Tantalizing temptations tease and toy with our emotions every
day on this incredible journey we call life. Our capacity to manage and
control our reaction to temptations defines our success.
We should enjoy this one-time ride as much as possible. It is
common to imagine that satisfying our every whim and desire in the moment
will bring true happiness and fulfillment. On the contrary, too much of a
good thing can be toxic.
Let’s take the example of food. We are fortunate to live in a
land of abundant delicacies which are the ingredients of so man y
spectacular meals. Eating the right things moderately, such as fruit and
vegetables, is the life source for a healthy mind and body. Eating too much
of even a good thing is a sure recipe to extreme discomfort.
Let’s look at several examples:
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Drinking a glass of wine vs. drinking an entire bottle
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Eating a scoop of ice cream vs. eating the whole carton
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Working a productive 8 hour day vs. working 24 consecutive
hours
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Taking a weekend rest vs. two years of an unpaid “mental
sabbatical”
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Exercising a half hour several times a week vs. infrequent
extreme physical activity resulting in extreme pain
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What can we do?
There is much more than the immediate pleasure caused by a
certain stimulus. By focusing on the events leading up to and following a
particular event, we can extend the pleasure and maximize enjoyment.
Curiously, we frequently enjoy planning and looking forward to a trip almost
as much and sometimes even more than the event itself. When we return from a
trip our mood is typically much more pensive and serene.
When we enjoy the time thinking and planning for something in
addition to the event itself, we can stretch each and every ounce of
gratification from even the simplest pleasures in life.
The secret of achieving success does not depend on the number
of hours we work, rather our effectiveness while we work. It’s not
 the
amount rather the quality which counts. Unfortunately, many relate instead
only the number of hours worked as a measure of productivity.
Understanding this principle leads to temperance in all
phases of our lives. When we work, let’s work intensely for a predetermined
amount of time. When we rest, let’s relax fully and completely to
regenerate. When we eat, let’s savor each and every bite and do so
moderately.
Generally, it’s not the “things” which are dangerous, rather
our abuse of them which creates unfortunate consequences. We can intensify
pleasure and satisfaction by moderating our whims and desires with wit and
wisdom.
Being temperate and moderate leads us to continued
fulfillment with life’s simplest pleasures. A life overloaded with work or
dominated with leisure frequently leads to imbalances causing pain and
agony. When we live each instant as if it were our last and plan as if we
were to live an eternity, we establish a base and foundation to bounce back
in even the most difficult circumstance.
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