Willpower won’t work. This will.
If you could count on willpower to get you where you want to be you'd probably be there already. Willpower is like wishful thinking, there's no action behind it.
Finite resource, on the fence + make some moves
Finite resource
Willpower is a finite resource. Meaning you only have so much in a day. You have a limited reserve and, once you run out, you'll most likely lose control.
When it comes to the monumental achievement of quitting drinking, unfortunately, willpower alone is not going to get you there.
On the fence
If you're relying on willpower to quit drinking, this means you're not fully committed to the idea that you want to quit drinking. That's what makes it so hard.
Many people (myself included) will start a sober journey and wait for the feeling to hit them that they want to stop drinking.
You think that feeling will hit you and then it will be easier.
I hate to break the news but it's not going to happen. You have to choose a side of the fence. Choosing to quit drinking requires accepting where you are and where you want to be. That's the beginning of the choice - acceptance. Once you accept the reality of the situation, some inner conflict goes away and the process becomes a bit easier.
Make some moves
Once you get past relying on willpower and jump all in on the decision to quit drinking it's time to make some moves. This is what will work:
Making some SMART goals (Specific. Measurable. Achievable. Relevant. Time-bound.
Sharing your goals with someone you trust (the more people/accountability the better).
Removing obstacles (like getting the alcohol out of your home).
Basically, throwing the book at it. Find, and use, as many resources as you can.
When it comes down to it, what works is letting go. Letting go of expectations of how it all should be. Accepting where you are and making an honest effort to get where you want to be.
