6 Things I Learned From Not Drinking For 1 Year

[@Aaron0317]

Sober almost 13 months now. Something another sober veteran told me has really stuck: “the opposite of addiction is not sobriety. The opposite of addiction is connection”.

[@475inthecut]

Sam, you are literally my biggest inspiration in my life. I don't think anyone will ever understand how much I needed to hear this. You are the bigger brother I never had.

[@svitlanagraves2739]

I'm in awe. Such deep vulnerability for the benefit of others is inspiring! Thank you! Last night I promptly confessed to my husband what I was going through and he did the same. I used to feel ashamed, now I feel like I'm not alone.

[@gyrahf]

Sam - the honesty is rare and much appreciated… problems shared are problems halved. To get to the point, here’s mine. I’m 10 years in recovery, a few years ago I started my state’s first recovery high school and disrupted the education landscape for kids with drug and alcohol problems. I’m now building what you and Shaan previously dubbed “habit island”. We have a pilot with a jail, a clinical trial, and a whole lotta other shit that’s needed to make this work. I need you and the MFM Mafia (is this a thing, can we make it a thing?) to accelerate this and take it to the level I know it can get to. The pivot from channeling addiction into purpose is within all of us - I’m continuing to help people make that switch, and respectfully would love nothing more than to combine our powers for the common good.

[@alexandredebecker5107]

I will be sober for 1 year on August 2 2024 (4 days from now). Your 1-year sober post & podcast were a huge inspiration. Thank you for this update.

[@elivillanueva-x3v]

hey sam, i’m a 21 year old welder. i dream everyday of living a life like yours but im stuck in my ways and it’s hard for me to accept my own habits. hearing your situation makes me feel a lot better about mine. just talking about it is the first step thank you

[@MattByron]

Love the healthy mindset Sam! The 4 wealthiest guys I have ever met don't drink. Drinking destroys health and steals the time/money needed for entrepreneurial ventures!

[@cag1]

Sam's best solo episode yet.

[@tomascardenasg]

Indeed

[@augie_johnston]

I joined the sober movement about 3 months ago. Everything is better. I’ve started working out more, been more present for my family, and have found a sense of pride that I had lost. Great episode today, thank you.

[@justpro7]

Can I ask what the sober movement is called?

[@augie_johnston]

@@justpro7 Well it just seems like everywhere I look people are giving up alcohol all together. I really do see it as a movement.

[@happydays1457]

Congratulations one more day to go 🎉

[@MrNateSpilman]

Thank you for the age old reminder that vulnerability brings true strength, contrary to prevailing narratives. Way to go, man. I especially found inspiration in the "Recreate your identity" section, as in my mind, I've only known you as a fitness guy.

[@twahdougherty]

Your podcast My First Million and Money Talk is my favorite and I look forward to a new episodes every time. I love your authenticity, vulnerability, abundance in advice and wanting to see other entrepreneurs soar by sharing real experiences, insider knowledge and real conversations. I love how vulnerable you got and know you are helping so many people with what you share. I resonated with the part on how you label yourself to create a new identity. I’m labeling myself a 7-figure entrepreneur who will be in your Hampton members group in the near future. 😆 See you there! Keep sharing and doing what you’re doing!

[@gauravnagpal3123]

this is one of the finest episodes of MFM ..masterclass on courage and being vulnerable. Sam is my hero for doing this :)

[@brandonlogan2024]

Thatta boy Sam! I have been sober now for about 3 years and it is the best decision I have ever made. For all of those that are on the fence about doing it, just try it for 1 year. It is amazing how much better your life will be without clouded judgement and the control of alcohol. Once you get over the first few outings and events without drinking and you start seeing the ugliness on others and you get to drive home sober and wake up with no hangover it gets WAY easier. In a selfish way, you feel powerful to be the sober one in the room.

[@captainlando7306]

Alcohol almost took my life nearly a decade ago. Sober since and co-founded a digital health tech company around treating mental health and substance abuse issues. So much of what you said resonated. How the silliest things were so impactful, Tony Robbins, Ed Mylett, and even your show all helped me along the way. I've listened to Wayne Dyer's books beginning to end 40+ times lol. Thanks for putting this up Sam

[@samparr9899]

hell ya!

