Little acts of disorganization or dysfunction now and again may seem harmless. But, if you’re not careful, this type of behavior can turn into big confidence busters. It may even jeopardize your hard-won work during recovery. Ask yourself: “What are a few things that I do (or don’t do) regularly that may weigh on my confidence?”
Here are three common culprits:
Dodging adult tasks: Paying bills is frustrating but avoiding it isn’t the answer. Why? The bills pile up and so do your feelings of inadequacy. Enlist a friend or loved one to help you devise a plan to tackle those bills and stay accountable.
Uncontrolled clutter and disorganization: Constantly searching for bills, clothes, or even stuff in your purse or backpack can make you run late and reinforce habits of disorganization in other areas of your life. Simply put: Clutter drains your time, energy, and confidence. Since de-cluttering can be overwhelming, organizational experts recommend starting small – in time increments and space. Take one small section of your closet, for example, and set the timer for 20 minutes. When time is up, just leave it for another day.
Constant and deliberate procrastination: Waiting to the last minute to do something, whether pay a bill, fill up on gas, or buy that birthday gift for a loved one, may give you an initial rush but it can also lead to unnecessary stress and anxiety. Moreover, uncontrolled stress can be a slippery slope into using alcohol or drugs again.
Help With a Smoother Transition to Independence
Sobriety requires a lifetime commitment, but we’re here to help. At Hope Academy, our aftercare support services aim to help young adults ease the stress of overwhelming responsibility so clients can transition slowly back to the rigors of “real life.” To learn more, call 866-930-4673.
