Recovery goals are objectives that a person sets that are related directly to their recovery (mental health-based goals), and that may have been put on pause due to their mental health condition (work, family, physical health, social life, etc.)

Goal setting is the process of planning for the future and thinking about what you want out of your recovery journey and your life.

Setting personal goals – big and small, can help you focus on what’s important to you.

Learning how to set goals and achieve them can help you live the life you want while managing your mental health recovery. When you set your own goals, YOU are in control and you decide what success looks and feels like to you.

It can be helpful to think about:

What’s important to you?

What you want to accomplish?

What you want out of your life?

Some Tips for Setting Goals Include:

Set Clear, Specific Goals

Having simple and realistic goals can help you focus and be more likely to reach them.

Take Small Steps

Break down big goals into smaller ones so they are more manageable and easier to reach.

Get Support

It’s not always easy to reach a goal—so some people appreciate help. Think about which people from your treatment team or support network might be able to help you.

Share Your Goals with Others

If you share goals publicly, you may feel more committed to reaching them.

Stay Positive

Having hope and believing in yourself can inspire you to accomplish your goals.

Improve or Build a Relationship with a Friend or Family Member

Establishing close ties with your loved ones can do wonderful things for your mind and body. This has been found to be a very effective practice.

Get Involved in the Community

Engaging yourself more often in the outside world will allow you to improve your mental health. It has been also found that socializing is one of the most effective ways to improve mental health.

Developing Healthy Habits

You may try to develop healthy habits like reading more books or getting into exercise routines. It’s up to you what these habits will be. But, keep in mind that you must choose habits that will definitely help you for the better.

Track Your Successes and Challenges

Remember to share your progress with your treatment team and give yourself credit for the work you are doing.