Seven little tricks to resisting everything (including temptation)

I can't speak for everyone else, but for me, diet season has officially begun. After almost a year away from the gym, I've restarted my workout routine, have cleaned a lot of the junk out of my diet, and am setting my goals for weight loss and overall health improvements. Ladies and gentlemen, a new day has dawned.

As I embark on "Bruce's Self-Improvement Tour: 2008," I am also rediscovering my own vulnerability. You see, it's usually really easy for me to resist sales, impulse buys, and the assorted little purchases that provide a balm for my momentary woes, but inevitably leave my wallet bruised and bleeding. However, I'm currently invested in fighting off the siren call of Reese's Cups, Peppermint Patties, pizza, knishes, gyros, and about a thousand other treats that give me a quick thrill but add inches to my waistline. Unfortunately, that doesn't leave me a lot of energy to deal with all the other temptations out there.

I'm not the only one who has a hard time resisting urges: studies have shown that humans have a limited amount of willpower. When we spend it in one area, we may find ourselves at risk in others. This is why many of us find ourselves saving money with bagged lunches, only to spend the cash on frivolous items. Apparently, our desire for gratification must find an outlet and, the harder we try to supress it, the harder it fights back.