The "Squiggly Line" of Sobriety: A Spotlight on Activator Talents
One of my amazing clients, Susan, can attest to this “squiggly line” firsthand! I've written about Susan in the past; perhaps you remember her story.
She’s been coaching with me for the past 5 months through my 1:1 signature coaching program, with a focus on redefining her relationship with alcohol. It hasn't been a straight line to sobriety! (It rarely is, by the way)
Susan’s goal? To feel “happy, lighter, and in control”—and most of all, to stop constantly thinking about drinking. Can you relate?
Big Win: Susan just celebrated one full month alcohol-free, and she’s over the moon with her progress! At home, it’s easy—she’s removed the temptation by keeping alcohol out of the house. And she doesn't think about drinking. But when she’s out and about, things get a little trickier:
🍷 At her favorite restaurant, the waitress automatically brings her usual glass of wine.
👯♀️ On her girls’ get-away weekends, there’s always a variety of drinks to choose from.
🏈 Super Bowl parties? Everyone’s drinking, so “just one” feels tempting.
Every few weeks, despite her best intentions, a drink "just happens." Susan and I have talked about her ACTIVATOR talent—the one that makes things happen, turns thoughts into action, and thrives on doing things now. This talent can be a real asset—a fast-acting catalyst and influencer, who brings energy and instant momentum to projects and groups!
But when it comes to alcohol, the flip side of Activator can be impulsiveness. And that’s where Susan sometimes gets tripped up. Activator talents can be impatient, impulsive, and do things too quickly, without thinking them all the way through.
Acknowledging her Activator talents, Susan has developed the following strategies to overcome its impulsive nature:
✅ Be Upfront at Restaurants: Let the server know ahead of time that she’s skipping wine—this simple act sets the tone
✅ Give a Heads-Up Before Social Events: Telling a few trusted friends she’s not drinking helps ease anxiety and creates accountability.
✅ Bring Her Own NA Options: For gatherings like the Super Bowl, having a non-alcoholic drink on hand gives her something to reach for instead.
Even with occasional slip-ups, Susan is making tremendous progress. We focus on Progress, Not Perfection around here, and her journey is proof of that! 🙌 Now, she’s setting her sights on her next goal—2 months alcohol-free by the end of April!
Join me in congratulating Susan on her 1 month alcohol-free!
If you’re interested in my strengths-based approach to sobriety, you can download a free activity guide here that will help you identify your talents (without taking an assessment) and create an action plan that’s personalized for you!
If you’re interested in transforming your relationship with alcohol, don’t forget I offer a free Discovery Call! Book your call at a time that’s convenient for you at the top of this page!
