Defying the Statistics: Overcoming Addiction, Creating Wealth, and Living with Intention

Here Are 8 Examples of What Is Possible

1. Long-Term Sobriety After Extended Alcohol Use

I drank alcohol daily—excessively—for over 20 years. Then I quit. No long-term rehab, just a 3-day detox and a decision I never turned back on. I've been sober for 9+ years.

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, fewer than 1 in 5 people who struggle with alcohol ever achieve long-term sobriety. For people with decades of daily use, less than 1% reach 10 years clean without relapse.

Want to learn how to beat the odds? Discover our coaching approach.

2. Quitting Tobacco for Good

I used smokeless tobacco daily for over 20 years. I quit, and I’ve stayed tobacco-free for more than 5 years. According to CDC Tobacco Quit Rates, fewer than 5% of long-term users manage to quit and remain tobacco-free for five years or more.

Ready to tackle your toughest habits? Find support here.

3. Significant Weight Loss Maintained Over a Decade

I lost 35 pounds and kept it off for over a decade. Only about 1% of people who lose 30+ pounds manage to maintain that loss for 10 years or longer, according to the National Weight Control Registry.

4. Running a Half Marathon at 55

At age 55, I trained for and completed a half marathon. Less than 5% of U.S. men over 50 run half marathons, and even fewer finish them, according to Running USA

5. Financial Milestone: Net Worth Over Two Million Dollars by 50

By age 50, I surpassed $2 million in net worth. According to the Federal Reserve’s Survey of Consumer Finances, fewer than 4% of U.S. households have a net worth exceeding $2 million. Achieving this milestone before 50 places me in an even smaller fraction of that group. (Federal Reserve)

6. Entrepreneurial Success: 25 Years of Business Ownership with Employees

I’ve built and operated businesses for 25 years—and they’ve been my sole source of income. I’ve had employees, carried payroll, and stayed in business long-term.

According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, about 80% of small businesses have no employees, and only 25% survive past 15 years. Combining these benchmarks, long-term business owners with employees as a sole income source comprise an estimated 0.1% to 0.25% of the U.S. adult population.

7. Legal Rehabilitation: From a Felony to a Full Pardon

After being convicted of a felony, I fulfilled all legal obligations, including paying all fines and restitution. I committed no additional crimes for more than 20 years. This is exceptionally rare. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, 82% of state prisoners are re-arrested within 10 years of release.

I applied for and received a full pardon from the Nevada Board of Pardons Commissioners. This involved an extensive background investigation, a formal application, and a hearing before the Nevada Board of Pardons Commissioners—composed of the Governor, Supreme Court Justices, and the Attorney General. The Nevada Board receives approximately 1,000 pardon applications annually, hears about 2%, and grants pardons to roughly 50% of those heard—meaning only about 1% of applicants are ultimately pardoned each year.

8. Restoration of Church Membership

I was disfellowshipped through my church’s discipline process. After 20 years, I took the necessary steps to have my membership fully reinstated to full fellowship. While the church does not publicly disclose specific statistics on the duration of disfellowshipment or the frequency of reinstatement after such extended periods, the restoration of membership after this length of time is indeed uncommon. This highlights a significant commitment to the faith and its principles.

Stacking the Odds: My Journey in Numbers

Consider these achievements:

• 1% achieve long-term sobriety from decades of alcohol use.
• 5% quit tobacco for 5+ years.
• 1–3% maintain significant weight loss for 10+ years.
• 2–3% run a half marathon at age 55.
• 4% build a net worth over $2 million before age 50.
• 1% achieve long-term business success with employees.
• 1% avoid recidivism and receive a full pardon.
• Restoration of church membership after 20 years is rare.

Proof of Concept

The chance of one person accomplishing all eight achievements is a fraction of a fraction of a percent. This isn’t theory about what might work—it’s math. It shows that radical change is possible, even when the odds say it isn’t.

Ready to defy the odds? Join our community at Stable Living Coaching.

Each achievement is rare on its own. Together, they prove that with resolve, you can beat the odds. There is no luck involved—just a pattern of relentless personal growth.

Your Journey to Radical Change Starts Now

If you’re ready to overcome your challenges and transform your life, know that you have the power to change your future.

At Stable Living Coaching, I help people tackle life’s toughest challenges. If you’re ready to defy the odds and live with intention, learn more today at The Horsemanship Journey.

Remember: You cannot fail if you Don’t Ever Stop Chasin’ It!

References

1. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA): Understanding Alcohol Use Disorders and Their Treatment
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Tips to Quit Tobacco
3. National Weight Control Registry (NWCR): Research on Long-Term Weight Loss Maintenance
4. Running USA: U.S. Running Participation Trends
5. Federal Reserve Survey of Consumer Finances: Federal Reserve Survey of Consumer Finances Wealth Distribution Data
6. U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA): Small Business Success Rates
7. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): Entrepreneurship Data
8. Pew Research Center: Entrepreneurship and Economic Data
9. Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS): Recidivism Statistics
10. Nevada Board of Pardons Commissioners: Pardon Application Process
11. Law Office of Benjamin Nadig: Understanding Pardons in Nevada
12. Council on Criminal Justice: Recidivism Trends in the U.S.
13. U.S. Sentencing Commission: Recidivism Data