Great, you made it to the end of Dry January! Or was it more like Damp January?
Either way, the big question is NOW WHAT?
One thing is for sure, February is here and you now get to make some decisions!
Let’s look at some questions to help guide you:
- What went well in January? What were the “wins”?
- Was it easier than you thought? If so, in what way?
- If it felt hard, why? Was it the triggers? Cravings? How did you handle them? Did you white-knuckle it?
- What got in the way, if anything? Was it work, kids, stress, your boss?
- What were the positives? What benefits did you experience from taking a break? (This should be an easy one to answer!)
- What is the ONE thing that you took away from taking a pause?
- What is your intention for February and beyond?
- What would make a bigger difference for you next time in regards to “success”? Perhaps a community, a coach, a program?
Self Reflection
For most people, taking a pause is a time of self-reflection. It can be a reset, recharge or a renewal to yourself that this year will be better than the previous year. Whatever your reason for partaking in Dry January, give yourself a pat on the back for doing so.
Perhaps the goal wasn’t to quit permanently, and that’s okay. If you gained massive insights into why you drink, you’re on the right path. And if you white-knucked it through and couldn’t wait for February 1st to get here, that’s a sign to tell you more about your relationship with alcohol.
You plus alcohol together is a relationship. Once it becomes one-sided and is no longer serving you, it’s time to assess how long and how much investment you’re willing to have with it. This is the gray area that can become slippery if not careful. This is the time to pay attention and ask the tough questions and be honest with yourself. The truth is, you already know the answer.
My goal as a coach is to urge you to always #questionthedrink before drinking. Ask yourself the series of questions as to why you want to drink, or feel you need it. Just by pausing and allowing a moment to assess the reasons will provide you with better insights.
Try Dry for 30
Dry January doesn’t have to be over. If you find yourself dipping back into a negative pattern this month and want to establish a BETTER relationship with alcohol, join us for Try Dry for 30, a group coaching program designed to improve your relationship with alcohol. The waitlist is open and early registration begins in a few weeks.
You don’t have to do this alone. As a matter of fact, there is a much higher rate of success when done with other like-minded men and women just like you. To get on the waiting list, click here.
Dry January can lead to a Fabulous February and Marvelous March. (thanks to my husband for naming the months accordingly), and it’s true. Your decision to drink is personal and is a choice you get to make. Begin with your desire and your reasons why, set the intention, and GO!