How I Quit Drinking Soda Pop
On July 2nd, 2020 I decided to quit drinking soda pop for the last time. I tried to do this many times before in many different ways, but nothing stuck until this last time.
Here’s how I did it.
Targeted Focus
I believe the greatest factor for me in kicking the soda pop habit was targeting my focus on this single habit alone. I didn’t try to take anything else on during this time at the start of my quitting attempt. I focused solely on quitting soda. Only after 90 days did I even entertain the idea of taking on another bad habit (nail-biting). I know that if I tried anything else in the early stages, then I’d struggle in my desire to finally end my soda pop drinking for good. I’m really glad I kept my focus on one habit alone. It was the key to my success.
Tracking Daily
I used the tracking feature on The NOW Year Calendar to mark every day that I didn’t drink soda pop. I could see it on my wall every day- how long my streak was — and how far I’d come. It’s a tactic right out of the Jerry Seinfeld habit tracking handbook… and it works really well. Next to targeted focus, seeing my progress through tracking daily was a big help in breaking this bad habit.
Try Alternatives
I replaced my soda pop habit with using a SodaStream without soda syrups. I used fresh fruit and infused the soda water. I used the flavour drops that SodaStream makes every so often, too. We even stocked Bubly in the fridge downstairs for even more convenience. Having a replacement for the sweet and sugary Cherry Pepsi I used to guzzle — along with other brands of soda pop — was another big reason I was able to make this thing work.
Here’s the thing: All three of these tactics can work with a multitude of habits you’re trying to break… or even build.
Work on one habit at a time for an extended period of time. Track that habit daily. Find something to offset or replace it.
Do that, and you can stop or start any habit that you need or want.
