Climbing the Steps: Setting Goals and Reaching Them!

Post 56

In January, I didn't envision or plan to start the new "Blog Year" with a three-part series on accomplishing resolutions.  However, the immediate past two Posts have flowed along this pattern; and then this month, one more set of reminders for achieving goals came my way.  For several weeks now, I have been a part of a program for Lent called "Forty Days to Integrity".  Each day during the Lenten Season, I view a different, five minute video presented by Reverend Dr. Bill Jenkins.  Easily accessible, these short programs come via e-mail through www.eintegrity.net . 

As I was watching one of these clips, Seven Strategies for Reaching Your Goals, a light bulb blinked on: utilize these strategies in working on and achieving each of the Twelve Steps.  So often, one hears that a certain Step - for an individual - seems to be more difficult to accomplish than the others.  The next thought that came to mind was that (of course!) each Step, in itself, is a goal of recovery on the way to accomplishing the ultimate goal of full recovery.  So then, why not apply these "Strategies" for reaching recovery goals throughout the working of each of the Steps!

Therefore, while a person works an individual Step, some or all of the strategies can be great tools.  Take a close look at the Seven Strategies below.  Then review the Gamblers Anonymous and Gam-Anon Twelve Steps to Recovery.  See how many of the Strategies can apply within the recovery work for each Step.  Indeed, I think you will find that most or many of them will be of significant help in accomplishing the many goals of recovery - one Step at a time! 

SEVEN STRATEGIES FOR REACHING YOUR GOALS  www.eintegrity.net

1.  Think the BIG picture.  (What does recovery-in-all-kinds-of-ways look like to you?)

2.  Write it down.  (You can review and thus remember exactly what your goals are.)

3.  Break your big goals into smaller steps.  (Mini-steps of recovery within each Step!)

4.  Prioritize  (This helps you to see your mini-goals more clearly; and keeps you more organized.)

5.  Set deadlines and milestones BUT be realistic and make them measurable.  (Again: be realistic!)

6.  Use great role models  - persons who inspire you. (Persons you know AND/OR those you only  
     know about.)

7.  Keep your eye on the "prize".  (Your recovery goals for each Step.)  

For more information on "40 Days to Integrity" contact Dr. Bill Jenkins, through his contact information at www.christsd.com . 

For listings of the Gamblers Anonymous 12 Steps to Recovery and the Gam-Anon Twelve Steps, go to www.gamblersanonymous.org  and  www.gam-anon.org .  In addition, the National Hotline for GA is (888) GA-HELPS.

Blessings,

Rev. Janet Jacobs
Founding Director
Gambling Recovery Ministries