[@danrussell_official]

I remember going to one of your book clubs in SF when I was making a huge change in my life. You inspired me to read the 50th law and I loved it! It’s been like 9 years and I’m now a senior software engineering manager, I lift 3-4 days a week and I recently stopped drinking. So your podcast couldn’t have come at a better time. Thanks for the inspiration

[@bernardking2749]

Great episode and really inspiring. Recently took a major jump to restart my sales career without my book of business or industry conections. I've lost my confidence, and this episode pumped me back up. Great episode!

[@taylorgangis]

Sober a little over 18 months now and I couldn’t agree more with the shift in language. I’m not drinking to I don’t drink is so powerful. I share many of these same thoughts and feelings! Love the pod

[@ICTVPH]

Thank you Sam for being Vulnurable to us. Somehow I am struggling and i find this video comforting. Im from the Philippines by the way and i can feel your impact across oceans.

[@nhpstudio]

You vulnerability is contagious brotha. Appreciate this podcast a lot. I’m 2 months sober of weed, and have been feeling so amazing since. It was hard for me to say i was addicted in the moment but since then i’ve been able to. I’m more productive than i’ve been in years and i feel the highest i’ve ever been… off life. Currently trying to break my habit of being in my phone so much but like you said you can’t be perfect. We can only take small steps at a time 🙏🏼

[@devinnagami]

Did 7 months sober, got a craving to have a drink one night. Did it. It was fine. Casually drank for a few months and eventually decided to go back to sobriety. My thoughts get really dark when I drink. Made me realize it’s literally a depressant. Not sure what the future of the substance looks for me, trying not to put too much pressure on it, but I’m happy I’ve gone through periods of drinking and not drinking because it’s made me realize how much better I feel when I don’t drink. A bit tough to do as a 26 year old dude, but we’re getting through it

[@JonLeClerc-s9r]

Loved this episode Sam, thanks for the share. 5.5 years w/o alcohol for me. Still always need a beverage in my hand - coffee, sparkling water, na beer. They bring me comfort like the beer used too. My go to saying when I tell folks I don’t drink is “I’ve had my fill” that usually gets the point across. Keep sharing content like this, I feel like there’s a lot of cross over into the entrepreneurial world.

[@bellbellbell00]

Sam - you rock. This was an absolute pleasure to listen to. Hearing you express your vulnerability is very inspiring. All I know how to do is create and start businesses and it’s hard. Very hard. And sometimes I want to give up. But listening to you helps me remember I’m on the right track, I’m doing the right things. And it makes me want to keep going.

[@samparr9899]

thank you!

[@moneymakingsim4314]

OMG!! Damn u have zero idea how much I’ve been struggling over the last few weeks with alcoholic related health problems.. I’ve been functioning well over the last 15 years of daily use but after turning 37 years old a few months back the daily heavy drinking has finally caught up with me. I’m gonna do a self imposed rehab in a couple days. I don’t wanna die.. peace and love bruh.❤️🙏🏽😢😢

[@CamiNavarro-y9g]

Super inspiring, Sam! I loved the advice you got from your doctor, the labeling, the books you mentioned, and your storytelling. While drinking isn't an issue for me, I can relate to many other situations in my life. You're the man!

[@FOXMAN09]

I've started the past 2 years sober to drop weight after the holidays. The first drink around spring is sweeeeeet. I love an ICE cold beer when I'm super thirsty and I'm way happier when I drink when socializing. I take breaks for my health but I'm not giving up alcohol as it's plus for me. I get SICK of alcohol if I drink 2-3 days in a row. I'm not a fan of day drinking as it can ruin my day. I never saw alcohol as some way to medicate. It's never been something I used when sad. I never get mad when I drink. I never wake up to a bunch of mistakes I have to fix. Ya so I'll keep enjoying it. Sorry for those who are genetically predisposed to havint issues with it. But with that said, I won't touch anything with some form of opiod if i can help it. Whether that's cocaine or a strong pain medication.

[@philodev874]

Decided to go completely sober as well. In the past three months I’ve been sober more 2/3 of it. Best decision in my life for overall mental health, physical health, and productivity (better sleep and cognitive functioning)!

