You are at home and want a bowl of ice cream. Think first. Can you increase your pleasure with a large bowl of ice cream instead of a half bowl? No! Overindulgence never increases pleasure. You need to think about 100’s of hours in front of the mirror. Trips to the doctor because of bad health. Lower energy etc.
Second, your pleasure from ice cream is 60% from anticipation. 35% from the first few delicious spoonfuls. Then the last 5% from a hair more pleasure that you barely notice as you shovel away.
Instead, think first, have half a bowl, eat more slowly, then start to enjoy your next 100 hours in good health, better energy, and time spent in front of the mirror.
Overeating is not because you increase pleasure from food. It’s because, that is “What you want to do.”
Third, you want to hang out with your old friends. Think first. Can you increase your pleasure with your old wild crowd? No! Overindulgence never increases pleasure. You need to think about 100’s of hours in darkness and depression when the temptation drags you back to your habit.
Second, your pleasure from your old crowd is 50% from anticipation. 45% from the first few risky moments. Then the last 5% from a hair more pleasure that you barely notice as you are now frustrated because you are getting overwhelmed with temptation to go back to _______.
Fourth, even a clean crowd, or even a walk in the park has some risk. Be ready to “instantly” turn from triggers. Pray in advance of risk, pray often, pray always (The Bible says to pray always).
Consider praying:
“Father, help me to instantly run from triggers.”
Finally, if you show me someone who prays hundreds of times per day to run from triggers… I will say – you just showed me someone who lives their life with pleasure to the max.
All of the Bible is this way. God wants what is best for us. When we do things His way, our life is always best in the long run. Reject short-term temptation, “think,” make it through the next 15 minutes, and you will be able to make a good decision.
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