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Remove Temptations

My company has invested in a wellness program for 11 years now. Every Friday for 11 years, we entice every office worker with donuts on Friday mornings. We have multiple ice cream socials in the summer, and use Bud Light as the official sponsor of all our celebrations. Our recent seminars have had apple turnovers, blueberry crumb cake, chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting, and cookies ALL IN THE SAME DAY. 
There are many things my company does well, this isn't intended to throw them under the bus. When you look at companies/families/groups in our culture, food and alcohol are often used as rewards and celebrations. 
These food rewards and celebrations are temptations for those that are trying to eat healthier. Will power is like a muscle, and it only takes a little while for that muscle to become fatigued and you find yourself diving head first into the cookie tray. I have a sweet tooth that can rival the best of them, and controlling my home environment is important because when the clock strikes 8pm, anything that's in the house will begin whispering to me from the kitchen (L says she can't hear it, but it happens). My discipline goes out the window. When I make that decision to eat sweets, it's a desire that isn't satisfied by a few tastes. The result is me feeling guilt and shame when there's nothing but an empty wrapper/bag left, or I leave one or two pieces behind as a peace offering to L for my transgressions.
With finances, you must control your temptations. Emails from your favorite retail stores infiltrate your inbox constantly these days. Ads on the internet constantly remind you of products you've recently searched. Keeping your credit cards in your wallet make it far too easy to swipe (not to mention having apple or android pay!!) and make quick purchases. Amazon one click!
When I posted my budget and allocation, I mentioned that my money has an eventual destination before I receive it. Making sure all my income has a destination removes temptations. Unsubscribing from Best Buy and Dick's Sporting Goods emails removes temptation. Freezing credit cards in actual ice in the freezer takes away temptation. Brewing my coffee in the morning and bringing a travel mug removes temptation. Packing my lunch...you get it.
You must control your environment. Planning and preparation is so important to being disciplined and successful. With proper preparation, you'll never leave yourself in a position where you find yourself considering a choice outside of your plan. 
With that said, planning celebrations and allowing yourself rewards is important too. They can quickly get out of hand though, so be mindful of how often and what you'll allow when you're chasing your goals.

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