You Want to Drink Less, But Are You Telling Yourself You Can't Stop?

It can be so challenging when you begin doing this work to drink less, because on one hand you are telling yourself you can't stop drinking, and on the other hand you have a thought that says you want to not drink as much.  Our brain likes to be right.  When you start to challenge the way things have been (over drinking) you feel this sense of mental discomfort because you want to make the changes, but in doing so it would mean you are finding evidence to prove a new thought true.  It seems crazy, but it is actually a psychological term called cognitive dissonance; the state of having inconsistent thoughts, beliefs or attitudes, especially as relating to behavioral decisions and attitude changes.  BINGO - one of the reasons it is challenging for those that want to make a change, and want to evolve to their next best version. 

So how can you begin to move closer to your goals?  Remember your brain wants to find evidence for your thoughts.  For example, if you have been thinking "I can't stop drinking" you will find all the reasons why that is true.  When you begin  to introduce a new thought like "I am in complete control of my drinking" your primitive brain will encourage you to prove the new model wrong because it goes against what is known and safe.  You must first decide on purpose what you want.  If you are not able to go from one end of the spectrum to the next I encourage you to start using a ladder thought - getting you one step closer to the new belief.  For example - you can choose to think "I'm learning new ways to feel more in control of my drinking".  

Next, practice this new thought on purpose.  You are going to have to continue practicing until it is a new belief.  This is where you will face the discomfort.  But know, if you decide to go all in on yourself once you get through the discomfort and prove your new thought true you are taking your life to the next level.  Not many people do this friend.  They give up because it's easier to stay comfortable and safe.  But so often staying safe and seemingly "comfortable" causes more pain because we so badly want to evolve.  You must commit to being all in, allowing the discomfort, and knowing on the other side is where you get your true reward - the freedom knowing you have complete control, and you totally got this.