The rest of this year and next year are dedicated to getting my life together in areas where I’m struggling. In the last few days I have gone through mild depression. I’m getting used to a new place to live and my addictions are currently getting the better of me. My goal in the long run is to become addiction free. This is a long term goal that I still haven’t given up on.
It’s very hard to eliminate addictions. But it’s still possible. Eliminating addictions is very much worth the effort and getting back on track after the relapses. In your recovery you will slip and relapse, but to have the resolve to stick with your plan no matter what will make all the difference.
My first and biggest priority from now until the end of my life is to quit all forms of gambling. I know for a fact that no amount of winning will bring about satisfaction. Good mental health is linked to good financial decisions. Boredom is my worst enemy, but I will always take bored over broke. I’m currently in a position where if I stop gambling now, I will be well of financially. Since early September, I have been in the midst of a struggle with gambling. But the good news is I still have a lot of money if I quit right now. I have had this addiction for over a decade now, and I feel ready to make another attempt at not gambling. I don’t like the feeling of dependency. This will be the first addiction I work on to be healthier. From April until September, I was able to avoid gambling almost 100% of the time.
To get back on track, I will use the gym as a coping strategy. Today I went to the gym for the first time in months. My fitness is at an all time worst right now. I will be very happy with the improvements that will show up almost right away. I was very weak today when I went. This means that I will reach failure in my reps fast, and the result of that is more strength. The gym is close enough to home now so I can go every single day. I squatted the bar alone today and my legs were toast after just 12 reps. This means that there’s a lot of room to improve. I have a ball hockey season starting in January. I want to make sure I’m playing near my potential. The strength improvements I make in the next two months before the new year will only help me.
Another goal is ending my nicotine addiction. I have been a pack per day smoker for 5 years now. This habit started in 2020, and it has only been worse over the years since. The goal is to be addiction free, and this may be harder than stopping gambling. I have already shown that stopping gambling is possible given that I was on track from April to September. The payoff of not gambling was very rewarding. My relapse started from a hundred dollar slip and it built up to being back in active addiction. But I still have a lot of money now if I quit. It won’t be like starting from zero like I had to in April. From April to September I was able to save thousands of dollars. A wise man said that he had everything he wanted from gambling just by stopping gambling. I have played all the games the house offers so I’m not missing out by quitting. Money is something that matters when it comes to having a low stress life. It won’t make you fulfilled on its own, but it takes away worry when you have money handled.
Coffee is another addiction that is very severe in my case. I have been drinking multiple pots per day for at least a few years now. This won’t be easy to knock off, but for the sake of my health it’s another goal for me. My vision is to be addiction free by March of next year. I will also be in the gym daily between now and that time. The principle of momentum is something I want to take advantage of. The rewards of making each decision the way you must is going to lead to much more joy down the road. I look forward to the future and after being in the dumps for the last few days, I have a plan to get my life back on track.
The joys of life will be greater when I’m free of addiction. I want to get away from being dependant on smokes and coffee just to feel normal. It’s very hard to eliminate addictions, but incremental progress is very possible. The pride of making wise decisions is going to be a good feeling. I also look forward to actually enjoying hockey again. My fitness will be much improved when my season starts in January. By the end of 2026, I expect to be in the best position I have ever been in. This will be the compound results of changing my habits and embracing consistent delayed gratification. Goals are a foundation to progress and I appreciate every reader I have.
I make these posts to also inspire myself and allow myself to look back on what I have posted to keep me on track. So each moment of progress is still progress. I want to give myself credit where it’s due and stay positive as I ace this journey.
To your success,
Angus