Learn: Month 6 without alcohol, connections into 2024, being yourself

Read: 3 mins

Greetings from Austin,

Here are 3 ideas to connect deeper with yourself and others.

🇲🇽 Company Event in Mexico 

Last night I got back from a week in Mexico (AppSumo retreat + separate event I cohosted). 

This year's retreat, I tried something CRAZY. 

My current experiment = What would my life look like without alcohol? (currently on month 6)

But here’s the thing… 

The last few company retreats have been pretty BOOZY for ya boy. (In a professional / team bonding type of way 🍹)

So admittedly, I was a little nervous how I’d handle this year sans tequilla-team-bonding. 

Turns out it was easy, but in different ways than I thought. Here are 4 unexpected takeaways: 

 1) Enhancing “In-Between Time” & Self-Respect

It hit me the second day just how much more enjoyable the “in-between” moments were without tequila sweating out from my body the day after a long night. The in-between time (hanging out in the lobby, bus ride to excursions, or in line before ATVs) was 10x more enjoyable.

Instead of borrowing the next day’s happiness by drinking the night before, each day I felt refreshed and fully charged. 

I realized this was actually a form of self-love or self-respect.

This felt AWESOME.

2) New Way to Exercise

We had an EPIC venue/dance club type environment for the team party the third night. 

Typically, I associate dancing with drinking. The higher my blood alcohol concentration, the lower my inhibitions or concerns looking “cool” or trying to fit in.

But I’ve come to realize, NOBODY CARES. Everyone just cares about themselves. So why worry over what others are NOT even thinking? 

And here's the best part.

Bopping all over the dance floor and slurping mineral waters all night felt just like a fun form of EXERCISE (which I'm obsessed with).

3) Connection Quality

Without hangovers or altered states, I didn't have any diminished interactions with other people. No looking back and thinking “oh man, wish I was sharper or had better energy during that conversation.”

Connections are a core value, so this is huge for me. 

Sure, sometimes I felt like I was being less “fun” by not being in full party mode. But I still hung out with everyone and also just went to bed whenever I was tired, instead of accidentally staying out wayy too late. (Again, self-respect.)

Main thing was just having something in my hand, like mineral water which I happen to love. 

4) Overdue Experiment 

I'm not saying I’m never drinking again. It's just an experiment for now. And while I haven’t drank much in the last several years, I’d still have at least a few drinks a month.

Crazy realization is that I haven’t gone six months without drinking since junior high. That’s 20 years! 🤯

As with most areas of my life, I use the motto “test, then invest” (stolen from AppSumo). So far the test is going great, thereore investing more into health. 

Worth noting, that not everyone at the company drinks, and I didn’t feel any pressure. It was pretty cool actually how teammates were interested/curious/supportive which led to great convos. Also, I'm sure most didn't even notice.

Final note: the point of this is not to say alcohol is bad or good. Instead, it's to evaluate ANY of our decisions to see if they align with what we want. Or if we default to what others do when that's not actually what is best or most desirable for us.

🧲 Connecting

One of the many benefits of sharing thoughts online, is attracting like-minded people when I see them in person. 

For example, two people on the company retreat told me they have 2024 personal goals they want to share with me for accountability and feedback. (s/o Jess and Brenden!)

An insight that’s now crystal clear to me: I LOVE it when people take action to improve themselves.

Even better if I can assist that in any way. Like a menorah on the eighth night of Hanukkah, this LIGHTS ME UP.

Two questions to consider for yourself:

1. What's something that lights you up? 
2. Is there anything you want accountability (or feedback) on for 2024? Hit reply and let me know!

🔋 Feeling Yo’ Self 

I’ve spoken with a few people who recently found their stride, breaking through a new level personally or professionally (in some cases both).

Reminds me of this Miles Davis quote I love:

“Man, sometimes it takes you a long time to sound like yourself.”

Keep singing friends.

Salud,

Mitchell