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Writing down goals makes them real!

Finishing detox and moving into an intensive outpatient program (IOP) is a very exciting time full of new challenges and new beginnings. Further, working within and understanding an IOP requires work and takes time. It also requires help from professionals and peers.

While navigating the IOP process, it is important to set achievable goals and intentions for what you want to accomplish to have a clear path and reason to keep going forward. Most importantly, you will want to recognize your victories during this time because every victory matters in IOP.

Setting Goals

Before any endeavor, setting goals is a must. Goals help you map out the approach you want to take. When you include others, they will help hold you accountable if you veer off course. IOP will help you set realistic and measurable goals to ensure you are always moving forward.

Remember, there is no goal too big or too small; therefore, every goal reached is a victory worth celebrating. Further, goals are stepping stones to help you achieve the overall picture. Goals are also great for tracking progress and success by doing the following:

  • Reminding you that you can achieve what you set out to accomplish
  • Empowering you to believe in yourself
  • Inspiring you to keep going forward in a planned and careful way
  • Eliminating self-destructive behaviors and self-sabotage
  • Establishes what your core needs and wants are
  • Combats worry about the future

Why Do Small Victories Matter in IOP?

Small victories help you continue to gain momentum in your journey to managing mental health and sobriety. The best part about small victories is that they can come from anywhere. It could be making the bed, meditation, or exercising. Small victories matter in IOP for many reasons, including:

  • Build confidence
  • Realize your capabilities
  • Build stronger relationships with peers, professionals, and family
  • Becoming the person you want to be
  • Lets you know that you are strong enough to keep going
  • Teaches you the power of resilience
  • Cultivate positive thinking
  • Success empowers you to keep building on healthy coping skills
  • Each success prevents you from feeling powerless

When you set goals and achieve them, you are essentially breaking down your path to recovery into manageable pieces, effectively moving you forward. At The Guest House, we understand that with each small accomplishment, you build more confidence and learn coping skills for the future. Further celebrating small victories during IOP allows you to move on to larger goals and greater success. If you or a loved one needs help, do not wait; get help today. To learn more, call The Guest House today at (855) 483-7800.