If you have ever wondered how to set SMART goals in recovery, this article will guide you step by step. We’ll cover what exactly SMART goals are, in case you are not familiar with the term. Hint: Each letter of SMART stands for some aspect of the goal that you are setting.
I’ll also give you an example of each type of aspect and why you should set SMART goals in recovery. It is important to do this in order to see success when setting and achieving goals. Next, we’ll look at how to set SMART goals in recovery with 5 simple tips.
In each section, we’ll cover how it relates to recovery and plenty of resources along the way to help you do this with success. Remember, no one is perfect, so don’t overestimate your abilities. You can do this, but while in recovery, it could take a bit longer than you might expect.
In other words, be realistic in your expectations, and you will be proud of what you do achieve and not what you don’t. If you are new to Celebrate Recovery, start from the beginning to learn who Celebrate Recovery is for, what the meetings are like, and so much more! Good luck!
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What are SMART Goals?
SMART goals offer a framework for setting effective goals. These goals are attainable, clear, and trackable. This is important because you want goals that you can actually understand, measure, and achieve. You can best reach success this way, as you walk the road to recovery.
If you aren’t familiar with SMART goals, the letters in the word SMART can help you remember the key components. Here is a breakdown of what the letters in the word SMART stand for. Learning these descriptive words will help you set achievable and winning SMART goals.
Remember, we are learning about SMART goals because this is the best way to set you up for success when discovering how to set SMART goals in recovery. You want to be realistic and kind to yourself, setting goals that you can actually achieve in the place you currently are.
Read this article on how to set and achieve recovery goals to discover even more information.
Specific Goals
We want to have specific goals, so that they can meet the next criteria. Specific means including a date, a time, a place, a person, or some other factor that makes the goal measurable. If you look at the who, what, where, when, why, and how, you’ll easily answer these questions.
Examples of Specific Goals:
- I want to run a marathon by September with my friend Cara.
- I’ll start a new step study at my church in the next two years with my sponsor Jim.
- I will attend every recovery meeting with one exception for an emergency this year.
Measurable Goals
Being measurable is a critical factor in setting your SMART goals. To be able to determine whether you met your goal when you set it or when you meet some other factor, you’ll know whether you have succeeded or not. Of course, if you don’t, try again!
Examples of Measurable Goals:
- I want to lose 10 pounds by December 31.
- I’ll attend 10 12-step meetings by the end of the year.
- I will find a new accountability partner by this September.
Achievable Goals
When first setting SMART goals or any goals at all, it can be easy to get carried away. You might say something like, I want to earn my doctorate. This is not an impossible goal, but it’s hardly achievable in the short term. Break it down into smaller steps, so it’s achievable.
Example of an Achievable Goal:
I will make one new friend whom I talk to weekly by November 2025.
Relevant Goals
Think about your overall vision. Where do you want to be in one year? Five years? Ten years? If you want to be a firefighter, your goals should reflect that vision. If you want to open a pastry shop, your goals should help you achieve your vision for your pastry shop.
Examples of Relevant Goals:
- I will write down notes about what I want to share in my testimony so that one day, I can do this in front of a large group – part of my vision. I’ll fill up one to two pages with notes. I will have this done by the end of the year.
- I want to take 3 classes this year to help me reach my vision of earning my Associate’s degree.
- As part of my vision to be friendly and helpful at meetings, I will introduce myself to one new person per meeting this year.
Time-Bound Goals
The final component of a SMART goal is to make it time-bound. Most of the example goals that I have provided above have time-bound attributes. A time-bound goal will show you exactly when you want to accomplish your goal, which will provide proper motivation.
Examples of Time-Bound Goals:
- I will rescue one puppy by the end of the year.
- I will attend one extra recovery meeting each month.
- I will write in my journal each day.
“The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Why Set SMART Goals in Recovery?
So, you might be thinking, what does this have to do with recovery? Well, it truly depends on what stage in recovery you are in. If you are a newbie still working the 12 steps, I would focus on the “one day at a time” saying and very little else. You don’t want to overwhelm yourself.
If you have completed the 12 steps of recovery, you can begin to focus on the next steps that you will face as a success story. An example might be to give your testimony. Helping others by humbly revealing your story is one of the last steps in recovery.
After all, you won’t have a testimony until you have completed the 12 steps. You can walk through the 12 steps of recovery with a step study group or by reading the 25 lessons that the group goes over. This might be appropriate if your area doesn’t offer step studies.
Related: Lesson 1 in Recovery
Setting SMART goals in recovery (when the time is right for you) can motivate you to accomplish them. One study showed that people find success in setting goals if they do not set too many. 1-3 goals is a good number. This will keep you motivated and successful.
If you don’t achieve success, treat it like any other aspect of recovery. Say, “Keep coming back. It works if you work it.” That’s a popular saying in recovery that can apply to your SMART goals. If you don’t succeed the first time, keep at it, and you will succeed.
