10 Tips for Dealing with Annoying Temptations

Temptation is simply anything that points us away from

what is good, true, loving, or life-giving.

No one is free from temptation—whether they are minor,

annoying habits (like eating an entire bag of chips)

or serious vices that destroy peace, relationships, health, or careers.

Often, we focus entirely on the “bad stuff” temptation leads us toward,

but we fail to emphasize all the good stuff it pulls us away from.

Here are 10 practical tips for dealing with temptations when they arise.

1. Know Your Enemy

Before going into battle, you must know what you are fighting.

We usually think of obvious temptations:

lust, food, drugs, laziness, gossip, greed, or anger.

However, we must also identify the not-so-obvious ones:

• Negativity, criticism, and judgment
• Resentment and envy
• Dark thoughts and overthinking
• Doubt and self-pity

2. Know Your Triggers

Once you identify your temptations,

you must figure out what sets them off.

Triggers can be specific people, places, or things.

They can also be moods or feelings, such as boredom, idleness,

or complete loneliness.

(Notably, almost all of our modern triggers come through a single source: our smartphones.)

• Remove and avoid the triggers you can control.
• Have a solid game plan ready in advance for the ones you cannot avoid.

3. Stop It at the Door

Temptation knows your triggers and waits for the perfect

opportunity to strike.

It follows a specific pattern to gain entrance:

1. It starts with a simple thought.
2. Your imagination entertains it.
3. It brings a sense of satisfaction, delight, or powerful attraction.
4. You consent.

You must make your stand at the very beginning—at the door of

the initial thought.

If you let it progress into your imagination and desires,

it becomes almost impossible to fight off.

4. The 23-Minute Rule

Remind yourself that any temptation,

no matter how strong, will eventually pass.

The devil knocks, and if he finds no entrance,

he eventually gets bored and moves on.

This usually takes about 23 minutes.

The next time you are battling an urge, set a timer for 23 minutes

and immediately go do something else to distract yourself.

5. Surrender (Find Strength Outside Yourself)

Some temptations become so wired into our biology

and brains that our own willpower is simply not enough.

True strength often comes from surrendering to a higher power.

When you are tempted, your will becomes agitated, excited,

and out of control—like a crazy puppy.

But when you place a puppy in its mother’s arms,

it becomes calm and docile.

When you are overwhelmed, take a deep breath, surrender,

and place your chaotic will into the care of your faith

or a higher power to calm your mind.

6. See the Good in the Battle

Temptations are not just stumbling blocks;

they offer profound opportunities for personal growth:

• Self-Discovery: They reveal who we are beneath the surface and scream out what is broken and needs work.
• Strength Building: Beating small temptations trains you to lift the heavier ones later.
• Humility: They constantly remind us of our utter lack of self-control, keeping our egos in check.
• Confidence: Think of how terrible you feel after giving in, versus how empowered you feel when you resist. Greatness requires facing your demons and winning.

7. Get to the Roots

Merely trimming the branches of a bad habit will not stop

it from growing back.

We spend too much time focusing on whether we are succeeding

or failing at a temptation,

and not enough time addressing its root cause.

The root could be unresolved trauma, anger issues, fear, isolation,

or too much free time.

For many, it simply comes down to a lack of real purpose

and meaning in life.

Dig to the roots and get professional help if necessary.

8. Master Them Over Time

You will never be completely free of temptation in this life.

Mastery comes through calm, patient, and brave endurance.

It will not happen overnight.

Do not overwhelm yourself with the rest of your life;

just get through the next 23 minutes, then the next hour,

then the next day. Treat resisting temptation as part

of your daily labor, just like working out or eating right.

9. Face It Head-On

No battle was ever won by running away.

You cannot outrun temptation forever;

you will inevitably find yourself right back where you started.

The next time you are battling an urge,

mentally visualize yourself standing up face-to-face

with that temptation.

Take control, refuse to let it beat you down,

and fight back using both your own strength

and the strength of your faith or support system.

10. Give Yourself Grace When You Fall

Eventually, you will fall.

When you do, go easy on yourself.

Beating yourself up, worrying, or giving in to anxiety

are just more temptations designed to keep you down.

Pick yourself up and keep going.

When you are face-down in the dirt, you will hear two voices:

• A voice of accusation and condemnation is kicking you while you are down.
• A voice of compassion and forgiveness lifting you up, saying, “Come on, I love you, let’s do this together.”

Only listen to the voice of compassion.