Ever think about how “giving something up” just makes you think about it even more?

I think it was something I heard Rich Roll say on his podcast, and it got me thinking about the traditional season of Lent.

The idea is sacrifice, I understand that, but by giving something up, you tie yourself to it. It becomes part of your identity, that spectre hanging over your shoulder – a constant reminder of the thing you’ve denied yourself. That’s not something that leads to a long term positive change.

After all, you want to give something up because you know you probably aren’t making the right choice about it.

So instead of focusing on what you’re taking away, how about adding something positive?

Swap “I’m going to give up chocolate” for “I’m going to eat an apple and a banana every day for a boost of natural energy”. Instead of mindlessly scrolling social media, pick up your phone and add a language course on Busuu or Duolingo to open up new horizons.

Think about what you might traditionally sacrifice, and choose to add in the opposite instead. There’s no need to fully reject the things you crave, just crowd them out with positivity.

Forget empty sacrifices – what positive addition are YOU going to make this Lent?