Today, I’m diving into something that might surprise you—a way to boost your business that most people don’t even consider. What is it? Quitting alcohol. I know, I know… you’re probably thinking, “Really? Giving up alcohol is going to drive my profits?” But trust me, there’s solid research that shows going alcohol-free can sharpen your edge, boost performance, and ultimately make you more successful in business.
Whether you’re curious about cutting back or going full-on alcohol-free, this episode is for you. Grab your favorite non-alcoholic drink (if you need recommendations, I’ve got a list!), and let’s dive into how quitting alcohol can seriously transform your business.
1. Mental Clarity and Focus
The most immediate benefit of quitting alcohol is mental clarity. Even moderate drinking affects your short-term memory, concentration, and decision-making. Harvard researchers found that alcohol literally shrinks your brain in proportion to how much you drink. The good news? When you stop drinking, your brain starts to recover, often within weeks.
For entrepreneurs, clear thinking is everything. Whether you're solving a problem or strategizing, that extra mental sharpness you gain from cutting out alcohol will help you tackle challenges head-on and come up with creative solutions that move your business forward.
2. Boosted Productivity
Ever had a day where you just couldn’t get off the couch after a night of drinking? That’s because alcohol disrupts your sleep, particularly the REM sleep that’s essential for feeling rested. Even just one drink can decrease sleep quality by 9%. Imagine if your business took a 9% hit every day—you’d be quick to fix it, right?
Quitting alcohol improves your sleep, which in turn improves your productivity. You’ll wake up refreshed, ready to tackle the day, and studies show that people who quit drinking report higher energy levels and better moods. You’ll get more done in less time—what’s not to love about that?
3. Better Decision-Making
Alcohol messes with the prefrontal cortex, the CEO of your brain, which is responsible for decision-making and self-control. When you drink—even after you’ve sobered up—your ability to make sound decisions is compromised. In business, poor decisions can cost you dearly, whether it’s choosing the wrong partner, making a bad investment, or mishandling a client.
When you quit drinking, you give your brain the chance to work at its best, leading to smarter, more strategic decisions that benefit your business.
4. Increased Creativity
There’s a myth that alcohol makes you more creative, and while you might feel uninhibited after a few drinks, it actually dulls your cognitive abilities. A recent study found that people drinking alcohol performed worse in creative tasks, especially when it came to verbal fluency.
Creativity isn’t just for artists—it’s critical in business, too. Whether you’re brainstorming new marketing ideas or solving a tricky problem, going alcohol-free helps you think more deeply and make those important connections that fuel innovation.
5. Stronger Relationships
Business is all about relationships—whether with clients, customers, or your team. Alcohol can cloud your ability to connect genuinely with others. Maybe you’ve said things after a few drinks that you regret, or you missed key parts of a conversation because you weren’t fully present.
When you quit drinking, you show up fully in your interactions. You’re able to listen better, respond thoughtfully, and build stronger, more authentic relationships—something that’s vital in business.
6. Better Physical Health
We all know alcohol isn’t great for your liver, but it affects your entire body. It can cause cardiovascular problems, weakens your immune system, and it’s even a carcinogen on the same level as tobacco. Plus, when you’re hungover or just feeling off after a night of drinking, you’re not performing at your best.
Quitting alcohol gives your body a chance to heal, improving your stamina and energy levels, which are key to showing up every day and running a successful business. Studies have debunked the old myth that moderate drinking is good for you—there’s no benefit to alcohol. If you want to thrive in the long term, ditch the booze.
7. Financial Savings
Alcohol is expensive. Between buying bottles of wine, cocktails at events, and the Uber rides home, it all adds up. Plus, there’s the hidden cost: takeout because you’re too tired to cook, or the productivity you lose because you’re not feeling your best.
When you quit drinking, you’ll save money that you can reinvest into your business—whether that’s a course, a coach, or boosting your business savings for security. Over the course of years, the amount of money you save by not drinking can compound and help you grow your business faster.
8. Improved Brand Image
As a solopreneur, you are your brand. Quitting alcohol shows your clients, team, and followers that you’re committed to personal growth and health. You don’t need to act all holier-than-thou, but people notice when you hold yourself to a higher standard. It reflects positively on how you treat your business.
There’s even a study that found people who don’t drink are perceived as more competent, reliable, and trustworthy—qualities that can give you an edge at networking events and beyond.
9. Increased Confidence
Quitting alcohol is empowering. It’s a way to prove to yourself that you have the discipline and strength to make tough decisions and stick with them. That confidence translates into how you show up in your business, whether it’s at a networking event, with clients, or online.
Alcohol might feel like it gives you a boost of courage, but it’s really just turning down the volume on your inhibitions. Real confidence comes from practice, not from a drink, and when you stop relying on alcohol, you build true self-assurance that carries you through tough business situations.
10. Long-Term Sustainability
Running a business isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon. You need to have the energy and stamina to keep showing up day after day. Quitting alcohol helps you build a sustainable lifestyle that supports your business goals. You’ll learn healthier ways to cope with stress, which will pay off in the long run.
Entrepreneurship is full of ups and downs, and quitting alcohol gives you the resilience to ride out the tough times and keep growing your business for years to come.
Thrive in 5
Before we wrap up, here’s your Thrive in 5—quick actions you can take to start thriving without alcohol and boost your business at the same time:
Evaluate Your Drinking Habits: Take a minute to honestly assess your relationship with alcohol. Is it helping or hurting your productivity, relationships, and decision-making?
Take a Break: If quitting entirely feels too overwhelming, start with a short break like a dry January. Sometimes just a few weeks off alcohol can show you how much better you feel.
Find New Stress Relievers: Instead of reaching for a drink, list other ways to unwind—exercise, meditation, or a hobby. Keep this list handy for when stress hits.
Track Your Progress: Use a journal or an app to track how you feel without alcohol. Note your energy levels, sleep quality, and productivity—it’s motivating to see the improvements!
Get Support: If you need guidance, my Thriving Without course is designed to help ambitious women quit drinking and unlock their full potential in business and life.