People in recovery from an addiction are at a very vulnerable point in their life. Often they have difficulty in determining what they want and need to have in their life because they have lived so long without things that we take for granted. They are often swayed by what others say is right as opposed to taking a stand and being able to say “this is right for ME“.

One very harsh reality for many recovering addicts is that they have to learn that they cannot please everyone. Another key reality to face is that what works for your friend, your family member or even your spouse may not work for you. In my book, “The Law of Sobriety” I talk about a client I worked with by the name of Tanya. Tanya wanted to return to school to earn a degree, but she had a lot of fears. She knew there were advantages to graduating and she took on the task despite her concerns. The problem was she also wanted to keep doing all the things she was already doing that seemed to make her family and friends happy.

What Tanya couldn’t do is decide what was right for her to succeed. She mistakenly believed that she had to keep doing what everyone else thought was right. She ended up going to school, working, studying and not having time to take care of herself and manage her recovery plan. Missed meetings, stress and inability to stay on her plan sent her back into addiction.

You can take steps to do what is right for you during your recovery to avoid the same mistakes that Tanya made. By using these simple, effective strategies you can and will have short and long term success living the life that you want to have.

Tip 1: Develop a recovery plan – a coach, therapist or recovery counselor can help you create a personalized, unique and you-centered plan to deal with the issues in your path to sobriety.

Tip 2: Learn To Say “NO” – everyone needs to manage their lives so they have time for themselves, their careers, their families and the things that they enjoy. With addiction recovery you have even more on your plate to juggle so being able to say “no” or “not now” to additional tasks and responsibilities is an important step in allowing you the time that you need to focus in on you.

Tip 3: Cutting Corners Cuts Success – when you cut corners or try to do things only minimally your results will be minimal. In your recovery plan and in your life you need to do things completely so that you can maximize your success in all aspects of your life.

Using these techniques as well as getting professional coaching, counseling and recovery support is critical in learning to do the right thing for you on your path to sobriety.

Sherry Gaba LCSW, Psychotherapist, Life & Recovery Coach is featured Celebrity Rehab on VH1. Sherry is the author of “The Law of Sobriety” which uses the law of attraction to recover from any addiction. Please download your  free E books at  www.sherrygaba.com  Contact Sherry for webinars, teleseminars, coaching packages and speaking engagements. Listen to Sherry on “A Moment of Change with Sherry Gaba”on CBS Radio. Are you a Love Addict? Take Sherry’s quiz for a free eBook Filling the Empty Heart:  5 Keys to Transforming Love Addiction.  Sop Attracting Damaged Relationships – Get the Love You Truly Deserve! Free Coaching Session http://www.sherrygaba.com/offers/group