Alissa’s Strengths-Based Sobriety Story: A Spotlight on Futuristic, Positivity & Strategic Talents
I met Alissa through another Gallup-certified Strength Coach colleague and was immediately drawn to her energy, enthusiasm and authenticity. Today, I’m thrilled to share her sobriety story—told through the lens of her CliftonStrengths.
Based in St. Paul, Minnesota, Alissa is also a small business owner and coach like me. After a late diagnosis of ADHD, Alissa read that many people with ADHD unknowingly use alcohol as a way to slow down their ever-busy brain, and Alissa realized that was SO true for her.
Alissa describes her sobriety story as "normal" — she was a gray-area drinker — no rock bottom moment, lost jobs or DUIs are part of her story. But despite the absence of a dramatic turning point, she knew deep down that alcohol was standing in the way of the life she truly wanted.
FUTURISTIC®: Seeing a Better Tomorrow
When she made the decision to quit drinking, her FUTURISTIC® talents gave her certainty in her decision. Futuristic talents are defined as being inspired by the future and what could be. They energize others with their visions of the future. They are inspiring, creative, expressive, perceptive, and future-oriented.
Alissa saw two possible futures: one where alcohol continued to cloud her potential and another where she thrived in sobriety. Her vision was clear: “I had the capacity to lose everything that was dear to me.” That clarity fueled her commitment to an alcohol-free life.
POSITIVITY®: Finding Joy in Sobriety
Today, at 2.5 years sober, Alissa is thriving—and her Positivity® talents are a key part of her continued success. Positivity brings contagious enthusiasm, optimism, and energy. People with strong Positivity talents have a gift for getting others excited about what’s possible.
For Alissa, her Positivity shines through in her passion for the non-alcoholic movement. She’s using her talents to inspire and energize others who are exploring sobriety or living an alcohol-free life. I have no doubt that her impact on the sober-curious community will be incredible!
STRATEGIC®: Staying Focused on What Matters Most
Alissa also leans on her Strategic® talents to stay grounded in her decision. Strategic thinkers excel at creating alternative paths and visualizing outcomes. They have a unique ability to anticipate what’s ahead and pivot when necessary.
In her sobriety journey, Alissa uses her Strategic talents to stay crystal clear on her goals. She knows that if she were to start drinking again, it would interfere with everything she values most. Her Strategic mindset helps her affirm, “If I want to get to my goals, I must stay sober.”
Outrageously Grateful
As Alissa reflects on her journey, she describes her sobriety as something she’s “outrageously grateful for.” Her CliftonStrengths not only helped her navigate the path to sobriety but also continue to be her guide as she inspires others to consider a different future—one full of possibility, joy, and purpose.
I’m so excited to see the influence Alissa will have on the NA and sober-curious movement. Her story is a testament to how leveraging your strengths can lead to lasting transformation.
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