How to control your desires
Achieving control over your desires can seem daunting at first, almost like you’re inviting a restrictive lifestyle or trying to deny yourself of things you enjoy. But having desires that motivate you in a positive and healthy way can be hugely beneficial and will ultimately lead to such a greater sense of satisfaction over time.
The first step in controlling your desires is to identify what they are. According to neurobiologist Robert Sapolsky, desires can range from small indulgences such as feeling a sense of accomplishment from checking an email to larger desires such as a need for validation from an audience. Your unique needs are always changing and vary from person to person. Knowing your desires can help you not only recognize what kinds of temptations you should avoid, but also allows you to approach your goals with the right kind of energy.
The second step is learning to manage your desires. It’s important to realize that your desire has a time and a place. If you have an urge to buy something you don’t need, it’s best to take a step back and ask yourself why you are having that desire and if there is a better way of achieving what you want. Using the same technique, if you find yourself feeling constantly jealous of someone else’s successes, ask yourself why and find ways that you can make yourself proud.
In addition to managing your desires, it is important to reward yourself along the way. Even if your ultimate goal is a few months away, allowing yourself to eat your favorite food or buy something small can keep you motivated and excited about continuing on your journey.
To sum up, controlling your desires is a process of understanding who you are, learning to manage your motivations, and rewarding yourself along the way. By cultivating an awareness of what your desires are and understanding how that can influence your decisions, you can make sure that your desires motivate you in a positive and healthy way. Letting your desires take you in all sorts of directions can have consequences that you might not have considered at first, so having control over your desires will allow you to take control of your life and make decisions that are best for you.
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