“One of the hardest things was learning that I was worth recovery.” – Demi Lovato
How to Set SMART Goals in Recovery (5 Simple Ways)
These simple steps or ways will help you narrow down your big goal list or your vision statements into achievable goals that you are able to actually do.
#1. Make a list.
I watched a motivational video by Steve Harvey, where he suggested making a list of 300 goals or things you wish for. I love lists, so I did it. Granted, I don’t review it every single day, as he suggests, but it was very helpful when I first sat down to determine what goals I’d focus on.
Think about your vision. Determine where you want to be in 5 or 10 years. If you want a change in careers or your family situation, focus on SMART goals that help you get there. Maybe you have no clue what kind of SMART Goals for recovery that you want to set.
One thing you can do is to talk to your sponsor. What do they suggest that you focus on? What are your accountability partners aiming toward? In the beginning, it’s really important to just focus on staying sober. Beyond that, you can just brainstorm away.
If you divide your life into categories, you might have an easier time making your list. Don’t worry about making a SMART Goals list of 300. That is just a suggestion. Try making a list of 100 or even just 50. Do what works for you. The following categories may help.
- Health
- Friends
- Family
- Ministry
- Home
- Pets
- Children
- Career
- Exercise
- Faith
After you have gone through the 12 steps of recovery, consider a goal related to your faith, for example. You might want to read the entire Bible in a year. One way to get started is with a Bible reading plan, such as the ones provided in the YouVersion application.
#2. Narrow down your goals.
So, now you have your list of 300 (or whatever number you were able to come up with) recovery goals. What do you do? How do you pick from this list so that you can actually accomplish one or two? A good start is to narrow it down to 1-3 goals, as mentioned above.
Again, think about your vision. Where do you want to be in the future? How can you get there? Look at your SMART goals that you have compiled into a list and determine which goals will get you there or at least get you closer to achieving them.
If you want to lose weight, perhaps start with a meal plan, a gym membership, a coach, or a new health plan that encompasses all of these things. If you want to be closer to God, read your Bible, learn to pray, go to church, listen to God, and make Christian friends.
Whichever SMART goal in recovery that you decide upon, make sure you have an accountability partner to keep you in line. If this person is still working through the 12 steps of recovery, you might want to turn to your sponsor.
“The goal isn’t to be sober. The goal is to love yourself so much that you don’t need to drink.” – Anonymous
#3. Analyze your SMART goals.
It’s time to do some meditation. You have chosen a maximum of 3 goals. Now it’s time to analyze these goals and determine how you will achieve them. You might wonder why you can only go for 1-3 goals. Studies show that if you ignore the other goals, you can find success.
Ignore might not be the right word, but basically, if you do not get sidetracked by the goals you have not chosen to focus on, you have a better chance at success. You can focus on what matters to you and your vision. The following questions might help you analyze.
- Where do I want to be in the future?
- What will help me get there?
- Who will help me achieve my SMART goals?
- Who can help me stay accountable?
- What might hinder my goals?
- Who do I want to be?
- Why do I want to be this person?
- Why is this goal important to me?
- How can I best achieve this goal?
- What steps will get me there?
- How have other people succeeded?
#4. Create baby steps.
After these three steps, you will likely have a great idea of how you will achieve your SMART goals. Often, the problem at this point is that you are too excited. You are so motivated that you wear yourself out and become easily overwhelmed by all you must do for your goals.
The key here is to take baby steps. For example, if you want to lose 50 pounds, it’s a good idea to break it down to 5-10 pounds per month or whatever your doctor or coach recommends. If you only see “50,” the pressure might be too much.
Let’s say that you want to give your testimony in front of 100 people. What are the baby steps that you will need to take in order to achieve this goal? First, write your testimony on paper. Second, talk to a leader about getting scheduled to do it. Finally, share your testimony!
#5. Get started.
The final step in setting SMART goals in recovery is to take action. Do it. You can. Remember, Philippians 4:13 says that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us! With the Spirit of God inside you, you can do this.
I’ll give you a quick example. I lead a Bible Study group on Facebook. When I started, I was the one who did the videos. We had around 300 women, and some of them would watch the videos live. It has now grown to almost 7,000, so quite a few more have been watching my videos.
This can be scary and intimidating, and it can make a person very nervous. However, I always pray ahead of time, asking the Lord to speak through me. I also let Him lead when I’m speaking, so I don’t fumble my words too much. It is a nerve-wracking experience, but I now love it.
Rather, I have learned to love it. At first, I was exhausted after each video. After all, my emotions were all over the place. You might feel similar when you give your testimony, but I know you can do it. I never thought of myself as a public speaker, but if I can do it, so can you.
“Fall seven times, stand up eight.” – Japanese proverb
Conclusion
Have you learned how to set SMART goals in recovery? Which three (or fewer) will you focus on? What baby steps will you take in order to get yourself closer to your vision? I can’t wait to hear all about it! Please leave a comment, as I will be praying for each and every one of you!
“Addiction denied is recovery delayed.”- Mokokoma Mokhonoana
