5 Recovery Mantras to Help on a Tough Day at Work

You’ve probably heard of a recovery mantra—a slogan or quote that helps anchor recovery principles in an easy, memorable way. These powerful tools are backed by wisdom to help you on tough days. Having a few in your back pocket can be highly beneficial to strengthen and support your recovery.

One of the greatest values of a recovery mantra is how it can help you beyond recovery, like at work. Think of the last bad day you had, or how you handled a difficult interaction with a coworker.

What if you started applying these power-packed mantras to tough workplace moments?

Instead of getting caught up in anger when you’re confronted with a tough workplace scenario, try replacing your inner dialogue with a recovery mantra. These mantras can help you stay grounded, shift your mindset, and make more intentional choices—even in high-stress moments at work.

Here are a few mantras that can help you on the job:

1. Progress, Not Perfection

It’s easy to be overly self-critical, especially at work. Whether you’re working on a project or trying to move up professionally, give yourself permission to make mistakes along the way.

Every effort to better yourself—personally or professionally—comes with high and low moments. Instead of focusing on being perfect, look at your trajectory overall. Look how far you’ve come. Look at what you’re learning. And learn to see the value in your failures.

It’s all progress, no matter what. So the next time you’re battling perfectionism on the job, remember: Progress, not perfection.

2. Nothing Changes If Nothing Changes

This is a common mantra in recovery that reminds you change requires action, and it applies to work, too.

Whether you’re stuck in a job that isn’t serving you or striving for more, the only person you can control is you. Change what you can. Move forward with an attitude of positivity.

Don’t show up at work doing the same thing you’ve always done and expect different results. Remember: nothing changes if nothing changes—starting with you.

3. Wherever You Go, There You Are

The challenges of addiction can sometimes make career growth feel more complicated. Maybe you recently completed treatment. Maybe you’re prioritizing recovery over your career right now. Or maybe past experiences have created barriers that make finding a job harder. If that’s the case, try not to be too hard on yourself.

Consider the inspiring story of Suzula Bidon, a person in long-term recovery who spent time in prison and went on to become a lawyer. Her journey wasn’t easy. It was filled with barriers, setbacks, and difficult trials.

But her story is a powerful reminder to stay present as you walk the journey, because there are lessons to be learned every step of the way.

No matter where you are in your career or recovery, wherever you go, there you are. Accept every part of the journey, and commit to being the best you can be in recovery every day.

4. Do the Next Right Thing

Say this one every day: just do the next right thing.

You can’t change your boss. You can’t control how others respond to a situation. But you can control your actions, and that’s empowering.

It’s not always easy to remember, but use this mantra to guide you. If you’re confronted with multiple choices, or an opportunity to respond with anger, pause and focus on the next right thing within your control.

Even one small “right” decision can set off a positive domino effect. It can build character, strengthen your confidence, and help you gain wisdom through hard moments.

5. One Day At a Time

Hand-in-hand with “do the next right thing,” this mantra reminds you to focus on what you can handle today.

Big successes are only achieved through small moments of consistent dedication, day in and day out. Maybe you’re thinking about starting a business, finishing your degree, or landing a big promotion. Those are amazing aspirations, but they’re built through small steps taken consistently.

Try not to get overwhelmed by the future idea of success. Instead, stay diligent and grounded in the present. Be tenacious today, and watch how it strengthens your work ethic and hustle.

Find Support When You Need It

Recovery is personal, and finding the right support can make all the difference, especially when work stress and life challenges pile up. If you or someone you love needs help, Recovery.com makes it easier to find drug and alcohol treatment centers that match your needs. Explore trusted options, compare programs, and take the next step toward lasting recovery.