Objections Bingo
Sep 28, 2025
Objections Bingo
It can be easy to get stuck in the seriousness of alcohol and its effects. After all, it is a serious topic.
However, if it's all doom and gloom, then it can become an issue to be avoided—pushed into the back of our minds because if we look at it, we feel fear.
I was so afraid to stop drinking for too many reasons to list here. But as time has passed, I now see those fears as the signals—the red lights—that I refused to pay attention to. I just kept on going, playing the game, pretending I was OK. I was not OK.
Once I faced my fears, slowly and with support, I realised not only were they nebulous—for example, “I'll NEVER have fun again” and “NO ONE will want to be my friend”—they were also unfounded.
But the human brain can be very creative when it wants to avoid change.
It’s not laziness or weakness. It’s just… normal.
An Objection-Making Machine
Whenever we stand on the edge of something new—whether that’s taking a break from alcohol, starting a new habit, or saying yes to a big opportunity—our brain serves up a smorgasbord of objections and excuses.
Why? Because the brain will prioritise the known over the unknown. And it will do everything it can to keep us stuck in familiar patterns.
Why? Because often it doesn't have a compelling reference point for what the future holds—it doesn't feel safe.
This is especially true if you've tried to quit before, had a miserable time, and gone back to drinking. Why would you try again?
The objections it serves up sound convincing because we’ve rehearsed them for years. They feel true in the moment:
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“I’ve been so good, I deserve this.”
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“One won’t hurt.”
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“It’s just the wrong time, I’ll start again tomorrow.”
These are not signs of failure. They’re simply mental loops—predictable patterns your brain uses to keep you safe and comfortable. The trick is to spot them, laugh at them, and choose differently.
A Little Lightness To Spark Curiosity
In the spirit of lightness, I created Objections Bingo a while ago for my groups and thought I'd share it here 🎉.
Instead of beating yourself up when these thoughts appear, or allowing them to suck you back in, you can tick them off like you’re playing a game. “Oh look, I just hit a square on the board—‘Maybe moderation will work this time.’ Bingo!”
Why make a game of it?
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Because humour disarms shame.
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Because awareness is step one.
- Because recognition normalises the objection process.
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And because change doesn’t have to feel so heavy—it can be light, curious, and even playful.
I’m sure I haven't captured all the objections I myself had, or those I've collected over the years from others, but I am 100% sure you will recognise a few.
Here’s how to play:
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Print the bingo sheet (link below).
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Each time one of these objections pops up, check it off.
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Notice your patterns without judgment.
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Celebrate awareness—you’re retraining your brain every time you spot an objection instead of obeying it.
Your objections aren’t the enemy. They’re simply part of the process. Every time you recognise one, you’re building clarity, courage, and choice. You are taking back control.
So—ready to play?
👉 Download your Objections Bingo worksheet here Download now
Because sometimes the best way to win against excuses… is to call them out,
With Lightness,
Sarah Connelly
IG @sarah_c0nnelly
