Inspire To Change
When friends Ruari Fairbairns and Andy Ramage embarked on their alcohol-free (AF) journeys, it was unbeknown to the other. Meeting up again after several months, they realised the major of differences they both had undergone. They wanted to share this “secret” with others, and spread the word of the benefits and improvements their AF journeys had brought them.
The most notable changes they had experienced were: an increase in their productivity; improved relationships; reduced anxiety; better sleep; and an overall feeling of being happier and healthier in all aspects of their lives.
This is the message they knew they had to share with as many people who would listen – you have a choice to drink, but if you take your focus to other priorities, you can achieve so much more, or in the words of Ruari and Andy, “Live life better”.
Why do you think the success rate of OYNB is so high?
It’s due to the community and accountability aspects of the challenge. For instance, it has been proven that if you hold yourself accountable to another person or group, then you are more likely to succeed than if you were to try alone. By creating a programme that encompasses both the fun of a social challenge and the tried-and-tested MEND (Mind, Exercise, Nutrition, Do) approach with scientific roots, it creates an ideal environment for members to flourish.
What would you say the response has been like to the process?
It has been really incredible, and continues to surprise us daily. For a society that has alcohol so deeply ingrained, it is eye opening to see how many people are feeling a similar way about how alcohol is holding them back from achieving their goals and are looking for some way to change their relationship with it. This is particularly evident in the UK, but we also have a huge global community, so it’s incredible to see how it is growing across the world, and the impact that our challenge has on our members’ lives.
I know you can’t name names, but what have been some of the positive stories that have stayed with you?
There are countless amazing stories that I’ve come across, but these are a few that have really stuck with me. One lady managed to pay off $98,736 in debt in 16 months. Another man lost 10 stone in weight and became a fitness instructor. Another couple were struggling to get pregnant before going AF, but were able to conceive naturally after a few months on the challenge. There are many more than this, and each story – no matter how ‘normal’ – is incredible.
Is Britain getting better with its boozy culture?
Britain has a deep relationship with alcohol, but the trends are changing. There are so many AF options available and they would not be creating these drinks if there was not a demand for it. There are countless stories in the press about how Millennials are drinking less and there are more dry bars around the country. The AF movement is really gaining momentum.
And OYNB isn’t necessarily about abstaining forever, is it?
We don’t aim to stop everyone drinking forever, but give those who want to readdress their relationship with alcohol a method to do so that is fun and relaxed. It is about giving yourself the chance to experience all the benefits of an AF lifestyle so you have all the information you need to make decisions about whether or not to drink. By taking a break from alcohol you can “reset” your relationship with alcohol, and make a choice for what is best for your life.
