By Leola Small, Cliftons Marketing and Inside Sales Manager

If like me, you are trying to drink less as part of your 2017 New Year's Resolution - then you may find yourself in a pickle sooner or later. Most networking events and functions serve alcohol and some even have an open bar - if your budgets have been kind!

With a growing population of health conscious socialites and the number of "diets" on the rise, surely that indicates alcohol consumption would decrease. But depending on what country you live in (for me Australia), it seems a good ol' bevvy is suitable for most occasions.

Let's think about the work event or networking function that you attend after work where alcohol is served.

• Do you attend because they are serving alcohol?

• Do you drink to ease the nerves to start up a conversation?

• Is it just a bit of social fun?

• Are you genuinely there to network, and drinking is a bonus?

There are so many ways to look at it, but here are my 3 tips on how to avoid the drink and stick to your resolution:

AVOID EVENTS

This first one is tough! Especially for a socialite like me. I've found that by simply not attending events and functions, that my alcohol intake drops, as well as the desire to drink - It’s a no-brainer really. I fill my new found time with doing things that I enjoy, like exercising or working on side projects. As well as waking up earlier the next morning without the dreaded after effects!

HAVE A DRINK IN YOUR HAND

If you need to attend a function and are looking to avoid alcohol, it's far easier to give in if you focus so much on "not-drinking". I would suggest some kind of drink, whether it's a sparkling and lime, or a ginger beer. Holding and drinking something will increase the chances of you NOT craving an alcoholic bevvy!

BUILD A NETWORK

If you travel in packs and have your usual gang that you take everywhere, it would be worth telling them where you stand. If you have a group of colleagues that have your back, then that helps. Alternatively, you can even try to have them join the band wagon too - and as a team you are unstoppable!

At the end of the day it's all about moderation and balance in all aspects isn't it… Day 18, going strong!