What You Resist, Persists

The common strategy for dealing with temptation to do something wrong or unwise, is to try to resist them. Unfortunately, this approach fails most of the time. Why?

Because resistance keeps your attention fixed on the very thing that tempts you. What you focus on gains strength from your focus. That’s why what you resist tends to persist.

Instead, I recommend turning your attention elsewhere and replacing the temptation with something wholesome. This dual approach—redirecting your focus and channeling your actions into something positive—is the key to overcoming temptation.