Temptation pops up everywhere. We share living and work space. So, how do we manage temptation or get back on track when we realize we’ve had a bit of creep with our choices?
Rules, guidelines, and/or parameters can help – they give structure and support for goals when we’re in a difficult situation.
If you heard me speak, doing a course, or on a podcast, you’ll know about the rule I made when I was trying to break my near-constant craving for sugar: “I only have sugar on Sundays.” That worked for me. Then I realized how much better I felt without sugar, so I no longer wanted it. Today that rule is applied to anything that tempts me or that doesn’t quite fit in my daily plan. I limit it to a serving on Sunday if I want it.
If we can’t eliminate it from our environment, use barriers to “no-go” or “only sometimes” foods. It can live in an opaque container not at my eye level or in a cupboard that I do not open. Perhaps it lives in a storage area away from the kitchen.
When I was a hospital and hospice chaplain, comfort food was everywhere. It became easier to make a rule: I don’t take free food at work. That meant I didn’t have to think about or consider it. Decision fatigue is one reason our willpower breaks down.
Now and again when tempted, I get it in my mind that I’ll be stronger this time. Ever felt that way? Sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn’t. You must know yourself. If you’re a moderator, it may work. If you’re an abstainer, be careful.
As an emotional or stress eater, a safety harness is still a great idea. That may be an accountability partner with whom you talk before and report back to after. Maybe there can be very limited exposure to it. Or you may create an alternative option strong enough so you can drag yourself kicking and screaming away from temptation. Accountability and my “rules” work best for me. How about you?
Plan ahead. Prepare for a situation. Talk it through considering different options for different scenarios. Just like food plans, planning for confronting temptation is more than a good idea. It’s part of your goal execution.
If you want to talk through ways to do this, contact me: [email protected]
