More and more people are back to work now and are quickly becoming more engaged in life. You might be comparing your life last year to this year, and wondering how to prioritize things in your life. I recommend creating a vision board with goals for the next 5 years. Be creative! Create your vision board using colorful markers and pencils, and list 5 action steps you can take in the next 3 months. 

Here is an example of how to create the action steps. Start small. Think about what you can do this week, this month, and this quarter. Be realistic. Use SMART goals for this exercise. SMART goals are specific, measurable, achievable, reasonable, and time-sensitive. 

Example: You have a goal to purchase a home in 5 years. Here are examples of 5 action steps you might take in the next three months:

1. Set up a savings account and set money aside monthly.

2. Start paying down debt, use $50.00 per month, and pay it toward debt.

3. Reduce your overhead expenses by $50.00 (this money can be used toward debt reduction).

4. Take on a small side job to help pay down debt or save for a down payment.

5. Set up a meeting with a financial planner you trust.

This is just an example of ways you can take small steps toward a larger vision or goal. Of course, I’m not qualified to give you financial advice, but a therapist can help you devise an action plan that is in line with your goals, beliefs, values, and vision.

An important part of addiction or trauma recovery is posttraumatic growth. In order to grow, we must have a vision for where we are going. 

Sometimes, it is difficult to see our future, especially when we surface from the fog and pain of addiction or hurt from PTSD. 

What is your vision for your life? Do you want to change careers, improve your spiritual life, make a certain amount of money, buy property, develop a lasting romantic relationship, have a family, have a pet, open a business, complete a degree or certification? The list can go on and on. Each of these examples has action steps that you can start today.

As always, I’m cheering you on!