Dry January and the Business of Discipline

January 2025 was the fourth time I participated in Dry January. The first time was part of a cleanse…one of those where you eliminate all the things that taste good: gluten, dairy, sugar, coffee, alcohol, etc. The idea is to try and notice if any of these “bad” food and beverage items interfere with your body. When the cleanse is over, you add items back into your body slowly to see if you notice any adverse effects. While I didn’t repeat the full cleanse, I did continue Dry January and realized that participating in this annual ritual is important for multiple reasons.

The physical benefits for me included better sleep, weight loss, and giving my liver a month-long break. To help me relax in the evening, I substituted adaptogens or chamomile tea and noticed improved sleep scores (according to my fitness watch), but I also noticed better sleep with just water. I have a friend that says she “doesn’t drink her calories.” I know wine is mostly empty calories, so I shouldn’t be surprised when I lost a little weight. And after celebrating the December holidays with a little extra cheer, it seems like a great idea to give my liver a break.

Perhaps as important as the physical benefits are the mental benefits. When we deny ourselves any comfort, whether alcohol, sugar, or social media, we learn a little bit about ourselves. I’ve talked about mindset in past blog posts, and Dry January is a great exercise in mindset.

When I "can't" add that glass of cabernet to my Tuesday evening bowl of spaghetti, it’s more than just denying alcohol. It’s a practice in strengthening my self-control. Discipline is often misunderstood—it’s not about strict rules or deprivation. It’s about setting intentional boundaries for ourselves and sticking to them, even when it’s uncomfortable. The idea of denying ourselves something that’s become a habit, even something as simple as a glass of wine, forces us to reexamine our routines and impulses.

In the business world, discipline is a cornerstone of success. As a business coach, I often work with clients who struggle with consistency—whether it’s in achieving long-term goals, adhering to a strategy, or managing day-to-day tasks. Dry January has shown me that the act of sticking with something for a set period—despite temptations, distractions, or moments of doubt—mirrors what many business owners face when they’re trying to stay focused on their goals.

The rewards of discipline – personally or professionally – are often delayed but undeniably worthwhile. It’s easy to procrastinate or get distracted, but the consistency in doing the hard work—even the small stuff—over time compounds into something much greater. Discipline helps build the habits that reinforce our priorities and brings us closer to our goals.

Dry January reminds me that discipline isn’t about denying ourselves something, but rather about making intentional choices to create more meaningful results. What are some areas of your business that could benefit from more discipline?