By Jimmer

Despite the support systems that you have in place during this dry month, there’s something evil out there that will never be on your side. It’s your Inner Negotiator (IN). Your IN sits in waiting, ready to pounce every time you make a step forward. He/she will say things to you like, “You’ve made it a week, you’ve shown you can do it, no need to do this.” Or, “What a stressful day you’ve had, you can take this one day off and pick up tomorrow.” Or, “30 is just a number, you can set your own terms.”  

The voice sounds friendly, but your IN is an expert at manipulating you however and whenever possible.  How do you counter that evil voice?

1. Acknowledge his/her presence. Everyone has an IN, it’s not restricted to drinking. Your IN will also attempt to sabotage your dieting, workout schedule, future plans, you name it. Accepting that this evil being is there is the first step.
2. Call your IN out. Say “I know you’re there, and whatever you might say, I know you’re not looking out for my best interests.” Or say, “I see you, and you’re not fooling me no matter what you say.” Even better, write it out.
3. Counter your IN’s statements with healthy ones. “Yes, I could take a day off, but how is that going to benefit me?” Or, “Sure, I had a bad day, but that’s life and you’re not going to use it to your advantage.” Or, “I suppose I could set my own terms during Dryuary, but that’s you doing your thing, not me.”

Your IN is crafty, and will always be there. But we get to choose our own power, not give it away to anyone else.