If I gave you 10 million dollars would you drink less?

If you have tried to stop over drinking in the past but haven't found success it is likely due to the fact you were attempting this goal using willpower.  This is usually not long lasting because willpower in finite.  So you think all day long, I won't drink tonight, I won't drink tonight.  Maybe you are successful the first night, but by the third night you are like - I need my glass of wine!

When I work with clients we dig into the neuroscience component of desire, and really look at how the brain is designed.  It is a fascinating tool, in fact the most powerful one we have, yet we don't take  advantage of it enough.  Over desire is a learned behavior we have practiced for so long that the neural pathway is like a super highway.  You (the brain) thinks something along the lines of "I deserve this after the day I had",  you reward with a glass of wine, and the pattern is repeated.

Instead of fighting against yourself, take some time this week to really consider why you want to drink less.  Be real, dig down, and make sure the reason is compelling enough to keep you committed to doing the work, no matter what.  As you consider this reason your brain may go to "I don't know".  Confusion is always a lie that prevents progress.  Take the time to consider "If you did know, what would you do"... you will be amazed at what you come up with.  

Think about this - if I told you I was going to give you 10 million dollars if you stuck to your plan, or I would harm a loved one if you didn't, the decision would be made unquestioned.  Making a decision gives you a tremendous amount of freedom and the ability to override willpower depletion.  It's as good as done when your reason for doing it is more compelling than the cravings and emotional desire.

So let's start teaching this brain something new.  Get clear on your why you are will to be uncomfortable in the process.  At first it will seem like you are driving down a bumpy country road, eventually you will move to pavement, and if you keep doing the work your new behavior will be just like a new super highway.  Trust me - I've taken the drive. 😉

If you want to begin learning the tools to stop over drinking tonight click here for a free downloadable quick guide.