February is here. If you did Dry January, how did it go?
Maybe you sailed through and plan to continue… or perhaps you’re not sure what to do next. Maybe you’ve already had a drink or struggled to make it through the month.
I’ve had ALL of those experiences at some point or another, so I know what it’s like.
And here’s the thing: it’s what you do next that matters just as much as what happened in January. I explain why in this video.
Key points
No matter what you do next, reflect first
It’s really important to capture how you’re feeling right now – the good and the bad. (Download the Dry January Debrief to help with this). Some of my biggest breakthroughs came from reading something I’d written months earlier and realising: “I forgot how good I felt back then.” Or I’d look back and notice a pattern to my drinking that I hadn’t spotted before.
For example, if you completed Dry January but it felt like an endurance test – akin to being on a diet, perhaps – then let’s capture why sobriety feels like hard work right now. Why does it feel like deprivation? What do you think you’re missing out on? This information is key to changing those beliefs and how you approach alcohol-free living in the future.
If you’re going to drink again…
Put a note in your diary first! I wish I’d done this after my breaks from drinking. I was so determined that everything was fine (“Look – I stopped! No way do I have a problem…”) that I conveniently overlooked what happened next. Somehow, it didn’t register how quickly I slid back into drinking in a way that didn’t work for me.
So set a reminder to check in with yourself at the end of February. Put another reminder on your phone for the end of March. On each occasion, grab your Dry January Debrief to remind yourself where you were at the end of January. Have things got better, worse or stayed the same? This is how you collect proper information about your drinking – don’t rely on your memory (which always distorts over time).
If you had a tough month, you’re not alone
In 2013, I attempted Dry January with a group of friends. I lasted a week before giving up. (They all made it through the month and I had to pretend I was still doing it too. It was awful). But do you know what else happened in 2013? That was the year I quit for good.
So if you need a reminder that all is not lost and this year isn’t a write-off – then hello: I’m it. I’m living proof that you can turn things around. All that matters now is moving forward with intention. The key is capturing how you feel right now. Then you’ll have real data to work with – not just vague memories or wishful thinking.
Ready to create an alcohol-free life you love? Click here to learn more about my Getting Unstuck course.
10 responses
I’ve been sober 1 year on April 9th and I’m not going to lie it’s been a tough ride…to anyone who is struggling stick with it because if I can do it so can you, even if that’s just having less drinking days 🙂
Most importantly remember baby steps…much love
Congratulations on nearly one year sober! Baby steps is right and the benefits grow bigger every day. You are not alone on this journey and here are some of the successful women I’ve coached over the years to confirm you’re on the right path: https://thesoberschool.com/success-stories/
Greetings from across the Pond! (Birmingham AL, USA) Well, I have not started any drinking whether it was Jan. or not – I still have no desire to drink. That being said, I think I’ll take a look at your Debrief anyway. Knowledge is power and we all know how sneaky wine is! Have a wonderful Valentine’s, and again so many thanks that you inspire us all!
Greetings to you too and it’s good to hear you have no desire to drink. It’s always useful to refresh your thinking around alcohol at any time of year so you’re welcome! 🙂
I did great in January and am continuing in February. I noticed in my journal for in the bible app I had prayed about having too much wine and at one point i was 119 days sober and went back .. it was an eye opener as i didn’t remember quitting for that long and realize how easily i went right back to every day. I want to keep this feeling
Good for you Debbie! You won’t regret continuing on for a while longer, I promise. You can keep this feeling and the debrief questions will help you clarify what to do next. 🙂
Celebrated my 3rd Dry January (& all the days in between). True to say it’s been life changing, I’m still noticing & appreciating little ‘moments’ to smile at.
That’s fantastic Helena, congratulations! Those little ‘glimmers’ keep on coming to make you smile. ❤️
Hi Kate.. last year I managed 6 weeks without alcohol until someone persuaded me to have a drink on my birthday in March and I stupidly succumbed. I’ve bitterly regretted it since and haven’t done dry January this year. My drinking consumes my thoughts constantly and I feel like a slave to it. I know I can stop as I have already done that, but I don’t understand why it is such a pull for me. I do know I want to be rid of it but for some reason feel like I’ll be missing out on something if I stop.
Alcohol is an addictive drug which is why it draws you back so easily. It’s the drink of more and increases desire over time, even when you consciously know it’s bad for you. Therefore drinking is a thinking problem and that’s exactly how I approach teaching you a different way to think about it. We tackle the mindset issues together whilst learning new ways to handle emotions, thoughts and life.
Here are the details of my next course that I hope you can join and let me help you create a life where you don’t feel deprived of anything: https://thesoberschool.com/course/