[@kzkom_u]

I'm going to be 22 years old in August, and I've been sober for 8 months. I've started a career as a videographer, moved to a new place, and am building up my creative agency while working 10 hours for my job in Japan. Thank you for sharing your story. It inspired me a lot. My goal is to become a full-time entrepreneur in the next year.

[@marcplant5065]

After an atrocious childhood. I struggled with alcohol and substance abuse from my teens and into my 20's. I lost that entire portion of my life. I'm 42 now. I've been through therapy and have been clean for roughly 15 years. I want to start a small clothing brand based around men's mental health but am not business savvy. I'm currently in college taking classes. I'm honestly afraid of the potential failure. Financially I cannot afford to fail and cannot afford to not take a chance either. I've been listening to MFM for quite some time and it has been comfort food for me. Building up my confidence. Listening to you guys feels like I'm hanging with friends that I wish I had. I always felt like I was destined for more than I became. I'm trying to head that way now. Thanks much.

[@savpushparajah]

Thanks for sharing so openly Sam, means a lot to many of us I am sure.

[@juancombariza7494]

Another episode added to the pantheon of legendary videos. Boys are re-establishing the balance of wholesome content we love

[@samparr9899]

wholesome only!

[@jordanhiller-yp7fk]

Thanks for sharing Sam! All we can do is take it one day at a time. I was clean for 6 years to the month last October, but all it took was one night to reset the clock. No ones fault but my own. Thank you for the reminder that it's not easy but it's possible. 9 months will turn into 9 years in no time. I'll keep adding my pennies.

[@ernstpierre4068]

I was already a motivated person. You can't make an unmotivated person motivated but you can inspire them... My favorite segment, me too I'm a motivated person and MFM is one of the ways I get inspired every day ...great episode

[@LevelofClarity]

Sobriety feels great, for sure. Awesome episode. Listening to Sam talk about this was so good.

[@scottstockdale8062]

Inspiring story, Sam! Fair play to you for sharing your struggles so honestly. One of MFM's best pods yet 🙌

[@begracefulonline]

I stopped cold turkey for 10 years and then I had a business opportunity opening up a pub in an area with absolutely no competition. While the business was immensely successful, my personal life went downhill because I started drinking again. It was a very tough time in my life, struggle for 7 years to get out of the hole I dug myself back in. Thankfully, I have a fantastic support group which has helped me to regain control of this alcohol problem. Thank you for this episode. Regardless of what is keeping you back, never give up. KEEP FIGHTING!

[@Veridian.Studios]

Honestly, such an amazing episode. I had no idea about this side of Sam. His story and vulnerability really inspired me to face my challenges head on and be ok with marginal improvement instead of being a disappointed perfectionist. You’re awesome Sam, keep it up.

[@kevingrimm2497]

Sober 16 months. For me drinking slowly became less of a priority and got in the way of other goals and new, healthier addictions like endurance sports. 50-mile trail run in September. Appreciate you, Sam.

[@LearnEarnInvest]

Love this pod! Something I have been struggling with is generating income online. I want to start a business and generate a lot of income, have financial freedom and be able to do what I want, when I want, with who I want. I desire control over my life and the ability to increase my income as I please, rather than being tied to a salary that someone else determines. Label to create my future self: I am a business builder that creates value in the marketplace. I have struggled with picking an opportunity and sticking with it over time. I know there are a ton of ways to make money, I just need to pick and stick.

[@polmacdiarmada]

Fair play Sam, you wouldn't be where you are today if u didn't quit. Haven't had a drink in 2 years and not goinf back. Figured imagine going through your whole and not knowing what it feels like to not drink. You actually experience life when its not there and become super focused 👏

[@andymac3107]

Good PSA about seeing the possible and change!.....labels are a great golden nugget of wisdom! thanks for sharing!

[@fightsfortheuser]

"give into the sugar" ... i like it. hearding you talk about this stuff makes my eyes well up. :')

[@JKSNY24]

Dude this was awesome. Long time listener here and this was one of my favorite episodes ever. We all struggle with things like this, and I love how you tackled this head on. Thank you for sharing!

[@jackboyes6635]

I have never tasted a drop of alcohol and never plan to. I am a fairly successful young person and it is helpful to hear your perspective on navigating the social pressure of drinking, especially around professional peers, love the channel, keep the awesome content coming!

