Successful Healers
I came across this blog post the other day, entitled 12 Things Successful People Do Differently, and it occurred to me that many of the traits set out in the article also serve as good advice for survivors going through recovery.
Think about your own recovery and see how some of these apply:
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They create and pursue S.M.A.R.T. goals
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They work outside of their comfort zone.
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They focus on making small, continuous improvements.
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They maintain a positive outlook as they learn from their mistakes.
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They spend time with the right people.
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They maintain balance in their life.
As I look back on the years I spent in therapy and trying to rebuild my life as an adult, I can not only see where these things were useful, I can see even more how much not doing some of these things set me back. Not maintaining a positive outlook, partially created by surrounding myself with negative people, can do real damage to you as you heal, not to mention trying to do too much, or trying to do things that are impossible.
Take a look at the whole article, and despite the fact that it’s not focused on healing, think about how some of these skills are actually quite transferable. Then, figure out ways you can incorporate some of them into your healing. I think you’ll be glad you did!
I definitey have set myself up for failure by having grand goals that were utterly unatainable …but again sometimes we have to challenge ouselves and try something even if we fear failure.The frustrating thing is that we usually know only in hindsight (what was possible or not).
I’m glad I had a therapist to sort things out !
For me, maintaining a positive outlook and making small, continuous improvements has been key. Although – as you mention – keeping the outlook positive isn’t easy! Thanks for sharing.
Lauren, I think the important thing is to make goals that challenge yourself, but that you can start on right now. For instance, making a goal of losing 50 pounds might be impossible, it might not be, but you’ll never reach that goal without making smaller goals first, like getting to the gym 3 times a week, or eating healthier meals, etc. You have to define the small goals to reach big goals, and too many people don’t do that, thus they struggle trying to reach goals that are beyond their ability.