering how to stay on track when times are tough. Let me share what has worked for me and many of my clients. After all, those of us who have recovered are experts at getting back on track. Many of us relapsed a number of times in recovery, and staying committed and focused is never easy after a relapse!

First, I’ll share what NOT to do if you find yourself falling short of your goals:

DON’T:

• Beat yourself up
• Feel like a failure
• Abandon your intention and go back to your old patterns

Here are things you CAN do if you find yourself struggling.

DO:

• Reevaluate your goals. Are you trying to do too much too soon?
• Stick with the basics until you feel like an expert. Are you taking the steps in the right order? Skipping ahead might sound like quick progress, but we all need to master the basics first.
• Avoid perfectionism. Perfectionists are not actually more perfect than others, they’re just a lot harder on themselves. By allowing room for mistakes, you provide opportunities to learn and grow.
• Ask others for help if you feel comfortable. Very few people can actually recover 100% independently. If you aren’t interested in coaching, be sure to have a medical professional, a mentor, a friend or other person available for support.
• Celebrate even your smallest victories. Nothing is too small to be acknowledged as progress!
• Give yourself plenty of time. Recovery takes a different amount of time for everyone. It doesn’t matter when you get there. What matters is that you never give up.

Well, there you have it! My tips for setting an intention, how to set goals that align with your intention, and what to do if you find yourself struggling.

As always, we love to hear from you. As I mentioned in my previous email, sharing your intention with someone else is a great way to add accountability and reaffirm your commitment. Please feel free to share what you’ll manifest in 2020!

May this be your best year yet. The year you finally commit to a full recovery, accepting nothing less than the life you deserve!

It’s a true honor to share this journey with you.

Love and light,
Ali