[@shamaridavenport5852]

Congrats man! This was very honest, and probably something 99% of people would not have the courage to publicize as vulnerably.

[@evolutiondevelopment6287]

Great episode, @thesamparr ! Very relatable. Thank you for sharing your story! These conversations can often be awkward, but the ROI is immeasurable! I've been sober for 3-1/2 years now. It was one of the best decisions that I've ever made.

[@astrico1]

5 years ago I quit alcohol for a year, because i got bad black outs. It saved my life, and almost made me a millionaire. But I started casual drinking again. 1 a month, and still from that i am internally chasing the feeling of control i remember i had Back then. The motivation. The fire. I keep thinking i

[@theokrull1323]

Did you pass out on the keyboard?

[@knownaschaz]

Thanks Sam, needed this. Been grinding away at a new business alone in cave, and every day I find myself saying, just one beer for a pick me up and it turns into to 6. And if im not careful it turns into more. Kills all productivity and takes me further from my goals, not closer. Hair of the dog the next day to get back to functioning from the hangover. Repeat. Time to buy some NA beer and throw in the towel for good.

[@NZAutospares]

Hey Sam, 7 months Sober in partial to you as a role model of this behavior. Thank you. May not be perfect in my Business and Fitness yet but you fix one thing at a time and continue to grow and things tend to compound with consistency.

[@TysonG11]

recreating identity is key. 6 years sober now. Was the key for me too.

[@nkpaps]

Man, it’s cliche but thanks for doing this, so helpful. I’m not an alcoholic but I do rely on it to relax at the weekend and to socialise in a lot of cases. I’m anxious as a person too. Id find it difficult to not drink for a year but I know if I did it I’d be happier and more successful in all areas. Were you always all or nothing with it? I feel like it would be easier to quit if I was an alcoholic

[@codeintherough]

I had a problem talking to people, I thought it was just anxiety. I drank between 16 to 21.not often just a few times a year at parties. Thinking it would help me talk. It helped with anxiety but I still wasnt good at talking, So I gave it up, I discovered improv. I learned one problem I had was I was judging all my thoughts like they weren't interesting to other people, another thing is I didn't pay attention to people, I was always so caught up in my own head. Improv helped me with these things.

[@mikepatchen]

Thanks for sharing Sam. I LUV the pod!!!

[@samwiley331]

Great talk. Love using “I am…” statements deliberately to define who you are & become who you want to be.

[@gerardgaray1188]

I’ve gotten off of alcohol and drugs, and I’m so much happier with myself. My current vice is food lol, but I’m getting on top of that. I am struggling so hard with my sleep schedule, though. I am having such difficulty in that realm. I’m gonna start setting a bedtime alarm, see if that helps

[@RachelKim-y9w]

Thanks for sharing Sam. Love your authenticity and transparency. For your female listeners, I'd love some tips on how to rewire our thinking. Honestly, I sometimes experience "penis envy" and find myself and my female friends second-guessing, overthinking, and undervaluing our worth. Any advice on being bolder, more confident both internally and externally, and channeling the confidence required in business (and what I honestly envy in most men)?

[@makepurethyheart]

I resonate, I quit drinking 2015, had a hotdog cart, and my mantra is I AM THAT I AM. We all have the power to change but it is in our moment to moment choice that shall carve the path. MFM is a genuine source of inspiration because it stirs up the soup of the brain and showing the common man what is possible. Keep manifesting cowboys! 🎉

[@pat.cheung]

Totally agree on the power of labels. I use it all the time to reinvent myself. Thanks for sharing Sam!

[@BarnsofGeorgia]

Appreciate your vulnerability in sharing. It’s inspiring to hear and applicable across so many things in life.

[@sarahmarie-z7r]

Really appreciate the vulnerability in this podcast. The "labels" part really resonated bc it creates this motivation to be that identity. I've recently been feeling directionless and hopeless, but similar to you, have this sense of potential in me. What were the beginning steps you took to start finding your direction / career path?

[@deborahburrows4527]

Thank you for sharing and being so authentic.

[@MetsFan5153]

Thanks for sharing your inspiring story. Like you mentioned in the podcast it has stuck with me to start what I have been putting off now with my back against the wall with work. Im a personal trainer who is starting a coaching community for men, it's geared towards tops performers and entrepreneurs who are looking to live a healthier lifestyle. Thanks for the inspiration, like all good thoughts and ideas mean nothing without action.

