Hey ,
Time for a “Real Talk” moment here. I’ve justified my drinking
for the past 30 years in some shape or form, but here is the REAL reason
I decided to stop…and it’s NOT what you think.
Ok let me start by saying that I LOVE a good IPA, California Cab, or a
smoky Mezcal Margarita. As many of you know I love food and there’s
not a better pairing than a great drink to go with it.
Then there’s also the social reasons.
Fishing at the Lake…Goes great with a few Coronas.
Steak Dinner with Wifey…Goes great with some Malbec.
Watching the Game with Friends…How can you not have beer?
Friday Weekend Nightcap…Maybe a glass of some good Bourbon.
You see my point there’s ALWAYS a reason you can justify drinking
alcohol. ALWAYS. But what if you just said no?
What are some reasons to quit drinking alcohol?
* Your Health – Alcohol no matter how you slice it is a poison and
it’s poisoning you. It’s linked to a myriad of health issues
including heart disease, liver disease and dementia.
Fact: Alcohol is a poison in any amount in any form and it’s bad for
you. Period!
* Your Waistline – Alcohol has tons of calories and sugar. You can
fool yourself into thinking that light beers and or clear spirits are
better for you, but they are not. You just tend to drink more and or
eat more after drinking. Also, when your body is processing alcohol,
it tends to store more fat.
Fact: You cannot and will not get in great shape or get jacked while
drinking regularly. Period!
* Your Presence – Although alcohol can be fun at times to loosen you
up and or take the edge off, it can also lead to you being NOT your best
self. Bad decision making and alcohol go hand in hand.
Fact: You are NOT yourself under the influence of alcohol. Period!
* Your Kids – I know I can’t hide my son from the reality that
alcohol is in our society, but dad does not need to be the town drunk or
party animal. I want him to understand that alcohol is a tool and like
any tool you don’t need to use it all the time.
Fact: Your kids will do what you do. Lead by example. Period!
These are all great reasons to stop drinking but they are NOT the REAL
reason I stopped. The reason I stopped was to prove to myself that I
can. To make a promise to myself and keep it. To strengthen my own
personal resolve, will power, and control over my actions.
EVERY TIME YOU BREAK A PROMISE YOU MAKE TO YOURSELF YOU TEAR AWAY AT
YOUR CONFIDENCE AND ABILITY TO TRUST YOURSELF. I WILL NOT BE THE TYPE
OF GUY WHO CAN’T KEEP HIS WORD…NOT TO MY FAMILY, MY FRIENDS, AND
ESPECIALLY NOT TO MYSELF!
I made a clear agreement with myself with specific goals and
milestones. Yes, I still drink a little but only when I hit a goal or
for a very special occasion.
My 46th birthday is right around the corner, and I’ve only drank a
handful of times this year. Zero in the month of June leading to my
birthday on the 30th.
You can scoff at this and say drinking isn’t my problem…But I’ve
heard that enough in the 27 years I’ve been coaching to know that it
almost always is!
If you have a fitness, health, or personal goal try removing the booze
for 90 days or until you hit your goal. You might not even realize how
much it’s been holding you back.
Ready…Set…Fit!
-Coach Joe
P.S. My goals don’t have to be your goals. If you would like to
speak to a coach to help you set some clear goals and keep you
accountable, we would love to chat. Enter your info
HERE and we’ll get right back
to you.