I have just completed my 60 day no-alcohol challenge and I learned one thing more than anything else.

Many people say they “should” do this but do not take action.

That’s the difference between a successful man and a man that wallows in mediocrity for decades.

Some example reactions from others along the way:

“I could do a week…maybe…but 60 days??”  – A buddy of mine.

“I really need to do that.”   – Two bartenders who approached me at the same bar, asking if I wanted a drink, within minutes of each other. They said the same damn thing, a gut reaction.

“60 is too long.”   – In reality, 60 is nothing.  This is a snapshat to what could be an extremely beneficial and challenging life quest for those who struggle with alcohol.

“Are you serious man? You crazy or something?”   – The typical, conditioned response.  Everyone is doing it, so I should be too. Bullshit.

“Just have one drink…who will know?   – I will know, that’s who. It would haunt me for weeks.  Giving up on the mission. Unacceptable.  A challenge is a challenge for a reason.

“You should have waited until a different time, when not much is going on.  You’re missing out.”   – Something is always going on, and the alcohol flows. You either complete the challenge or you don’t.  Here are some tempting events where I stayed the course:

• 4 dates with a beautiful new girl I met

• A Philadelphia Eagles tailgate party and game

• A Judas Priest concert, one of my all time favorite bands and the first time I saw them live – talk about personal willpower

• Band practice

• Attended 2 separate shows to see 2 friends rock out. Abstained at both. Must’ve turned down 10 free shots of whiskey

• More than one weekend at the bar, more than one party

Based on a rough calculation, I believe in total over the course of 2 months I saved $250 by not spending on alcohol.  That’s a potential $1,500 over the course of a full year, give or take.

$1,500 that you could use toward your business, or toward anything else that gives you a ROI or improves an aspect of your life over the long haul.

More importantly, it is a discipline check.

You either have it, or you don’t.

People will throw you off course, or you stay rock solid.

I know my body and mind have benefitted from this cleanse.  I did not have a single hangover and easily rose at 6 am to hit the gym or to get working.  I put in 12 hour days and didn’t suffer fatigue.

I enjoy drinking a nice scotch, or a well made classic martini here and there.  Pumpkin beers are at the top of the list and I am looking forward to trying this season’s selection of brew.

I have COMPLETED the challenge. My discipline sharpened.  My will hardened.

That is my reward.

I will imbibe tonight to celebrate the accomplishment.

This makes it far more satisfying, instead of just drinking for the sake of getting trashed like the common schlup on a typical Friday after getting their mind erased from a 9-5.

Halloween is my favorite holiday.

Tonight I dine in hell.

Dark Challenge: When someone tells you their goal, test their character by taunting them. Play the game and see if they crack. Body language reveals weakness.

I have plenty of solid posts coming in the pipeline, including why I think Jesus was a con-man, the anatomy of a band original song, and the definitive guide to stage presence.

See you soon chumps.