Everyone struggles with something: eating too much, yelling at the kids,gambling, watching too much tv, self-abuse, etc. Here's how to make resisting temptation easy
Resisting temptation is one of the hardest things in life. Giving in to temptation is easy especially when you've developed a habit of succumbing to your weakness. The payoff in following your vice varies from temporary fulfillment to another satisfying step towards self-destruction. Here's why you give in to your weakness – and how to resist temptation.
Resisting temptation
Researchers from Duke University, the University of Southern California, and the University of Pennsylvania found that asking college students about their vices actually causes them to stop resisting temptation. "We demonstrate that asking consumers to report their expectations regarding how often they will perform a vice behavior increases the incidence of these behaviors." Resisting temptation is difficult when you think about that which you're trying to resist!
It's a self-fulfilling prophecy: the study participants thought they'd succumb, so they did. Resisting temptation was difficult because of their thought processes.
Resisting the temptation to shop
Regarding purchasing power, these researchers found that even seemingly kind or harmless questions about advertised products lowers consumers' will. That is, even a few gentle questions leads people to purchase products they wouldn't normally buy - which makes resisting temptation difficult. The more they talk about the product, the more they give into their desires and the less they resist temptation. In fact, the Law of Attraction came alive and their thoughts became action.
Not surprisingly, these results were especially evident in people with low self-control. The lower your self-control is, the more trouble you'll have resisting temptation.
What's the payoff in succumbing to temptation? Is there a benefit in resisting temptation?
Succumbing to temptation offers a payoff otherwise you wouldn't do it. Resisting the temptation to cheat on your wife is less satisfying than succumbing to the temptation to cheat - which could boost your ego, allow you to self-destruct, or release your hidden anger. Resisting the temptation to eat a whole bag of Oreos isn't as satisfying as eating the cookies because succumbing allows you avoid feelings of sadness, disappointment, or loss that your husband is cheating on you.
Resisting the temptation to drink every night could have a smaller payoff than succumbing to the temptation of drinking because it helps you forget your childhood, deal with pain, or repress feelings of guilt or shame. Resisting the temptation to cut yourself is less satisfying than succumbing to the temptation of cutting because it allows you to focus on the physical pain - not the emotional turmoil within.
There's a reason behind every action we take. Even if we can't or refuse to see the reason…it's there. So, when you're struggling with temptation look into your soul and see the payoff behind succumbing to temptation or resisting temptation.
Resisting temptation is usually a better strategy for a happy, fulfilling life.
How do you start resisting temptation?
If acting on your thoughts can work against you (by causing you to succumb to temptation), it can certainly work for you (helping you resist temptation). The Law of Attraction – also known as The Secret – holds that what you think about will come to be. So, if you think about not eating chocolate chip cookies, not gambling your last few hundred dollars, not surfing the internet until 3 a.m…..guess what? You'll do it. Resisting temptation will be almost impossible. If you repeat how much you dislike addictive relationships, you'll zone in on your next addiction like a bee to honey. Succumbing to temptation is easy when you focus on what you're trying to resist.
To resist temptation, turn temptation around. Instead of thinking about not eating chocolate chip cookies, focus on eating fresh fruit or veggies, or going out for a walk or run. Your focus will go far in resisting temptation. Instead of focusing on not gambling, think about other ways to spend your money. Those other ways will help you resist temptation. Instead of thinking about not surfing the internet, consider the benefits of sleeping all night long or spending time with family or friends. The more you learn about resisting temptation, the easier it'll get.
Resisting temptation and rewarding yourself. Give yourself healthy, fun treats like going to the beach or watching a funny play or performance. Take an afternoon off work or treat yourself to a manicure or pedicure. When you resist temptation, celebrate!
Resisting temptation and planning ahead. If you know you frantically wolf down the whole bag of Doritos after a visit with your sister, then make sure there aren't any chips around when she leaves. Plan to resist temptation. Plan a visit with a friend, a refreshing swim or a power yoga class right after her visit. If you always surf the internet after your partner goes to bed, set yourself up with the latest bestseller and a bubble bath. Resisting temptation can turn into sweet treats!
Resisting temptation involves going easy on yourself. When you face setbacks resisting temptation, be accepting and compassionate. Don't beat yourself up.
If you enjoyed Resisting Temptation, you might like Taking Charge of Your Life.
