Avoiding Temptation Vs Resisting Temptation

We all have those things that we know we shouldn’t do, yet we still consider doing them. Having that extra slice of pie, reaching out to an ex-partner, going down a research rabbit hole rather than following through on critical work tasks.

We call these temptations, which are “desires to do something, especially wrong or unwise”.

In being the best version of ourselves, we do not give into temptation. Instead we make intentional choices that maximize our potential and the vision we have for our life. We have high-standards for ourselves that we’re committed to living up to.

But… Easier said than done. 

Every night I’m tempted to answer just one more email instead of get to bed on time… And sometimes I do. I’m tempted to open my phone and go on social media for a brain break rather than recharging with an outdoor walk… And sometimes I do.

There are two ways to overcome temptations and one is much more effective than the other. The goal is to avoid temptation rather than resist them.

When we resist temptation we must execute our willpower. Even though our mind desires something in the short term, we know that we want something else in the long term. Overcoming that temptation is a test of our will as we tell ourselves not to do it. 

However we can be more strategic to avoid temptations altogether. We can make adjustments to our environment so that the tempting thing isn't easily accessible, or better yet the temptation isn’t even presented.

Instead of telling yourself to stop grabbing handfuls of snacks, get rid of them or put them on the top shelf that requires a step ladder. Instead of telling yourself not to go on social media, delete the app and make yourself redownload it every time you want to use it.

Those are extreme examples, but they’re examples nonetheless about how we can do things in advance that make it easier to overcome temptations in the moment.

The first step is being aware of what your guilty pleasure is, that vice, that temptation, and then choosing to change your environment so that it’s no longer an option.