The Power of Habits: How January Can Be a Catalyst for Change

As we step into the new year, many of us reflect on the past and set goals for the future. This period of introspection often leads to a focus on achieving more and filling perceived gaps in our lives. While this can be motivating, it's also important to examine the underlying patterns and cycles of our behavior that shape our daily lives.

Habits, driven by our thoughts, feelings, and actions, are the bedrock of our daily routines and ultimately determine our results. They form the framework of our beliefs and behaviors, often without us even realizing it. Recognizing these patterns requires awareness, and it can be helpful to seek perspectives from trusted individuals like therapists, coaches, or mentors who can help us see these habits without judgment.

One example of a habit that often comes under scrutiny in January is alcohol consumption, with many people participating in "Dry January" to reset their relationship with drinking. Alcohol, like any other habit, creates neuropathways in the brain, and chronic use can shift behavior control from areas involved in complex decision-making to regions associated with habit formation. This can make it challenging to break free from habitual drinking patterns. Moreover, alcohol has been linked to changes in brain structure, such as reduced gray matter volume, which can affect cognitive functions.

In a recent conversation with my friend David Andrews, co-author of "The 30-Day Sobriety Solution" with Jack Canfield, we discussed how high achievers often struggle with alcohol. The illusions we create about being in control can make it difficult to see the impact of our habits. With new research highlighting the health risks of excessive drinking, including links to cancer, now might be the perfect time to reassess our relationship with alcohol and other habits.

Ultimately, the journey to understanding and reshaping our habits begins with awareness and a willingness to seek support. By reflecting on our core values and the behaviors that align with them, we can create lasting, meaningful change.

Want to learn more about reshaping habits and making lasting change? Listen to my full conversation with David Andrews HERE.