I’m convinced this has only become popular because of its alliteration.

Striving steadfastly to succeed, I’ve set a self-improvement challenge this Sober September, seeking strength and serenity.

In the past, I’ve accomplished these challenges, though, on occasion, I’ve failed too.  I think the biggest hurdle is jumping back in once you fail.  That’s why I have trouble considering the Hard 75.  If you fail just once, you have to start over.  No forgiveness?  I don’t think that’s fair to ourselves.  That’s why, for this September, I’m allowing some room for error.  We have a few events to attend, and I’m giving myself a pass for one of them.  That way, the next day I can jump right back in without too much guilt, and I’ll continue a mostly-healthy month.

(UPDATE 9/13/24: We had an event that I had a few beers at.  Since, I was able to jump back in without an issue.  Giving myself room for error could make this a year-round challenge soon.  Not too hard.) 

So here are some helpful tips (mostly for me):

Sober September Tips

• Give yourself 1 hall-pass.   If you blow it due to an event, a friend coming in from out of town, or some other unexpected wrench gets thrown into the plans, don’t give up the whole month.
• Do it with others!  It’s always easier to do anything when you’re accountable and not alone.
• Don’t plan too much.  I’m personally putting the majority of my effort into our family, work, and reading.  I’ve cut down on social engagements.  If you need to hang with friends, choose ones that are active and not drinking.
• Substitutions.  I’m drinking more sparkling water, coconut water, and other fun drinks.
• Celebrate Small Wins.  Got through 2 weeks?  Have a big bowl if ice cream!
• Early to Bed and Exercise.  I feel these need to live together because without exercise, or a cocktail, getting to sleep is hard.  Going to bed early helps keep from moving towards unhealthy habits.
• Tracking/Journaling.  I’m finding this blog is super helpful in keeping me on track.  I don’t care if anyone reads it, it’s just therapeutic to put down my notes.
• Add other Goals.  Similar to not planning too much, it’s good to add goals that work well with this one. Like drinking more water, exercise, eating healthy.  Make it a waterfall of healthy habits.
• Nightly visualization.  It’s good to think on your goals and successes just before bed.  It gets your mind ready for positivity in the morning.

My Notes

Though I’m only 4 days in, here are some things I’ve noticed with this conscious abstention.

• If I stop drinking for a week or 2 without it being a conscious decision, I don’t think about drinks as much. When I decide to stop, I think about it quite a bit.  Haha!
• Getting to sleep is harder, but I wake up far more rested.
• I’m reading more.  This is eye-opening.  If you follow my 40-book challenge, you’ll notice the months where I’m drinking more and reading less. There’s a direct correlation.  Other than for work, I only read at night in bed. So if I’ve had a drink or 2, I’m likely to fall asleep after the first 5-10 pages.  I read over 100 pages last night in different 2 books.
• I’m hungrier at night. I might gain a few more pounds. (UPDATE 9/13/2024: I had a bowl of ice cream last night before bed.  It gave me more of a hangover than booze.) 

My Habits

I tend to have a beer or cocktail nightly for a week or 2 straight, then stop for a week, etc…  I don’t think about it enough.  I love a glass of wine when cooking, a beer when doing gardening, and a cocktail while watching a movie.  I blame my European roots. The only hangover I’ve had in the last 2+ years was recently while backpacking in the crater.  I went big one night, mostly because I didn’t want to carry out booze (ultralight is a lifestyle), and I couldn’t bear dumping quality whiskey.