Mindset: One of the Key Foundations to My Sobriety

Mindset, simply defined as “the established set of attitudes held by someone,” (Oxford Languages) is pretty much the key foundation to anything, including sobriety. 

Everything that we create originates from our minds.  

Think about it – everything that you can see right now in front of you, next to you, even the clothes on you, were once created by someone. It sparked a thought that led to another until action became reality. 

I’ve found it to be similar with sobriety or recovery. The first big step is that you have to want it badly enough. 

There is always a fine line between wanting it and being stuck; not able to get help by yourself – hence the existence of detoxes, rehabs, and professionals.  

Although alcoholism and addiction might be seen as a disease/an illness with no cure (but solutions to cope with it and remain sober), in my experience, you have to have the right mindset behind it. Sobriety takes work. It doesn’t just fall on your lap. However, the chance or opportunity to get sober might. 

The work comes from your mind, that will lead you into action and doing the recovery work. Sometimes, one also needs to learn to put the body in action, and the mind will follow. 

What I’m trying to say is your brain is a muscle – you can train it and strengthen it to be in your favor and not against you. 

It takes 30 days to build a habit (on average, for some longer). Make small marginal decisions on a daily basis that will eventually pay off. This is a classic example, but it works: do a few pushups, or abs, or squats (whatever you want) on a daily basis. After 30 days, I guarantee you will see results. 

Same with sobriety: don’t drink just for today – 24 hours at a time, sometimes 1hour at a time, sometimes just 5 minutes at a time. We all have different tools to help us with that, some of mine are:  

• Going to meetings on a daily basis (12 step fellowship).
  Gratitude lists.

• Checking in with my sponsor and other recovering alcoholics/addicts.

• Being creative everyday.

• Exercising everyday.

• Making my bed everyday.

• Showering/brushing my teeth everyday.

• Reading recovery literature on a regular basis.

• Connecting with my Higher Power everyday.

• Doing things to get out of my comfort zone.

• Practicing rigorous honesty at all times.
  

This all might sound boring and repetitive, but it works for me. There’s no better way to build muscle than by repetition.. right? 

Mindset is key.

Starting something is easy, I know that. Starting a routine, a diet, a relationship, a puzzle, whatever. Keeping at it is tough, because it's work. Being consistent, doing the same routine everyday, repeating this to create a cycle is when it gets challenging, but it's also when new habits form and progress becomes measurable.

I've always been quite good with the "fuck it" mentality, and if you're in recovery you might be too. One more drink? Fuck it. Another line? Fuck it. One way ticket to Mexico, leaving everything and everyone behind? Hell yeah, fuuuuuck it!

So why not apply this mentality to bettering ourselves? That's what I've been doing, or at least trying . When I don't want to do my yoga or workouts, I press the same “fuck it” button and put my body in action - usually my mind always follows. When I feel super nervous to share in a meeting, I just say, "Hi, my name is Chris, and I'm an alcoholic," and it gives me that adrenaline rush I loved so much when I did something bad. Having that  YOLO (You Only Live Once) mentality doesn't have to be destructive; it’s not just partying, traveling, being carefree, and being reckless. It can also be channeled to better your mind, spirit, and body to the best of your ability to live a fruitful and meaningful life, which is what I wish for you – yes, you, reading this.

About C:

You can call me C. I am just another 27 year old French/Singaporean recovering alcoholic/addict writing this from Manchester, UK. I had over 2 years of sobriety back when I was 21, but my story (obviously) couldn't be so easy. I am thus back into recovery after dancing with the devil a little more, a little longer, all throughout living in Paris for the second time and the past year backpacking Mexico and Central America.

Instagram: @disciplinethroughart / @lemondethroughc