This is not a religious topic as some may think. The ability to fight temptation is very important if a person is going to make headway in life. Learning to resist temptation while you are young will set you free from much anxiety now and will also prove to be a vital skill that you will need in adulthood. Here are a few things you should know:
Know your Weaknesses
If there is something you want to avoid that is not good for you, then you need to identify areas you are vulnerable to be tempted. For example, if you’re trying to stop drinking you should admit that that is your problem, then identify what your weakness is. What makes you lose your resolve? Is it being around friends who drink? Is it the smell of whiskey? Identify your weakness and abstain from it.
Anticipate Temptation
Think of situations where you are likely to face temptation. Mentally rehearse how you will resist if such temptation occurs. For example, as mentioned earlier, if you do not want to drink and you know you might be in a situation where you might be tempted to drink, think in advance of how you will resist the temptation. Try to avoid circumstances that will make temptation harder to resist.
Find Supportive Friends
Surround yourself with friends who encourage you to do what is right. We tend to become like the people we spend time with. So limit contact with people who encourage habits that you are trying to break, and seek out those who can reinforce good habits.
Train your Mind
Letting the mind dwell on the possibilities is what gets you into trouble in the first place. The more we allow our mind dwell on an idea, the more likely we are to fall for the temptation. Find a distraction. Do something else to take your mind away from what tempts you.
Manage your Environment
Make it harder to do the wrong thing. For example, if you want to eliminate junk food from your diet, try not to keep food in your kitchen that you know is not good for you. That way, when temptation strikes, giving in will require more effort than not giving in. Make it easier to do the right thing. For instance, if you plan to exercise first thing in the morning, set your exercise clothing next to your bed the night before.
Remember that you are stronger than your temptations. And you could defeat them no matter how humongous they might seem.
