Molly Watts

The Alcohol Minimalist Podcast

Molly Watts, Author & Coach

  • Think Thursday: The Illusion of "Starting Over" in Habit Change

Think Thursday: The Illusion of "Starting Over" in Habit Change

Thursday 19th June 2025

Explore why 'starting over' in habit change is misleading. Learn how missteps are valuable for growth with Molly Watts on The Alcohol Minimalist Podcast.
13 minutes
Informative
Encouraging
Supportive
Educational
Hopeful

About this podcast

The Alcohol Minimalist Podcast
Author:
Molly Watts
Overview:
Categories:
Navigating Alcohol Dependency
Understanding Addiction & Recovery
Mindfulness & Emotional Wellbeing
Navigating Intimate Relationships
Creative Recovery Journeys
Links:
Visit site
Rounded Button Dark
Do you want to link to this podcast?
Get the buttons here!

Reframe Your Missteps: The Truth About 'Starting Over'

Episode Overview

  • Missteps are stepping stones, not setbacks.
  • Binary thinking in recovery can be harmful.
  • Progress is a spiral process, not linear.
  • Embrace learning opportunities from off-plan moments.
  • Use a three-step process to shift your mindset.
"You're not starting over. You're actually evolving."
In this episode of The Alcohol Minimalist Podcast, Molly Watts takes a deep dive into the common misconception of 'starting over' in habit change. If you've ever felt like a misstep meant hitting the reset button, Molly's here to tell you that's simply not the case. With a blend of neuroscience and behaviour psychology, she explores how these off-plan moments are actually stepping stones in your journey, rather than setbacks.
Molly argues that the notion of 'starting over' is not just emotionally draining but scientifically flawed. Through her engaging narrative, she reframes these instances as valuable learning opportunities that contribute to long-term growth and brain development. Molly also sheds light on how cultural perceptions, particularly those influenced by Alcoholics Anonymous, can foster a harmful binary mindset. Instead of seeing progress as a straight line, she encourages embracing a spiral process where each experience adds depth to your understanding and skills.
Alongside references to experts like Dr. Andrew Huberman and Dr. Wendy Wood, Molly presents a compelling case for seeing habit change as an evolving journey. Her practical advice includes a three-step process to shift your mindset when the 'I blew it' voice kicks in: pause the narrative, name the learning, and make a micro move. By doing so, you reinforce your capacity for emotional regulation and aligned decision-making.
Molly's discussion is both relatable and enlightening, making it clear that perfection isn't the goal—progress is. So if you're tired of feeling like you're back at square one every time you slip up, this episode offers a refreshing perspective that might just change the way you approach habit change forever.
alcoholfree.com
Published by The Mindful Drinking Company Limited
4 Providence Court, Pynes Hill, Exeter, Devon, EX2 5JL, England
Registered in England and Wales.
Company Number: 1195057. Vat Number: GB320915135.
Registered address as above.
© Copyright 2005-2025 The Mindful Drinking Company Limited.
All Rights Reserved.
alcoholfree.com is a participant in the Amazon Associates Programme, an affiliate advertising programme designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.co.uk. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.