toadie54

I'm new here, but not new to social media and self help online websites and groups.

One free website I've been especially connected to is Sparkpeople.com, a nutrition and fitness accountability website...notice I hesitate to call it a weight loss website, though it does help in that capacity as well. It basically makes you accountable for what you eat (and drink) and what kind of exercise you do daily, along with the community of groups that let you post about anything, much like this site.

I joined in 2009 and lost 30 pounds before having a heart attack and stent installed in August 2009 (yeah...go figure), and then I lost interest. I've "reSparked" as of February 2015 and have lost 30 punds to date again.

The reason I bring all this up is to explain a new feature I found on the website that helps identify your goals. It is called your GOAL MOTIVATION BOARD and appears on your start page kind of like a small image presentation, randomly showing you the various goals you have set or met.

Yesterday I printed my "goal board setup" and today I wrote in how it applies to my substance abuse and recovery...it reads like this:

1.) Your Goals and Motivation in Words

End my substance abuse/dependency forever

2.) Short Term Action Steps

Stop abusing alcohol
Enroll in IOP for substance abuse
Abstain from social media websites (except SR)
Avoid league bowling for 4 weeks

3.) Completed Goals

15 days alcohol free this Friday

4.) Goal Motivators

Marriage relationship will be better
Will be improving my overall health
Alcohol abstinence will help in my weight loss
Will be respected for my decision by people who matter the most in my life

5.) Images of Your Goals & Motivation

You use their images and/or upload your own

I post all this in the hope that it may be of help to someone. I think having a set of goals spelled out in this recovery process could be very helpful, I know the daily reminder I get on Sparkpeople.com helps me stay focused.

Best of luck to all in your own battles and recovery!

Dee74

Thanks for sharing this Toadie

D

CaseyW

I think this is a wonderful idea. Wishing you the best as you move toward your goals for today, tomorrow, and the future.

SoberLeigh

Thanks very much, toadie.

Soberwolf

Thank you Toadie

Formy2boys2

Wow! Thanks for sharing. I find it hard to write down goals as I tend to overanalyze everything. Something like this is perfect

Kris47

Anything that works, helps! Good going on finding a motivation for you.

I try to journal at least part of the week.

toadie54

Free Diet Plans at SparkPeople is the hyperlink, if anyone is interested in Sparkpeople

Thanks for the feedback everyone!

thomas11

I agree with Kris47, if it works for you, that's all that matters.

Kris47

It never hurts to keep finding new motivation as well. Gotta fill the tool box up.

PurpleKnight

Great post Toadie!!