Last Updated on June 7, 2025
Monday mornings can be tough, but they’re also quietly powerful. They’re a clean slate, a reset button that often goes unnoticed as we dive into emails and obligations. We don’t have to start Monday on autopilot, though! Instead, what if we paused for a moment and asked ourselves: Who am I showing up as today?
This isn’t about checking off your to-do list or trying to be productive. It’s about identity-based habit-making—consciously choosing the version of yourself that walks into the week. That decision can ultimately transform your relationship with drinking and with yourself.
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Monday Is a Mirror
It’s easy to let the previous weekend dictate your mood. Maybe you drank more than you meant to. Maybe you didn’t drink at all and feel really proud of that. Either way, Monday isn’t just a day—it’s a mirror reflecting who you choose to be now.
Instead of focusing on guilt, regret, or even past wins, Monday invites a deeper question: Who do I want to be this week?
Not what do I want to do, but who do I want to be.
This shift moves us from behavior-based goals to identity-based habits. And that difference matters. Because sustainable change happens when your actions are a reflection of your identity, not just your willpower.
Every Action Is a Vote
According to behavioral science, habits aren’t just routines—they’re signals to your brain about who you are. So when you skip that third drink or opt for a calming evening routine instead of a numbing scroll session, you’re casting a vote for the person you want to become.
These votes stack up. They slowly rewrite your internal narrative: I’m someone who chooses clarity. I’m someone who honors their boundaries.
This is the core of identity-based habits: small, intentional actions that align with the version of yourself you’re building. You don’t need a dramatic reinvention. You just need consistency and clarity.
It’s Not About Starting Over
If your weekend didn’t go as planned, that’s information. Were you stressed? Bored? Trying to fit in? Understanding why you drank more than you wanted to helps you take your power back. You’re not starting over; you’re iterating. Adjusting.
And if your weekend went exactly how you hoped? Celebrate it. Don’t rush past it like it’s just “what you were supposed to do.”
Build, Don’t Just Maintain
If you’re feeling aligned with your goals, ask yourself: What can I add to reinforce this new identity?
- Is it a 10-minute morning walk?
- A new journaling habit?
- A weekly plan that prioritizes joy without relying on alcohol?
You’re not just holding the line; you’re laying bricks. Identity-based habits grow stronger with each new layer of support. Reinforcing these identity-based habits can help you weather future challenges with more resilience.
Align with Intention
Dr. Wayne Dyer once said, “Intention is not something you do. It’s a force that exists in the universe as an invisible field of energy.” He described intention as a creative energy you align with, not a checkbox on your list, and named seven faces of intention: creativity, kindness, love, beauty, expansion, abundance, and receptivity.
Pick one. Use it as your guide this week. Maybe it’s kindness. Ask yourself: What does kindness look like in my choices today?
Maybe it’s expansion. Then your walk isn’t just a walk—it’s space-making for your future self.
Your Monday Mirror Check-In
Want to start your week intentionally? Try this simple three-step practice:
- Who do I want to be this week?
- What does that version of me do today, on a Monday?
- What intention do I carry with me, even when things get messy?
You’re not stuck being last week’s version of yourself. Each small action you take—especially the ones rooted in identity-based habits—shapes the person you’re becoming.
So take a breath. Look in the mirror. And remind yourself:
You are not your past. You are a living, evolving version of the future you’re building. And it all starts with the intention you choose today. Get started with a 15-day free trial of Sunnyside.
What is Sunnyside?
Sunnyside is a mindful drinking and alcohol moderation app that can help change your habits around alcohol using a proven, science-backed method. Whether you want to become a more mindful drinker, drink less, or eventually quit drinking, Sunnyside can help you reach your goals. We take a positive, friendly approach to habit change, so you never feel judged or pressured to quit.
When you join Sunnyside, you’ll start by completing a 3-minute private assessment so we can learn a bit about you. Once that’s done, you’ll get a 15-day free trial to test out everything, including our daily habit change tools, tracking and analytics, community and coaching, and education and resources. It’s a full package designed specifically to adapt to your goals and help you reach them gradually, so you can make a huge impact on your health and well-being.
Sunnyside is a digital habit and behavior-change program that is incredibly effective on its own, but can also be the perfect complement to other work you’re doing to cut down on drinking, whether that includes talk therapy or medication such as Naltrexone.
Get your 15-day free trial of Sunnyside today, and start living your healthiest life.
