3 years alcohol-free and why.

Over 3 years ago I took a break from alcohol. I was stressed, overwhelmed; my mental and physical health was suffering, I was going through a divorce, it was all too much. Alcohol had become a coping mechanism and there was no shortage of opportunities to consume it. 

In a moment of desperation, whilst imagining the life I desired and feeling held back in my current reality, I made a firm commitment to take 21 days off alcohol to "remind myself what life was like without it." 

The impact of not drinking for those 21 days was so profound I continued to stay off alcohol, and a year later I wrote about it in this article. The article was read by over 230,000 LinkedIn members and I received thousands of comments and private messages from members who could relate to my story and many of whom made a commitment to take 21 days off alcohol for themselves (over 15% of the audience were Executive Directors and CEO's, the majority in Sales at tech firms).

"over 15% were Executive Directors & CEO's, over 40% were in Sales"

Three years on I remain happily alcohol-free. It's just become who I am. I haven't vowed to give it up completely although I'm rarely interested in adding alcohol to a moment. Beyond all the benefits I wrote about previously (feeling great, more energy, less fogginess and better sleep) there are stronger forces at play that inspire me to stay off the booze. 

In my work as an executive coach with some of the most brilliant minds in the industry it continues to amaze me how often removing alcohol is akin to climbing a personal Everest.

"If only I could give up alcohol, I could do anything". And they do, often in the same session, finding liberation from a mindset and cultural obligation that was holding them back from reaching new levels of freedom, success and fulfilment in life, work and their relationships. 

"If only I could give up alcohol, I could do anything". 

What motivates me to remain off alcohol is.... you. I have had countless friends, family, business associates and people from around the world reach out and tell me that they are taking a break and how life-changing it has been for them. Each and every one of these people becomes a beacon in their own communities, inspiring others to let go of behaviours and habits that just aren't good for them and stepping confidently towards a lifestyle that is.

I go to social events and these days and so many more people are choosing not to add alcohol to the occasion. It's not something to hide, in fact, for those that have taken a break it's something to celebrate. No hangovers, more quality time with family, authentic conversations at work and home, less guilt, thousands of dollars saved and freedom from the cognitive dissonance of wanting to be happy and healthy yet ingesting what in reality is poison on a regular basis. 

It's wonderful how fast society is adapting to this trend and the rise in non-alcoholic premium beverages on restaurant and bar menu's is a testament to the size of the growing market. 

Future generations will wonder why we once drank so heavily.

So after reading all of this, how's your relationship with alcohol? Are you consciously choosing to enjoy it infrequently and in small amounts or do you ever wish you didn't consume so much? Have you taken a break and experienced any benefits in your life? I'd love to hear from you so please comment below or send me a message. 

If you or someone you know might benefit from working with me please book/refer them for a sample coaching call.

I love to help motivated professionals move boldly towards their incredible future. 

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