Embracing Dry July: A Journey Towards Personal Growth and Leadership

“I’m doing Dry July,” I said......And so, I did.

It was the week of May 27th when I said those words, half-jokingly, to a colleague. “Are you really? Good for you,” they replied. I truly believe in the power of the spoken word and that we are what we manifest. Once those words were out there, I knew I had to follow through.

I wasn’t supporting a specific charity or asking for funding, though I’ve lost loved ones to cancer, including my dad. Instead, I decided I would donate to the Dry July Trust personally. This challenge was for me—as a career mom and leader—to see how I would handle 31 days without alcohol, both mentally and physically.

My husband and I don’t lead a lifestyle filled with weekly cocktail evenings or partying (even though I would not say no to a great party). Our wedding day 11 years ago was one of the few times I’ve gotten utterly sloshed, and what a glorious day it was. I mean, look at me all happy and aglow with love for my soulmate. Even into my early adulthood and as I navigated my way through the corporate world, I’ve never needed alcohol to relax or fit in, but it did seem to be everywhere.

“Hey bestie, are we wining on Friday?” is the usual Thursday WhatsApp from my friend Jemma, filled with hearts, smileys, and random emojis. No one was more distraught by my Dry July confession than Jemma when I sent her a WhatsApp message. Her voice message back: “Pardon? Pardon Mason? Okay you’re unfriended…Why would you do this to me?” Then lots of crying noises, followed by another voice message: “Today is just getting worse and worse. Now my drinking partner” (more crying noises). “Guess I’m gonna go home and drown my sorrows”. It was all very dramatic in true bestie style. But she got over it five seconds later, and she’s still my mate.

Despite the challenges, it was a very good month for me. Whilst peer pressure isn’t an issue for me, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t crave a glass of wine or cocktail when out with colleagues or my family. It made me realise how instinctive some habits can become, over time, that we don’t necessarily question. The same can be said for the bad leadership traits we acquire over the years or from others.

What Dry July Taught Me About Leadership

Commitment to decisions

Leadership requires commitment and discipline. Participating in Dry July was a tangible demonstration of setting a goal, committing to it, and seeing it through despite challenges. This builds trust and inspires your team to follow you, even when the horizon looks bleak. If you can’t trust in yourself to see something through, how do you motivate a team to do the same.

Self-awareness and reflection

Taking a break from alcohol offered me a chance for self-reflection. I listened to podcasts on coaching, parenting, AI in business, and got back into my morning exercise regimes which I had lost motivation for during these cold winter months. Leaders who practice self-awareness understand their strengths and weaknesses, make informed decisions, and empathise with their team, fostering a mindset of continuous improvement.?

Leading by example

David Novak said, “Every leader casts a shadow, so be aware of the fact that people will do what you do.” By participating in Dry July, I hope I demonstrated the importance of setting personal challenges and striving for self-improvement, especially setting a positive example for my son. I would like to believe that this inspired others who know me to pursue their goals and adopt healthier habits, creating a culture of growth and well-being.

Resilience and coping strategies

Within the corporate environment abstaining from alcohol for a month can be challenging, especially in social situations where drinking is the norm. For a lot of individuals having a glass of wine or beer in their hand can become an unconscious security blanket or coping mechanism. However, abstinence does build resilience. Leaders face numerous challenges on a daily basis, and tapping into this resilience through personal challenges enhances your ability to stay calm and effective under pressure.

Enhanced focus and productivity

As a mom I don’t get the best of sleep anyway, and I do find it difficult to switch off, however I did experience better focus, and increased energy levels from not having the hazy feeling alcohol leaves behind. Well rested, focused leaders are better equipped to make strategic decisions and drive their teams toward success.

?Conclusion

For me personally Dry July was more than just a break from alcohol; yes, it started off as such, however it became a challenge to myself of being able to commit to making myself feel better and making my mind stronger that I could see it through.

Was it tough? For sure.

Was it worth it? Absolutely.

Would I do it again? Definitely.

Can I live without alcohol? Most certainly.

The commitment, self-awareness, resilience, and empathy I showed myself are traits I need to exhibit daily as a leader, a mom, wife and friend. And the questions we ask ourselves as individuals, as we navigate difficult situations can help us come out on the other side much stronger.

Plus, I lost 2kgs, so there’s that ??.

Disclaimer: The statements, views, or opinions expressed in my LinkedIn profile and related articles represent my own views, those based upon research or my own real-life learnings and experiences. They are not those of my employer.