Struggling to keep your momentum as the novelty of cutting back on drinking starts to wear off? You’re not alone. In this third mini episode, Anna Donaghey returns with five practical, pressure-free ideas to support you through January, especially when willpower is fading and real-life challenges kick in.Building on previous mindset shifts, Anna sidesteps perfection and “shoulds,” guiding you to focus on what you actually want from life (not just what you’re trying to avoid). She invites listeners to rethink their motivation, reframe inevita...
Struggling to keep your momentum as the novelty of cutting back on drinking starts to wear off? You’re not alone. In this third mini episode, Anna Donaghey returns with five practical, pressure-free ideas to support you through January, especially when willpower is fading and real-life challenges kick in.
Building on previous mindset shifts, Anna sidesteps perfection and “shoulds,” guiding you to focus on what you actually want from life (not just what you’re trying to avoid). She invites listeners to rethink their motivation, reframe inevitable wobbles as valuable learning moments, and gently plan supportive evenings that help you feel safe and soothed and not stressed.
You’ll learn the ultimate nervous system hack (intentional breathing), why small rituals matter more than big gestures, and why celebrating tiny gains is the most powerful way to stay on track.
Here are the Highlights:
00:00 Welcome back to the mini series, for a new year kickstart
01:09 The novelty wears off, how to get real momentum in sober curiosity
01:31 Five simple, practical ideas, not willpower, but gentle support
01:49 Swap “not allowed” thinking for “is my life good enough right now?”
02:42 Motivation from desire, not discipline or fear
03:18 The pull towards a better life is stronger than willpower
04:39 Wobbles are normal, it takes time to learn new habits
07:12 Treat setbacks with curiosity, not moral judgment
07:34 Plan evenings lightly, enjoy tiny, soothing rituals
10:12 The incredible power of intentional breathing (box breathing)
13:39 Pay attention to what’s getting better
14:32 Pick one idea to shape your evening, even if it’s gentle and small
14:54 What if this month was about becoming someone you feel good being?
15:04 The journey continues with more episodes and resources.
Anna’s group coaching community ‘Unstuck!’ helps identify your alcohol ‘stories’ and beliefs, breaking the cycle of alcohol and all the shame that goes with it. For more information and to find out how to join, please follow this link: https://www.winetowatercoaching.com/unstuck-1
To further explore your relationship with alcohol, check out Anna’s self-guided programme, The Big Drink Rethink Experiment: https://www.thebigdrinkrethink.com/the-big-drink-rethink-experiment
And apply the code POD99 to purchase for just £99 as a podcast listener.
If you’re loving the podcast and would like to give Anna a warm, fuzzy feeling of appreciation, then you can buy her a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/bigdrinkrethink
About the host Anna:
Anna is a certified Alcohol Mindset Coach, trained by Annie Grace of This Naked Mind. Drawing on her own journey out of alcohol addiction, she now helps others explore and control their drinking. With a career spanning 25 years as a Strategist in the Advertising industry, she combines her own lived experiences, with great insight into what makes us tick and what influences us to behave the way we do.
Connect with Anna:
Website: thebigdrinkrethink.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annadonaghey
Instagram: instagram.com/bigdrinkrethink
Produced by winteraudio.co.uk
Mentioned in this episode:
To pre-order my book, What Are You Thirsty For on Amazon select here: https://amzn.eu/d/3v3T6Mq
Or on Waterstones here: https://www.waterstones.com/book/what-are-you-thirsty-for/anna-donaghey/9781915780607
