The best way to exercise self-control is not to exercise it at all | Psyche Ideas

1. Situation Stage: The overall situation where we are at the mercy of giving in to temptation.
2. Attentional Stage: When our attention is towards the ‘sinful’ activity that is the main temptation, like gorging on cookies.
3. Appraisal Stage: When we imagine how good the forbidden activity would feel.
4. Response Stage: When we finally give in to the temptation.

Instead of trying to apply willpower when all the stages (situational, attentional, appraisal and response) have already taken place, one can strategize at the start of the stage and ensure that those do not happen at all.

For instance, the situational stage where we are faced with the temptation right in front of us could itself be avoided if we actively pursue not being in that situation. Example: Not buying the box of cookies, not placing it at home, and not going to the supermarket where one can easily find and buy it.