How do you stay motivated? Do you reward yourself with a little treat each time you complete a large task, or maybe indulge in ice cream or your favorite cake after making it to the gym all week? Or, maybe you are a list person and stay motivated by checking items off as you accomplish them.
Some may find external things very motivating. One example of an external motivator is money. You may prefer to spend your day lying around watching TV, but you choose to go to work because you are motivated by the paycheck you receive as a result. Some may be motivated more by internal things. An example could include working hard to do well on a particular project at work to gain a sense of pride and self-satisfaction knowing you did a good job. Whether you find yourself more driven by external or internal motivators, it is important to focus on the end goal.
Addiction has a way of stripping you of all things positive. It takes away the power that the things that used to motivate you once had. For example, you may no longer prioritize feeling accomplished and proud and thus perform poorly at work. It also removes the joy you get from anything other than substances. This can leave you feeling unmotivated and discouraged.
When you decide to seek treatment, it is very important to regain your motivation to stay focused and on track during recovery. You are bound to have good days and bad days during treatment and recovery and will need to stay motivated especially when things become challenging.
In staying encouraged, there are some things you can do to better prepare yourself for coping with adversity. Incorporating some healthy habits and routines can be very beneficial when it comes to staying motivated during treatment and recovery.
Set Goals
Setting goals may seem a little simple or even cliché, but it is very important. When you have a goal that holds significant value, such as remaining on track during recovery, it is important to set smaller goals that support your long-term goal. Goal setting doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming at all, but it does require a little thought and planning.
Some may choose to set new goals each week, or may even prefer to focus on accomplishing one small goal each day. Choose what works best for you. The point is to break down large goals into smaller more manageable ones. This benefits you in two ways.
This helps your goals feel more attainable. It can be easy to get overwhelmed during treatment and recovery as there are often many changes taking place in your life. While these changes are for the better, they can still be a little intimidating. Breaking down your goals into smaller tasks can help you stay motivated and make you feel like success is realistic.
Setting smaller more attainable goals can also give you more opportunities to celebrate successes. Each time you accomplish one of your smaller goals, give yourself some credit. This will help you feel more successful, which helps build your confidence and boosts accountability.
Pray
Prayer is something that can change your whole outlook and experience when it comes to treatment and recovery. Spending some time connecting spiritually with God or a higher power each day can leave you feeling more hopeful and empowered to cope with whatever the day may bring.
Prayer can help you stay motivated by reassuring you that you are not alone in your journey. You are reminded that you have someone to turn to when things get tough and are given unconditional love and forgiveness. Making efforts to pray in times of distress and in times of joy to express gratitude can help you stay connected and focused on your goals during treatment and recovery.
Fellowship
Fellowship refers to spending time with others who typically share similar interests, goals, or ideas. During treatment and recovery, spending time learning in groups, sharing experiences, and connecting with others can be very motivating. Feeling a sense of belonging as you learn of others’ similar experiences can leave you feeling less lonely and provide a sense of belonging.
Group therapy often provides opportunities for you and others to share experiences, successes, and failures. Learning that others can relate to you and feeling like you can relate to others in the group can be very powerful.
Staying motivated while in treatment and throughout recovery isn’t always easy. It is possible, however, and is an essential contributor to your long-term success.
Motivation is something we all struggle with from time to time. Addiction can leave you feeling very unmotivated and hopeless. It is very important to find ways to regain your motivation as you enter treatment and recovery to ensure you stay focused and on track. By practicing things like goal setting, consistent prayer, and making efforts to connect with other like-minded individuals, you can find motivation in treatment and recovery. At Renaissance Ranch, we provide a welcoming and supportive environment that encourages clients to grow and heal spiritually, mentally, and physically. We offer a variety of therapeutic activities that are structured to keep you plugged in and focused on your goals. If you or someone you care about is struggling with an addiction to drugs or alcohol, we would love to hear from you. Call Renaissance Ranch today at (801) 308-8898.