I once heard someone say “if you could run your life how you run your mouth you would be very successful.” That got me thinking if I had pursued success the same way I pursued alcohol then I would have been very successful. As a veteran, due to my long-standing engagement with the tipple, these are the valuable lessons I have learnt from alcohol with regards to success.

Get like-minded people. 

When I was drinking, I only wanted drinkers around me. I was suspicious of anybody that didn’t drink. It’s the same with success, get people that want success as badly as you do. 

• Hang out in the right places.

If you want to drink and have good drinking company you always have to be up to date with places that are happening. With success, you have to go where the big shots are so that you can network and market whatever services or products you wish to sell.

• Educate yourself.

I always knew the perfect remedies for hangovers and what drinks to avoid. In business, you have to do your homework and know what deals are good for you and which aren’t.

• No matter how bad or embarrassing things get don’t give up. 

I’ve seen people do some really stupid things when they are drunk and they swore that they will never drink again but, then they were soon back at it. No matter how many setbacks you suffer in achieving your goals keep going.

• Don’t listen to anybody that tries to distract you from your success.

Have you ever tried telling an alcoholic that maybe they should go easy on the drink? Or that you are concerned about them? They get so angry and they come up with all the excuses in the world as to how they are okay. The same principle applies to your goals and your dreams. If anybody tries to tell you how your idea won’t work don’t listen, get mad, get rid of them and most importantly remind yourself over and over again why it will work.

• Don’t underestimate humble beginnings. 

All alcohol addicts started with a sip. That’s all it takes. With enough persistence and patience even, water will cut through stone. Same with success. If you keep at it no matter how small the effort is you will reap the rewards.

• Keep your differences aside.

Whenever alcohol was present it was the ultimate pain killer, I saw people who couldn’t stand each other come together and enjoy a drink. In business and success, you have to put your issues aside and focus on the money and the business deals. There is no real friendship in business just the same way your drinking buddies aren’t your real friends. There are no enemies either. Anyone that gets you closer to your goal is good.

• Don’t let money be an obstacle. 

Ever noticed how the loudest and drunkest people at a table aren’t the ones paying for their drinks? Well, they say free beer is sweet. Even in business, you can always pitch your idea to someone with funds.

• Find every excuse in the world to go after what you want.

Alcoholics have the most hilarious excuses as to why they need a drink and why they should drink at any time of the day they want. My favourite was, it’s 5 o’clock somewhere in the world I might as well get started.

If you are blind to your weaknesses you will be blind to your strengths. – Anonymous