In spiritual teachings, Source Energy, Spirit, God, speaks about the importance of building the willpower to resist temptation.

The temptations we each face are varied, but often, our temptations are related to old patterns and behaviors that are no longer serving us.

Why resist temptations

The point of resisting temptations is to achieve spiritual growth and reach your other goals. 

You have to be disciplined to reach certain higher goals in life, and temptations can be distractions that take your focus away from meeting your goals.

As you break free from temptations, you become more disciplined as a person. You become emotionally stronger and feel more at home in yourself. 

The main benefit of resisting temptations is that you’ll gain a new sense of pride that comes from keeping a commitment to yourself.

As a result, your sense of confidence will grow and you end up with a higher view of yourself, which is always positive.

You most likely already know what is tempting you and have in mind what behaviors you want to change.

When resisting temptations, the key to success is to choose one temptation to tackle at a time. Take a moment to identify what that temptation is and aim to disengage from it today.

Do you have your temptation in mind?

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Below are 11 strategies to resist temptation:

1 - Leave tempting spaces

If you’re part of any groups that tempt you to perform the behavior you want to avoid, remove yourself from this group. Unfollow, decline, disengage. Go home or literally anywhere else.

2 - Ask Spirit for help

When the temptation is strong, ask whatever non-physical support you call on for help resisting it. I like to call on certain Angels or Loved Ones watching over me. 

3 - Align with your own Divine Light energy

Take a few deep breaths in and out. Visualize your highest self stepping into your body. Sense your soul’s energy radiating from your body and supporting you. Step away from your temptation.

4 - Politely decline when offered

If you are offered something you’re quitting, say no. Allow no to become one of your favorite words. You don’t need to go into the details behind your no, but if pressed, consider a few pat answers ahead of time.

Some examples:

• No thanks, I’m trying to cut back

• I appreciate the offer, but no thank you

• No thank you, I’m watching my calories

• Thank you for thinking of me, but I’m all good right now

• No, it’s very good/beautiful/wonderful, but I’ve had plenty already

5 - Shift your attention to something else

Focus on something else other than the temptation. What else needs your love and energy today?

Start doing another task, move onto a chore you have to get done, or simply change positions - if you’re sitting, get up and move to a new spot, if you’re standing, go to another room.

6 - Start thinking of new responses to old temptations

Perhaps your temptation is gossip and you’ll be invited to join in gossip this weekend. Consider a new way to respond to it before you even enter the situation.

Strategize techniques in advance to change or disengage from the topic.

7 - Put a boundary on it

Let’s say your temptation is deal shopping. I also love a deal, but it’s fine to place a boundary on this activity. 

For example, instead of going deal shopping 3x a week, commit to going 1x a month.

8 - Bribe yourself

Consider the temptation you need the willpower to resist. Resist it for 30 days and if you’re successful, reward yourself with a treat.

9 - Consider the negatives of giving into the temptation

Ponder the environmental externalities of the temptation. Imagine potential harms that could happen if you give into it. Explore negative news about how the temptation is really gross, after all.

10 - Come up with an alternative

Temptations can be helpful triggers telling you about something you want. Truly fulfill this desire by pausing and identifying the need beneath it.

For example, you want a beer, but have a higher goal of saving money on alcohol, perhaps what you need on a deeper level is relaxation. Can that need be fulfilled with a cheaper cup of chamomile tea?

11 - Ask someone to be your buddy

If you are lucky to have a trustworthy close confidante, ask this person to help you resist. When you have the temptation, share it with them. Their job is to talk you out of giving in to it.

You can teach yourself to resist temptations.

Change takes time and being “delivered” from temptation is an ongoing journey.

However, seeking freedom from your desires can be a worthy pursuit, as doing so can guide you towards an internal mindset of freedom and peace.

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