Set your own goals

Setting a goal is an important part of making a change that lasts. If you are a person who gambles, you may have decided that you want to change your gambling – gamble less often, gamble less money, or maybe not engage in a specific type of gambling for a while. If you are a family member of a person who gambles, your goal might be to address gambling harm or to help the person take control over their gambling. These are a great starting point to develop your personal goal. Getting really specific about your goal will help you achieve it. Goals are also more likely to be achieved if they are challenging but also realistic.

Dealing with gambling is not the only activity in your life. You might also think about goals that are not directly related to gambling but that you also want to achieve. Such goals may be to feel fitter and healthier, to have a job that you love, or make progress with a hobby. 

It is also important to think about why you want to change the situation around gambling. You may feel that your connection with your friends and family could be stronger. Maybe you realised that you could have taken your family on a nice holiday somewhere in New Zealand on the money that has been gambled. As a family member, you may want to learn how to help at the right time and in the right way. Knowing the reasons can be a great boost for a change. 

Set specific and realistic goals for what you want to achieve. Being specific means saying exactly what you want to achieve. Being realistic means making sure that it is something you can actually do. Small goals can lead to a big success. Be clear about why you want to make the change.