To keep doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results is insanity

Maybe and maybe not! We use this slogan many times in our recovery groups, thinking the statement to be true. For example, to keep missing our recovery meetings week after week may result in a possible relapse. I believe this to be true! Insane? It is definitely not helpful when one is trying to find sobriety or a way out of their depression

For the depressed to isolate oneself from family, friends and the world, is to gradually move self into a deepened mood of sadness and ultimately depression. The isolation is not going to defend the individual from depression but is only going to make it worse.

To look at the slogan from another angle is to find that the statement is false. In fact, to keep going to meetings week after week or more often is doing the same thing – expecting different results. By doing the same thing over and over again, in this case, the different results are a strengthened recovery with hopefulness coupled with serenity.

One thought on “To keep doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results is insanity”

  1. I agree! Have come to learn that if you repeat an action for 30-90 days it will become habit… But that can be a good thing. If you are trying to change something in your life. So do it for 90 days and you will change the things that keep you in a depression!
    Most recently I have put a rubber band on my wrist and when I become agitated, I snap myself to remind me that it is “not that important” Soon it will become a habit to tell myself this and will no longer need the reminder (the rubber band) and I will automatically tell myself (how important is it really).
    I have done this with smoking, drinking, depression, and many other things!

    Rob in PA

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