In treatment for recovery from trauma, addictions, and related mental health issues, we learn about goal setting. Our experience in treatment teaches us that goals have to be set tangibly, realistically, and with metrics. We also learn that ‘resolutions’ are not as impactful as lifestyle changes, forming new habits, or creating new routines. Rather than resolve to do something that has no defined end goal, we specify what we want, how we plan to get there, and what we are willing to do to make that happen. More importantly, we look for where we might be acting out of old behaviors, some of which might be harmful. After putting together a healthy, realistic plan, we set forth on changing our lives once more.
Gym memberships are starting to soar this time of year as millions of people around the world make the same New Year’s Resolutions: Lose weight, get in shape, eat better, be healthier. Regular gym-goers who have made working out a regular part of their routine often take to social media to share their experience of “resolutions people” this time of year. The gym swells with new familiar faces for a month or two, then quickly dies back out to the regulars, perhaps with a few people who stick around. Diving into too many changes at once in too many areas of life, as well as expecting immediate results, sets people up for failure. Working out, changing eating, and all the other nuances of “being healthier” don’t find a rhythm. Being better will never have success. Growing, changing, evolving, and acting differently will.
If we consider our attempt with an intuitive mindful approach we realize how little sense it makes. Workout every day. Cut a diet in half. Restrict certain foods. Do a laundry list of things we aren’t used to doing and do them perfectly, all the time. The pressure is too much to bear. Intuitively, we can ask our inner selves how much working out makes sense, is realistic, and is healthy for our body to adapt to working out again. We ask our bodies what it needs to be nourished, what it doesn’t need, and what compromises can be made. Mindfully, we move forward with changes, not restrictions. We listen to our mind and our body rather than force it. We pay attention to how we feel, what we think, what we want, and what we need. We become aware of our short term goals and long term goals, then notice where we can apply more action in our life to achieve them. Day by day our resolutions become integral parts of our reality and an instant success.
Resolve to recover this year. If you are struggling with the effects of trauma, there is help available to you. The Guest House Ocala offers private residential treatment programs, providing concierge style care for the ultimate in customized treatment experience. Call us today for information 1-855-483-7800