How many times have you tried to quit drinking? Does the thought of quitting drinking give you anxiety? Can you picture your life without alcohol in a positive and empowering way?
The thought of going without alcohol may feel like a punishment.
You may worry that life without alcohol will be a time of deprivation and isolation.
You might be thinking that not drinking isn’t something that you actually want to do. It’s the last resort to stop feeling sick and tired.
These thoughts are really common - and they’re setting you up for failure.
There’s a way to approach not drinking as a positive, empowering step you’re taking for yourself.
In this episode, I’m going to dive into the 5 mistakes most women make when trying to stop drinking - and how to avoid them.
Mistake #1 - Believing that in order to successfully stop drinking you have to know in your heart that you “have a serious problem with alcohol” or that you “have to stop”.
Don’t ask yourself if you’re “bad enough to have to quit”. Instead, ask “is this good enough to keep on going”.
Mistake #2 - Telling yourself that “This time” you are quitting drinking “FOREVER”.
Forever isn’t helpful as you’re just starting on this path.
Instead, tell yourself that you’re giving yourself the opportunity to see how good you could feel if alcohol wasn’t your constant companion.
Mistake #3 - Treating not drinking as a form of self-punishment rather than an opportunity.
Taking a break from alcohol is a wonderful gift you are giving yourself.
Mistake #4 - Many women combine trying to stop drinking with a bigger “health kick, initiative, diet overhaul, Whole 30 thing you are doing to lose weight and get fit”.
If you try to eliminate everything at once you won’t succeed. Not drinking requires a SINGULAR focus for a while.
Mistake #5 - The last mistake women make when trying to stop drinking is that they’re waiting for the perfect time. There is no perfect time.
There will always be a dinner party or a wedding or a Thursday night. Don’t allow yourself to stay stuck. Just begin.
RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
Grab the Free 30 Day Guide To Quitting Drinking, 30 Tips For Your First Month Alcohol-Free
The Hello Someday Podcast For Sober Curious Women