(or: you didn’t prep, and you’re still allowed to start)

You’re standing in the liquor store. It’s the third of the month. You meant to plan. You didn’t. Here we are.

Good news: you’re not late. You’re just early in a different way.

A dry month doesn’t require spreadsheets, declarations, or a fridge full of things you’ll resent by the end of the month. It doesn’t even require perfection. It requires one thing only:

Don’t judge the previous drink. Decide on the next one.

That’s it. That’s the guide.

First, let’s be clear about what “f*cking it up” actually is

It’s not having a drink. What usually derails people is the spiral after:

• The self-talk
• The all-or-nothing thinking
• The dramatic conclusion that one drink ruined the whole month

That’s judgment. And judgment kills momentum.

This month isn’t a performance of virtue. It’s an interruption of a habit. You’re stepping out of autopilot to see what’s actually going on. To evaluate and rethink how you drink.

If you drink—fine.

Don’t judge the previous drink. Decide on the next one.

What to do when you didn’t prep (because you didn’t)

You don’t need a plan for the month. Your slip-up taught you that willpower is limited. You need a plan for the moment.

Three small moves that work even if you hate commitment:

1. Make a swap you actually like. Not a wellness obligation. Not a “should.” Something you’d happily drink even if this weren’t January. Bitters and soda. Milkshake. THC seltzer. Baja Blast. A mocktail (obvi).  It is all fair game.
2. Zebra stripe without announcing it. Alternate one alcoholic drink with a non-alcoholic beverage, even water. Drink differently without making it a personality trait. Quiet, confident choices beat loud declarations every time.
3. Plan for next time—not every time. You don’t need a system. You need a backup for when things go sideways again. Because they will. Carry bitters in your bag. Have a go-to order like a ginger beer with lime.

That’s plenty to start. You can figure out the rest later.

About rules (and why they usually backfire)

The idea that one, two, or three drinks means you “blew it” is how people quit before the end of the first week.

Dry months work if:

• You get clearer about your habits
• And you take one small step toward changing them

The point isn’t perfection. It is about noticing habits, triggers, and changes. If you slip, keep going.

Don’t judge the previous drink. Decide on the next one.

Social situations handled

You don’t owe anyone your “why.” If someone needs an explanation, remember: Their reaction is about them and their relationship with drinking—not yours.

One sentence is plenty. Or none at all.

You’re allowed to opt out of the conversation entirely.
You’re allowed to be boring.
You’re allowed to change the subject.

This is personal, not performative.

The only thing that matters at the end

If you finish a dry month with:

• more clarity
• a little awareness
• and one habit you’d like to keep tweaking

It worked.

You just needed to decide—again and again—without judging the last choice.

You’re still standing in the liquor store. You can still choose differently.

Don’t judge the previous drink. Decide on the next one.