New Year Resolution

Recovery
#1

I've always thought it to be OK when we recovery people create resolutions/plans. But I have been something in the last year that got me thinking. I was told people in recovery should focus ODAAT and not long-term goals nor short-term goals beyond the next moment/that day

IMO that's senseless. If I know I'm attending an event, rather it's a wedding or something work-related that I should have a game plan to exit if there's alcohol. This is a long-term plan. If I wait until I am in the shoes that I don't want to be in to create a plan, I am setting myself up to fail or lose my sobriety.

What are your thoughts?

5 Likes
#2

It good to have a direction but not too specific of an outcome.

1 Like
#3

Virtues can be more helpful than resolutions.

#4

Great question! For me, one day at a time does not mean I can't think about future events, make plans, or set up future goals. But for me it does me to not live in that future day, do not imagine an event coming up and live that event over and over again in your head before that day happens, as things likely won't happen as you plan them, which sets up failure, or you could work up anxiety,stress, fear, etc for something that hasn't even occured.

It is good to think things out, and good to set future goals and plans, but live in today. That is how we grow, how we get to where we want to be, one day at a time :grin:

#5

I believe one day at a time could possibly be more relevant to those in certain stages in their recovery... my thoughts are how sound and confident are you in your sobriety to put yourself in that position. :thinking: that's more so the question one should be asking prior to committing to said event. :woman_shrugging:

1 Like
#6

I think ODAAT applies to when we are really thinking of something that is overwhelming to fathom in the moment. It’s almost like a pause button until we are ready to process the situation. I am a believer in having short term goals over long term because I can’t reach the top of the stairs without using the first step in front of me. When it comes to events- I always go in with 2-3 strategies minimum. Each individual is different, figure out what works well without overwhelming yourself!

2 Likes
#7

I don’t really see a conflict here. I have short and long term goals that help give me hope for the future, meaning to my life and something worthwhile to strive toward. I achieve these goals ODAAT, one challenge at a time. If I am persistent in working my program, if I am true to myself, and if I don’t use, the answers I need will come as they are needed. One by one until a goal is achieved.

#8

You can live one day at a time and be present with whatever you want to attend to: experience, avoid, etc… But there’s no reason to live without hope and aspirations. You don’t get to tomorrow, without accomplishing today. And the more that you build towards tomorrow, one day at a time, it will be easier to get there.

#9

Good responses i agree... just for today

#10

Loving the conversation.

#11

A game plan that is the safest for you and will help you out of tight situations should be what you shoot for. Whether long term or short term, when you find something that works for you in various situations, stay your course. You are making a conscious decision and have a game plan for what you need to do in certain situations shows that you are making a concerted effort to keep your sobriety intact. BTW, congratulations on your sobriety!:100::100::100:

#12

I think resolutions are just fine. The trick is to work on them daily I'm pretty sure. I'm definitely going to plan for success in the future while working towards the plans in the present.