It isn’t often that we step outside our comfort zones. We get so caught up in our routines that we fall into the habit of staying in them. Why would we want to purposefully make ourselves uncomfortable? Pushing ourselves is scary and messy, so it’s no wonder why we often refuse to make changes. It’s important, however, to get uncomfortable every once in a while.
If you never allow yourself to step outside what you know, you’re never going to create meaningful change in your recovery. In order to get sober, you’re going to have to get used to the idea of getting uncomfortable. It won’t be easy, but it will be more than worth it. Start practicing being comfortable with the idea of getting uncomfortable.
Avoid Striving for Perfection
You aren’t going to be perfect at recovery, so make sure that you know that now. You might not even be good at it in the beginning, but that’s normal. No one is a professional violinist the first time they pick up the instrument or a professional soccer player the first time they buy a soccer ball. To become a professional, you must practice.
Furthermore, practice isn’t done comfortably. Practicing something new is about making yourself uncomfortable so many times that you become accustomed to the fact that you must be uncomfortable if you want to find success. Recovery, like music or sports, is the same way.
You have developed a dependence on alcohol or drugs that has probably been fostered over many years. It’s important to know that what happened over the course of several years will not be fixed in a few days. You’re going to have some good days, but you’re also going to have some bad days.
If you’re looking to be perfect at recovery, you aren’t going to be successful. Sober Life is here to help you along the way. We’re here for you when things are going well, but even more so when things aren’t going well. We know that perfection is not attainable, but we can help you strive for greatness.
Change Your Instincts
Our instincts exist to protect us. They want to keep us safe, so they thrive on comfort. If you are used to consuming alcohol or drugs on a daily basis, your instincts are going to tell you to keep doing so. They’ll tell you to be worried about stopping your substance use.
They aren’t used to living a substance-free life. Your instincts, though, don’t always know what’s best for you. They are dwelling on short-term satisfaction, while you are thinking about the bigger picture. You can see past the immediate moment and into the future that you want to live.
When you feel that pit in your stomach or that thought in your head that is telling you to stick with what you know, tell your instincts that you know what’s best for your recovery. Your instincts are going to tell you not to waste your time trying to get sober. If you’re a few days sober, your instincts might even tell you to give up.
You must, however, remind your instincts that you are allowed to be uncomfortable. You don’t have to avoid the difficult moments. Allow yourself to go against your instincts that have thrived on comfort for so long. In order to change your instincts, you’ve got to get used to getting uncomfortable.
Tolerate Discomfort
As long as your basic needs are met and you are safe, you will be able to survive the discomfort. At Soberlife, you are not in any danger. We can help you get comfortable with the uncomfortable, learning to tolerate a little bit of change at a time. We know how to care for you. We offer individualized treatment because we know that everyone that comes through our doors is unique.
Each person’s comfort level is different, so there is a different way to approach treatment for everyone. We can help you tolerate the discomfort that will lead to the most successful outcomes. Our substance use treatment programs can be geared toward your recovery journey. Trust us as we tell you that you can overcome your addiction. Trust us when we say that we can help.
Keep Moving Forward
One of your goals in recovery is sobriety. To keep moving toward this goal each day, it’s important to take it one day at a time. We don’t expect you to be perfect, but we expect you to do your best. On good days, you may be able to take three steps forward. This is great progress, but we know there are days that aren’t going to be so good.
If you can only take one small step forward on a bad day, you’ve still made progress. That is what is important. Your recovery isn’t going to be easy or comfortable, but it’s one of the most worthwhile things that you’ll ever do. Take each day one day at a time and keep moving forward.
Soberlife is here to help you get uncomfortable and use that discomfort as a motivator in your recovery. We know that there is no such thing as perfection when it comes to recovery. We don’t expect perfection. As long as you do your best to keep moving forward, we know you can be successful. To inquire about the programs we offer, call our staff today at (619) 304-3014. We can’t wait to speak with you and get you the help you need today. Take the first step toward your recovery. You won’t be disappointed.
