5 Reasons You Might Want To Sober Up

As a coach, I get the opportunity to look inside the lives of my clients. It’s a privilege I don’t take lightly.

These high-performers can push the lines in all areas of their lives. Their ability to push through is often one reason they’ve become successful.

Often times, this drive also causes them to find ways to decompress with equal vigor.

Over the past week, I’ve had two people reach out to me and share their desire to stay sober. They didn’t feel they had a problem, but they did express a desire to make a change.

????‍???? It’s important to note that I’m not a drug and alcohol counselor and this certainly isn’t my specialty – these two people knew that as well. But, this is something that comes up often in conversation when things get real, so I’m going to share a few reasons why someone might want to consider staying sober… just in case any of these ring true for you. ????‍????

1. Your Family – When I coach clients that have kids, this is the easiest one to point out. How much time are you missing with your kids? What memories are you missing out on? How are they going to remember you? If you say they’re the most important to you, then this is a good reason to let your actions speak louder than your words.

2. Your Health – Look, we all know that partying hard isn’t good for your health. If you’ve got a spare body, then go for it, but most of us don’t. If you want to be around for a long time, this might be a good reason to slow things down.

3. Your Life – I’ve had those nights out with the boys where I’ve had more to drink than I should have. It was fun, but the next day sucks. I’m not productive, I’m tired, and I don’t want to do anything but sit on the couch and binge Netflix shows. This doesn’t align with my goals and probably not yours either. You are meant for more than just average or you wouldn’t be reading this now. You’ve only got one shot at this game we call life, so use your time wisely.

4. Those That Are Watching – There’s a big movement going on right now around not caring about what others think about you. I like it, but I also think that if people knew how many people were watching them and looking up to them, they’d change their behavior. My son is like a mini-recorder. He mimics the things my wife and I do. Regardless of whether I’m aware of it or not, he’s watching… and so are many others. If not for you, then for them.

5. You – When it comes down to it, many people are using drugs and alcohol as an escape and a way to sedate. Over the years it’s become a habit – a cocktail at the end of the day to take the edge off becomes 3 cocktails a day over time… and that carries over to the weekends where things get even crazier. I’ve been there. What I found was that over time this behavior prevented me from getting to know me. Now that might sound weird, but I’ve worked with thousands of people and it’s rare to talk to someone that actually knows themselves. If you’re not sober, then you can’t truly BE with anyone else… including yourself.

I’m by no means making a judgment on anyone’s actions – simply putting out there a possibility of something different for those in search of an alternative.

One of the men I spoke to was able to spend time with his kids over the weekend – something he normally wouldn’t have done because he would have chosen to party. Nothing wrong with him – just his ritual.

My guess is that his kids will remember that time… and possibly many more times like that to come.

Cheers!