Top 10 tips to win at Dry January

If you have joined the enthusiastic, alcohol free gaggle then no doubt you are counting down the days until February 1st - 5 left - this is a long month in more ways than one. For those of you whose resolve is weakening here is a picture of my local pub - and a lovely pub it is too. Tempted to join me for a tipple? What if I put up a picture of your favourite drink? Would that tempt you?

Anyone who sets themselves a challenge - for health reasons, financial, vanity or sanity -needs to preserve will power and seek out ways to make it easier to achieve. Here are the basics - my top ten tips with a bonus for luck. Cheers!

1. Have a set target.

Dry January works, less alcohol doesn't.

2. Make the goal difficult but achievable. 

No alcohol for the next hour is too easy - no alcohol ever is too hard.

3. Remove Temptations.

If there is no alcohol in the house you will not feel the urge to drink it.

4. Avoid subliminal suggestions.

Photos of alcohol, programmes with people drinking auto suggest you should indulge.

5. Have a buddy go for the same goal with you.

If you are competitive this works. If you are supportive this works and if your ego can't bear failure - this works.

6. Set a reward for when you reach your goal. 

This adds to the incentive - arrange a party for February 1st.

7. Chart your progress.

Tick off each day on your calendar -as you get more ticks the momentum increases.

8. Focus on Small Steps.

Don't think about a month without booze - think about no booze today. 

9. Tell everyone you are aiming for this goal.

Accountability helps.

10. Do not give up if you have a slip.

This does not make you a failure - you have just learnt something - maybe it's simply that you are not perfect so carry on - no one is.

11. Focus on you achieving your goal.

Picture it, dream it, see it, live it. If visualisation works for top athletes - why not try it for yourself?   

Everything in life can be as difficult or as simple as you make it. People have flown to the moon so whatever challenge you set for yourself you know it is possible as someone else has done it before. Or if that does not motivate you - think of Roger Bannister:

"I found longer races boring. I found the mile just perfect."

What a hero. Go out and get inspired. Paul McKenna pretends he is Brad Pitt. No mean thoughts but come on... it works for him.

My personal tip - whenever I feel overwhelmed, bored, exhausted, indecisive, trapped or scared I think...

"What would Madonna do?" Probably not the same as me but it sure puts things in perspective.  Anyone can be great... the challenge is believing in yourself - going for it is then easy.