I think the relationship I’ve had with myself has changed significantly over the past five years.

Five years ago, I was a heavy drinker, not particularly happy with where I was or with the people around me and, back then, I didn’t even realise it. To me, that version of life felt normal, and I simply accepted that as the way things were.

When I gave up drinking, I realised something profound: my real problem wasn’t alcohol, it was my relationship with myself.

I’d lost connection with who I was, with the things that truly made me happy, and with the ability to enjoy my own company. I realised I needed to reconnect, to fall back in love with myself and spend time getting to know myself, fully and genuinely.

I used various strategies to begin this shift, things I won’t dive into in detail today, but as I started to like who I was again, something clicked.

When I rebuilt my self-respect, I found I could look forward instead of getting stuck in the past or distracted by what wasn’t working and from there, setting goals and following through became more than just a good idea; it became a routine. Week by week, I noticed I was checking off my plans, completing to-do lists, and feeling the momentum.

The biggest change was the confidence I began to feel. I became more dependable, more reliable, and—most importantly—consistent in who I was showing up as, day after day.

This newfound confidence didn’t just affect me; it changed how others saw me too. People around me could feel that I had things under control, that I was someone they could trust and depend on.

That steady presence didn’t go unnoticed, and I think it created a sense of comfort for the people I care about.

In the end, this transformation isn’t just for me. I want to be that consistent person not only for myself but for my wife Emma, for a future family, and for the life we’re building together. I want to be someone who is present, stable, and there when it counts—every single day.

To do that, I had to let go of the baggage from my twenties, forgive myself for it, and accept that person as a part of my journey.

If you’re struggling with misalignment, both in your personal life or in business, start with this: rebuild your relationship with yourself. Forgive who you were, embrace who you are now, and trust that you can keep growing.