[@StephanieMiller-o1h]

*Your explanations are clear and straight forward It's always a honor to have you here as a mentor, I appreciate you for the time being spent to educate us financially. Regardless of how bad it gets the economy, I still makeover $28K every single week. I truly value Laura, and her helpful guides.*

[@StephanieMiller-o1h]

The first step to successful investment is figuring your goals and risk tolerance either on your own or with the help of a financial professional but it's very advisable you make use of professional.

[@Sylvia-f3h]

I know Laura, she has really set the standard for others to follow, we love her here in the UK as she has been really helpful and changed lots of lives.

[@Sylvia-f3h]

You're right! The very first time I tried, I invested $2000 and after a week, I received $8,400. That really helped us a lot to pay up our bills.

[@Sylvia-f3h]

SHE IS ON TELEGRAMs

[@Sylvia-f3h]

@LauraGil52 That's it >>>>>>

[@crb107]

Amazing video. So candid and honest. I have long thought of sobriety and this is another proof point in my though process.

[@warmwavebeats]

Takeway from this podcast : "Inspiration is awesome" Love it!!

[@denverlincoln2114]

1.5 years sober now. The dollar in the jar for every day you complete something is brilliant! Maybe ante up the dollar amount to make it worthwhile for your situation. Wether its 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, or 100s. Whatever number gets you motivated.

[@GettingGood]

dang I need to do this, I wanna buy a hobie 18 And if I stop drinking these Kratom drinks I would have in 365 :(

[@oseodia7654]

Pounded Yam and Egusi helped me when I was struggling, when I eat that I don't have any appetite for anything else and I only eat it after a workout, so its a reward

[@aditimascarenhas5608]

Been struggling with eating and working out. Exhausted with the thousandth “today I’m starting over” moment. I don’t know when I finally change. Idk how do you replace a habit like overeating? I guess we start again tomorrow. Start tracking calories. And tell people about it.

[@andy553]

I hear ya. Set smaller goals first : eating clean and working out for 3 days in a row. Give yourself a small reward like a pizza. Then go 7 days: reward. 14 days: reward. 21 days: reward. 30 days: reward. And then try going a full 2 weeks before a reward. And so on. Getting someone who can hold you accountable too is a big help - and great for your mind. Just break it down into smaller win cycles, you got this!

[@Habek786]

Sam, great episode. You were way ahead of the curve on the sober journey. What are some of your favorite inspirational movies and books?

[@mikeloos3989]

I have been sober since June 9 last year. My reason was that I don’t think I would be proud of myself if my kids turned out the way I was. My biggest struggle is that alcohol is the standard where I live. All of my friends including my wife are drinkers. I have spent the year avoiding parties and events as they all include mass consumption. And as much as I try, I really don’t want to be around it. It has created problems for me as I know I am the one that changed, and I can’t expect others to change also. I am really struggling to find a place where I fit now. It has been very difficult on the marriage specifically. I lack the confidence to act like the life of the party anymore and even struggle with how to act at a concert or sporting events. There is only one thing I know for sure, which is that I really have no desire to drink again. I do really miss having friends and being invited to all the events. It’s a very challenging lifestyle change!

[@matt-warren]

MFM needs a non-alc beverage sponsor. Let me introduce you to Psychedelic Water.

[@jameshuckle1568]

Beyond inspiring! 🎉 Thank you.

[@discgolfjuan3824]

Great episode. You’ve given me a lot to think about.

[@zeetsarker123]

Awesome stuff Sam!

[@zenith2336]

Hey this might be the best video yet. I have a porn/masturbation addiction, I do it multiple times a day. I’m stopping today, deleting accounts, apps etc I’m no longer that person. This is not my first time trying but it will be my last.

[@parth4819]

i am a 22 year old developer, have been working at a startup and earn decent but hate the work, and i think i can do better. I love games and am building some online games in my freetime. I'm gonna start a small business and quit when it earns more than my day job.

[@stephending8395]

reallt great advice sam 🙌🏻

[@kylevandeusen]

Great episode! 14.5ish years for me now. No desire to go back.

