Starting Over: 5 Decisions to Make Before Implementing Big Behavioral Changes
Category: Substance Use & Behavioral Recovery
Implementing big behavioral changes can be difficult, but the rewards can be huge. By making certain decisions about how you want to make a change, you can start over.
Topic Of Discussion
In one way or another, pretty much everybody has fallen off the wagon at some point. We’re only human, and sometimes, no matter the negative implications for our personal health or relationships, we develop habits that we’ve grown to regret, but nevertheless struggle to break.
Implementing big behavioral changes can be really difficult. There’s just no way around it…but the rewards can be huge. By making certain decisions about how you want to make a change (not to mention a whole lot of perseverance) you can start over. Good on you for taking the first step. Remember, you’re in control, and can consider the following:
1. Decide when
Quitting a harmful habit is a big life event. It’s something worth scheduling. So as the first step towards sticking to a new plan, pick a date to start your next chapter and be accountable.
2. Decide where
If your environment has influenced your harmful habits, it might be time to change where you go. For example, does the weekly office happy hour encourage your drinking, or does going out with your friends who “just smoke socially” have you buying another pack? Lasting change will probably involve changing some of the places you go. And in that vein…
3. Decide what else
…you can still have a social life away from activities that encourage bad habits. Make social plans with people who understand and support the behavioral changes you want to make, in environments that also align with your goals. Maybe it’s a pickup basketball game with friends or lunch out with family members you can trust. Making a change isn’t an ending, it’s a beginning. Find social activities that will help you to put your best foot forward.
4. Decide what works
If this isn’t your first attempt to change your behavior, reflect on what worked (and what didn’t) last time. Remember that, as the saying goes, if at first you didn’t succeed, try, try again. No matter what failures you may have experienced last time, there were almost certainly some successes too! Keep in mind that it’s a marathon not a sprint. Focus on the successes from last time and lean into them this time. You’ve got this.
5. Decide who can help
There will be hard days. Unfortunately, it’s just part of the process. Set up a support system for yourself. Support groups offer opportunities to be paired with a sponsor who’s been where you’ve been. Seek the support you need to not feel alone…because you aren’t! Remember that change takes bravery, and it will draw people towards you, not away from you.
Wrapping it up
In addition to support groups, therapy can be a helpful resource when going through a major change. At Tri-Star Counseling, our counselors are experienced in supporting clients who are working to change harmful behaviors. Whether you need support with starting or maintaining your new normal, we’d be happy to be part of your support team.
