When I finally reached a point of full recovery in mental health, I started to wonder what I wanted to do in this life. Most of the issues that I faced in terms of mental health usually stemmed from fear. Once I realized that fear wasn’t serving me and was holding me back from living a fulfilling life, it had less power over me.

However, fear doesn’t disappear completely. It can play a complex role, sometimes keeping us safe from danger and other times hindering our progress. Regardless, we need to find ways to move forward despite its presence.

One powerful tool for moving forward is setting goals. Goal setting is important because it gives us something to look forward to, a beacon in the darkness. While it’s crucial to stay present in the moment, it’s equally important to have aspirations for a brighter future, especially when life throws curveballs. Goals provide a destination, a target to aim for, and give our lives direction. Without them, we can easily feel adrift, simply going through the motions.

If you’ve achieved everything you’ve ever wanted, living an aimless life might not be a problem. But for most of us, there are mountains to climb and dreams to chase. While keeping goals simple is a good starting point, I found out that taking action and achieving them can be a whole other challenge.

Many of us face mental blocks that prevent us from moving towards our goals. These can take many forms: self-sabotage, fear of success or failure, procrastination, issues of self-worth, or any number of negative self-narratives we create in our minds. The important thing to remember is that we have the responsibility to overcome these barriers and build the life we truly desire.

Here are some strategies to combat these mental blocks:

• Identify your blocks: The first step is to become aware of the specific thoughts or feelings that are holding you back. Journaling or talking to a therapist can be helpful in uncovering these hidden obstacles.
• Challenge negative thoughts: Once you’ve identified your mental blocks, challenge their validity. Are they based on reality or are they irrational fears? Remind yourself of your past successes and reframe negative thoughts into empowering ones.
• Break down large goals into smaller steps: Feeling overwhelmed by a large goal can be paralyzing. Break your goals down into manageable, achievable steps. This will make them seem less daunting and give you a sense of accomplishment as you complete each step.
• Celebrate small wins: As you move towards your goals, acknowledge and celebrate your progress, no matter how small. This will help you stay motivated and on track.
• Seek support: Don’t be afraid to ask for help from friends, family, a therapist, or a coach. Having a support system can make a world of difference in overcoming challenges and achieving your goals.

Remember, recovery is a journey, not a destination. There will be setbacks along the way, but don’t let them discourage you. With perseverance and the right tools, you can overcome any mental block and achieve your goals. You are capable of amazing things!

Until the next post, thank you for reading. As always, wishing you love and success!