[@DougieW]

I relate a lot to this. I’ve quit alcohol. I’ve conquered diet and fitness. But, still struggling to put myself out there and go all in on a business. Where did you draw your inspiration to let your sack hang out and go for it?

[@gokhantoksoy2826]

THIS HELPS A LOT. AGAIN. THANK YOU.

[@maksymiliianlukasevych8442]

I quit drinking to quit smoking. Because I wouldn't be smoking Mon - Fri, then on Saturday Id have 2 drinks and all my will power is gone. So I decided to quit both more than 5 years ago. Coincidentally or not but my life changed 180 degrees to better since then. I'm cool with people that drink, but when I hear someone is considering quitting I encourage them with all my heart😅

[@noahmail2001]

Sam!! Thank you for sharing- i went thru a drug and alcohol treatment center when i was 20 years old. There are a couple things im struggling with now id like to mention, one is reading, i hear you and Shaan talkkng abojt reading a lot, and I cant focus enuf to read much- i can listen to audiobooks but not read- i think its either adhd or some lite form of dislexia which causes me to read very slowly and not stay focused. I know im missing out on a lot not reading so that sucks- another thing- i need help with- i signed up to host the MFM meetup in San Francisco, San Mateo to be exact- but there are no other people signing up to attend- i need Sam or Shaan to sign jo ans come at least once to help give it some juice!! And announce it again-What do u think

[@ButHowardIsACoolName]

Awesome episode man. I'm just curious, do you tend to avoid events/gatherings where other people will be drinking? Or are you totally fine now hanging out with drunk people and not drinking at all?

[@nicejoy9998]

Thanks for your courage to reveal the dark side of you . This video makes you a very likable person. So many can relate to you. We are just human. Thank you for doing what you do .

[@deedeeseecee9294]

I believe alcohol addiction is a sugar addiction, eating high meat and low carb helps.

[@Stierenkloot]

Thanks Sam.

[@nbme-answers]

THANK YOU SAM !

[@swagod1843]

You’re the man Sam

[@curiouskev123]

Not sober but I can count the number of times I've drank this year on my right hand which is better than last year. I'm starting a business and I'm looking to see if I should be doing market research and stuff or if I should just create a shit MVP and launch and learn by fire. I have a large TAM, so I'm going to pick a singular niche then go broad.

[@sutats]

Leaving Las Vegas and The Spectacular Now are related movies about drinking.

[@MisterColombus]

Struggling with trying to get out of a toxic relationship. I keep telling myself I'm doing it for the kids but realizing that it's doing more harm.

[@tylers1984]

#respect for sharing your story

[@Damkids012]

Hey Sam what kind water you drink? I prefer spindrift and sometimes liquid death. I too miss drinking but being sober can be fun too.😊

[@marketingsam]

Really great listen

[@ermiasdeangeli3191]

Watching this while on 2nd beer. Hope to have the same realization soon.

[@wmfbmp5743]

currently trying to set a rule for myself of no more than 2 drinks in one night... not perfect, just better

[@NDBGamingHD]

Loved this, listened on Spotify. I'm 22 and finished university last year in London. I want to kick on and have felt like in the last year since uni I've wasted all my free time drinking. I've long felt that I'd like to cut this out. I successfully completed dry January, but have struggled to keep that up. I'm not sure how to proceed, but I really liked the penny idea. Any one have any variants of this with the same underlying principle?

[@makepurethyheart]

Observe when your urged to teach for a drink. Replace it with a non alcoholic drink. Step into wonder in curiosity, as an experiment let me undergo this segment or event without alcohol, observe the body, observe the emotions, if you face what you try to run away from using alcohol, you'll discover that the reality of the fear dissolves. If the world is too unstimulating for you? ( you drink because you are bored ) again, sit with sobriety and tune into the intense consciousness of the body and the universe. Drinking is a zero sum game, it is an insult to the gift you are given which is The “true life” everlasting. Everything is better with out alcohol

[@jerinharper2995]

What happened with the date that leaned in? Did you beat?

[@Nick-xi2jl]

380 days alcohol free ✅

[@jacobpritchard]

Don't leave us hanging Sam! What are some of the Tony Robbins style books you make fun of now but you still read?

[@codybouscaren6492]

Love it

[@hosseinsarshar5462]

10 years of being sober 🎉🎉