Conquering Temptation

Our Guest Blogger -  Deanna Heiliger is a teacher and an inspirational writer and speaker. She is happily married, raising four sweet daughters. For encouragement with and support in becoming a "Better You” visit her weekly blog: www.metothepowerofwe.com and visit her fan page on Facebook for a daily dose of positive goodness: www.facebook.com/metothepowerofwe

Temptation is all around us. It corners us and tests our true character and our willpower at every turn. It can be in the innocent form of a cupcake when you are trying to eat healthy...or it can be in the form of a handsome man flirting with you when your marriage is not "up to par".

How do you handle temptation when you are faced with it?

True character comes to test when a situation arises and there is nobody around to see how you respond. Someone with questionable character will give in to temptation no matter what the cost. If you are a person of great character, there is still a chance that you may want to give in to temptation. How do you handle that temptation?

I think the biggest way to handle temptation with grace is to make a commitment to yourself. If you don't have boundaries and goals set in place to hold you accountable to your values, it will be easier for you to adjust that line.

Let's say that you are trying to be really healthy and illuminate sugar from your diet. You also know that you love a little treat after each meal and you like your desserts. This is a really lofty goal, and one that can be attainable...but it will take a lot of willpower and restraint on your part. To avoid undo temptation, it would be a great idea to not walk by the desert aisle in the lunch buffet. Out of sight, out of mind...right?

Don’t put yourself in a situation that may compromise your goal!

When you are trying to live within a certain set of morals and values and boundaries you must not surround yourself with things that will temp you. If you are trying to work on your marriage, you would want to limit going out to happy hour with all your single girlfriends. If you want to be more productive during the day while your kids are at school, then don't turn on the TV. If you make small little rules and guidelines for yourself, your goals will be easier to attain without the added temptation distracting you.

If you know certain things are a "Trigger" for you, stay away from them!

If you do find yourself confronted by something that you are trying to avoid, that is when your willpower and true self respect come into play. If you have a personal goal that you want to achieve, then letting a fleeting quick enjoyment derail you is an easy way to feel crummy and set you back to zero.

Ask yourself, “Is it worth it?”

I know that some people have serious addictions, and that is not what I am talking about here...as those people need to seek professional help. They can use willpower and personal goal setting, but I think addictions are a much bigger situation that is harder to handle without proper guidance.

Just as you are the only one who can control your thoughts, you are the only one who can control your actions. This is very empowering and should make you feel good. If you set your mind to it, you can achieve it. Don't let your negative thinking and your coercive self-talk convince you to give in to temptation and ultimately derail you from your goal! Stay strong to your commitment…You will benefit greatly!

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