157: What Happened When I Said No to the Thing Everyone Says Yes To | Damon Lembi

When host Damon Lembi quit drinking, it had nothing to do with hitting rock bottom. Instead, it had everything to do with the future he wanted to create. 

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why Damon gave up alcohol (without hitting a dramatic low)
• The moment he realized he wasn’t showing up as the person he wanted to be
• A 5-step framework for making lasting change in your life
• How to handle discomfort in social situations after a big change
• What life felt like two weeks, two months, and nine years after quitting
• How letting go of one habit helped Damon become a sharper leader, father, and author

Timestamps:

00:00 – Damon’s personal story: why he quit drinking without a rock-bottom moment

01:00 – The role alcohol played in his personal, professional, and social life

02:00 – The turning point: noticing the impact on his health, energy, and finances

03:00 – Reflecting on family: longevity, legacy, and leadership

04:00 – Step 1: Get curious—books, conversations, and quiet exploration

04:50 – Step 2: Journal—getting fears and hopes onto the page

05:30 – Step 3: Tell someone—why accountability changed everything

06:00 – Step 4: Commit—picking a date and making it real

06:45 – Early challenges: awkward parties, AA meetings, and finding his own path

07:50 – Step 5: Lean into discomfort—navigating social pressure and anxiety

08:45 – What changed: sleep, clarity, confidence, and sharper decision-making

09:30 – Why alcohol used to be a coping mechanism—and how Damon replaced it

10:00 – The long-term impact on his career, health, and creativity

10:45 – A final challenge for listeners: what’s holding you back?

Connect With Us:

• Uplevel yourself and your team with our trainings: www.learnit.com 
• Email us: podcast@learnit.com 
• Follow Damon on LinkedIn and Instagram