In many parts of the world, Saint Patrick's Day is observed as a celebration of Irish and Irish-American culture.

My mom's side has Irish blood so I have a real connection to the island nation on the westernmost edge of Europe.

If you're also part of this tribe, let's just say we were "born lucky."

What I've observed over the past 25+ years as a coach is that this "holiday" is yet another opportunity for folks to get derailed. Not because of the religious observances and numerous parades.

Folks hurt their health because of excessive eating, boozing, and other widespread "shenanigans."

she·nan·i·gans /SHəˈnanəɡənz/

noun: High-spirited or mischievous activity.

Now for some readers, alcohol is ruining your life. You don't think so, but it's true. You have an addiction.

But you only drink white wine on the weekends, right? Maybe you relax with a "nightcap" before bed. Or enjoy just a couple of beers when you watch sports on TV.

Actually I'm talking to you too.

Maybe you live for the weekends because it's an opportunity to drink and "have fun" with your friends. To escape.

Really, you are just escaping from your problems... albeit temporarily. Because your problems remain after you sober up.

Research shows that a nightcap before bed may help you fall asleep more quickly, but it can also disrupt your sleep later in the night and intensify snoring.

To make matters worse, boozing often goes hand-in-hand with impulsive behavior, like mindless eating.

These destructive habits are likely keeping you from achieving your priority-one goal... from creating your "Ideal Body" and life.

Your poor choices are just self-imposed limitations. Yes, it's true. Sometimes, you place restrictions on yourself.

For example, you imagine "fake walls" and other obstacles that aren’t really there.

So much of how you're feeling is based on fear. But what are you so afraid of?

How to Avoid Shenanigans

Are you worried that you'll miss the St. Patrick's Day booze-fest with your "friends"?

The seemingly playful activities that ultimately cause harm. You know, the two-day hangover which leaves you feeling physically sick and unmotivated.

Truth is, your fears of "missing out on the good times" are imaginary walls that block you in without good reason.

You think that these walls are there to protect you when, in fact, they just hold you back. Are you concerned about missing the next boozy party?

Maybe you lack the confidence to say "no" to destructive habits.

Let me explain.

Would a true friend repeatedly ask a diabetic to enjoy sugary foods, like packaged snacks and processed baked goods? Of course not.

If your friends have your best interests in mind, they will not offer you alcohol and other vices that you're struggling to avoid.

Perhaps you walk around with a false belief that you’re not good enough, not influential enough, not one of the chosen few. In reality you’re simply too comfortable.

You think that you have reached your peak and it’s too hard to strive for more. After a period of sitting in the same position, your ambitions start to atrophy and you don’t know if you have what it takes to get uncomfortable. To get moving again.

• Are you struggling to quit alcohol and get in shape?
• Have you tried it on your own but had no success?
• Are you intimidated and afraid of the typical gym?

Are you sick and tired of how you feel and how your clothes fit? Well, it's your lucky day because I've got a proven plan to get you leaner, stronger, and happier.

I want to encourage you to be bold, be brave, and be courageous. Understand that these limitations are self-imposed and imaginary.

Know that if you push on those walls, they will fall and you will be able to reach your full potential.

Don't wait for perfect. Take action now and go for what you want and deserve in life.

To your success,

Coach Joe

Joseph Arangio helps 40+ men and women get leaner, stronger, and happier. He's delivered over 100,000 transformation programs to satisfied clients around the globe. If you want to lose weight from home, with the best online age-management personal trainer, or you want to visit the best longevity personal trainer in the Lehigh Valley, you can take a free 14-day trial.