People who make plans to avoid or handle temptations may be more likely to achieve goals, according to new research by the University of Wyoming. Part of goal setting is anticipating barriers and coming up with effective strategies to manage conflict as it arises. Many young adults who have experienced a failure to launch in the past feel confident after completing a residential program, but continue to struggle with setting realistic goals that acknowledge how to handle possible obstacles in recovery.
Obstacles in Recovery
Many young adults feel confident that the areas they’ve struggled with in the past will no longer be an issue once they’ve learned skills they can use to cope with stress in a healthier way. However, they often have had limited opportunities to practice using these skills in a real-world context. Without planning ahead and acknowledging how difficult some situations may be, they may feel like the obstacles in recovery are insurmountable.
Transition programs can help young adults:
- Find a support system
- Maintain healthy relationships
- Look for work or volunteer opportunities
- Practice self-care
- Work towards long-term goals
Using Self-Control Strategies:
According to the researchers, planning self-control ahead of time may be critically involved in achieving long-term goals.
- Avoiding situations where “temptation is present”
- Altering one’s situation to minimize the influence of temptation
- Diverting one’s attention away from a temptation
- Changing the way one thinks about a temptation to make it seem less appealing
Elements of Goal Setting:
- Specific. What will be accomplished? What actions will you take? Young adults often struggle with a lack of direction and seeing the bigger picture. Through high school, they may have felt like other people mapped out expectations for them. Young adults are more likely to experience failure to launch if they are not sure what launching would look like for them.
- Measure. How can you keep track of progress? How will you know when you’ve achieved this goal? When young adults set goals around values they want to carry with them, their plan may seem vague. It is helpful to come up with specific actions that are aligned with these values in order to measure progress.
- Achievable. Is this goal realistic? Do you need to set smaller short-term goals in order to help you reach it? Do you have a support system or resources to help you meet this goal? Many young adults come up with grand plans that they are unprepared for. Starting small and asking for help can facilitate making their goals more realistic.
- Relevant. How does this goal align with your vision for the future? How will the results help you reach other goals? Often, young adults are focused on the instant gratification of isolated goals, but struggle to see how they are connected.
- Time-Bound. What is the time frame for accomplishing this goal? Setting a time limit or establishing a deadline can help motivate young adults to achieve their goals.
Foundations Asheville Can Help
Foundations Asheville is a program for young adults ages 18-25 who are struggling to launch into adulthood. This program is committed to helping young adults develop and sharpen the skills they need to be successful in the real world. There is a focus on teaching students how to enter the workforce, develop vocational trades, and functional living skills. Foundations Asheville gives young men the opportunity to gain confidence, find their purpose, and learn useful skills that will help them navigate through the adult years.
Contact us at 1-877-318-7273. We can help your family today!
The Foundations Team” profile “We work tirelessly to empower individuals with the essential skills and knowledge to thrive in their personal and professional lives. To contact our admissions team, call (877) 318-7273
