By Dan Delabre Tree House Staff
Sometimes I pile too much on my plate and my schedule starts to feel overwhelming. I begin to get discouraged and negative thoughts start to creep into my mind. The idea that I can put something off until tomorrow sounds appealing. I can easily tell myself that “this” is more important than “that”, bargaining with accomplishing my goals for the day. But what does procrastination really lead me to? And how do I remain motivated and maintain that momentum? These are some of the questions that often run through my mind when i’m feeling fizzled out.
Procrastination is never fun. It is linked to stress, anxiety, and low self esteem, all of which I try to minimize as much as possible. The flip side to this is a higher sense of confidence, a more productive and meaningful life, and a feeling of accomplishment. These characteristics translate into nearly every aspect of my life, including my social life, my professional life, and most importantly the relationship I have with myself. Keeping myself motivated has been a practice for me with many attempts ending in failure. Maintaining a positive attitude is very important to success.
In order to be the best version of myself, I need to have consistency in my day-to-day life. It is okay to take a small break, but more important to get back at it and handle my goals with a sense of pride. Sobriety is about progression. And in order to progress, I need to develop a formula that keeps me stimulated and motivated on a daily basis. For me, sobriety doesn’t mean stagnation. In fact, it represents continual growth and refinement. Shedding my old mode of operation has opened an infinite number of doors which lead to new and exciting possibilities. Here are some ways to keep that fire a blaze…
- Positivity is key
Feeding yourself negativity will only make it harder to reach your goals. Whether it’s your words, thoughts, or actions, always remember to stay positive and optimistic.
- Set winnable goals
Break your goals down into small, easily attainable actions. Looking at any situation this way will allow you to maintain efficiency.
- Create a to-do list
Making a daily checklist is a good way to remind yourself to take it one step at a time.
- Have an accountabilibuddy
Sharing your goals and aspirations with another person is an amazing way to hold yourself to a higher standard. Don’t be afraid to encourage them to call you out when they see you backsliding.
- Keep your eye on the prize
Always keep in mind why you are doing this in the first place. A routine filled with healthy habits will allow you to progress and grow. As Brian Tracy once said…
“Every Positive Change in Your Life Begins With A Clear, Unequivocal Decision That You are Going to Either Do Something or Stop Doing Something.”
I have been on an upward swing ever since I began my journey in sobriety. The road hasn’t been perfectly paved by any means… there have been bumps and roadblocks along the way, but i’ve always kept a keen awareness as to why I am going down this road in the first place. In order to stay motivated on a daily basis I have implemented these simple steps along the way. They have helped me achieve several personal goals and progress in my life in unimaginable ways. I encourage everyone to stay positive, have an idea of where you are going and how you are going to get there, and bring some friends along for the ride!
At Tree House Recovery, we’re helping men find freedom from addiction. Our treatment programs create sustainable change for sustainable recovery by helping men find their strength in body, mind, and spirit. For information on our Orange County programs, call us today: (855) 202-2138
