The Power of an Experiment Mindset on Your Alcohol-Free Journey

By Coach Onowa

Hello everyone! Coach Onowa here. As we continue our journey toward freedom from alcohol, I want to share something that has been incredibly powerful for me and my clients: the experiment mindset.

This simple shift in perspective can change everything. Instead of approaching this journey with pressure, judgment, or fear of failure, what if we treated it as an experiment?

What is the Experiment Mindset?

An experiment is all about discovery. It’s not about success or failure—it’s about curiosity and learning.

When we approach something as an experiment, we hold it more lightly. Instead of thinking:

• Will I fail at this?

• What if I don’t enjoy myself?

• What if I mess up?

We shift to:

• I wonder what I’ll discover.

• I’m going to find out what this experience is like.

• This is an opportunity to learn more about myself.

For example, let’s say you’re going to your first concert alcohol-free. Instead of stressing about whether it will be fun or worrying if you’ll feel out of place, you treat it as an experiment:

"I’m just going to see what it’s like. Maybe it’ll be weird. Maybe it’ll be amazing. Either way, I’m going to find out."

This mindset opens up possibilities rather than shutting them down with fear or assumptions.

Turning Every Experience Into Data

A big part of this experiment mindset is viewing everything as a data point—even moments when you drink.

Instead of letting an unplanned drink derail your progress with thoughts like:

• Great, I failed. Might as well give up.

• What’s wrong with me?

You can flip the script and approach it as an opportunity for discovery:

• Huh, what can I learn from this?

• What was happening for me that day?

• Was I feeling stressed, emotional, or overwhelmed?

• What was I hoping that drink would give me?

By collecting this data, you start seeing patterns and uncovering deeper truths about your habits and needs.

Ask Yourself These Key Questions:

1. Before the drink:

   • What am I feeling right now?

   • What do I think this drink will provide for me?

2. During the drink:

   • Is it giving me what I hoped for?

   • How do I feel physically and emotionally?

3. 30 minutes after:

   • What do I notice?

   • Do I feel the urge for another drink?

4. The next morning:

   • Did the drink solve what I was drinking over?

   • Did I wake up at 3 AM with racing thoughts?

   • Do I feel better or worse today because of drinking?

When we start observing rather than judging, we can make more empowered choices moving forward.

What This Awareness Can Do For You

Over time, collecting this data helps you see through the illusion of alcohol. You may start realizing:

• The buzz only lasts 15-30 minutes, but the negative effects last for hours.

• Alcohol didn’t actually relieve my stress—it just delayed dealing with it.

• I wasn’t really craving a drink, I was craving rest, connection, or an escape from overwhelm.

With this awareness, the next time you have a stressful day, you’ll have more tools and insight to make a different choice—because you’ve already gathered the data to show what really happens.

Experimenting with Alcohol-Free Moments

The best part? You can also collect data when you don’t drink:

• How did I feel waking up without alcohol in my system?

• Was the experience as difficult as I expected?

• What surprised me?

Every choice—whether you drink or not—is just another data point on your journey.

Your Invitation to Try This Mindset

I invite you to adopt an experiment mindset and see how it shifts your perspective.

• How might collecting data instead of judging yourself change your experience?

• Are you willing to try this approach and see what you discover?

Let me know your thoughts—I’d love to hear what insights come up for you!

Wishing you a beautiful and empowering journey,
Coach Onowa