The number one reason that sober folks fall prey to Fading Affect Bias as it relates to booze is because they haven’t done all the work to dismantle their deeply held beliefs about alcohol as a substance, its role in society, and how it relates to the Self (that’s right, capital S!).

There remains a hugely common misconception that alcohol assists sleep, even though the reverse is true. While alcohol is a depressant and when consumed in larger quantities can result in drowsiness and even unconsciousness, it is also full of carbohydrates which the body access for fast-acting fuel.

Remember, your goals are there to inspire you, not to shame you. Focus on the gains you’ve made, and let them propel you forward.

What we really aught to do is to get curious to see what each one of these versions of ourselves is trying to teach us. Since they are both us, they are both trying to look after us and help us in their own way.

The new year is a perfect time to reflect, reset, and reclaim control over your life. That’s why Dry January has become such a popular movement. Taking a break from alcohol for 31 days isn’t just about skipping a few drinks; it’s an opportunity to challenge your beliefs, recalibrate your habits, and step into the year with clarity and confidence.

It’s widely known that alcohol acts as an anesthetic depressant in the body, slowing down our central nervous system and relaxing us—at least temporarily. But alcohol’s effects go far beyond that, thanks to the way our bodies respond to its presence.

What if we looked at our own lives with the idea that being broken apart was necessary for change, for our ability to grow in personal power? Would that change how we viewed the shattering moments of our lives? The darkest times, when our drinking had us so low, that was the “solve” part. Now, we get to “coagula” and shape the lead of those negative experiences into the gold of our new life.

If you’ve had experiences with willpower letting you down, maybe try a different approach.