It happened early one morning, without any warning.

I had just settled in with my hot cup of java and started to look at some work-related files when I heard the ping signalling the arrival of an email. What first set off a tiny warning chime in my mind was the subject of the email: “Farewell to Jane Doe”. Opening the email confirmed my worst fears and alarm-bells began clanging in my head: “Please join us in saying goodbye to Jane Doe. We wish her the best of luck. Pastries and Ice Cream will be served at 3pm in the conference room.”

Those who know me, can vouch for the fact that when it comes to pastries and ice-cream, my stomach turns into a bottom-less pit, but Jane was a good friend/colleague and I knew skipping this party would not be treated lightly. Was I going to let this middle-of-the-week temptation binge derail my fitness regimen?

Not likely. Because of another quick tip:

“When you see a tempt, attempt to preempt.”

In the card game of Contract Bridge, you are advised to make a preemptive bid (higher than necessary/warranted) when you have a weak hand, just so you can disrupt your strong partners’ communication. I cannot find a better analogy here. When you know and recognise your weakness, you are best equipped to deal with it by making a preemptive strike.

Precisely 5 minutes before the party, I made a quick pit-stop at the water-cooler and downed 3 full cups of water. At the party I automatically reached for the smaller plate and ended up eating just half a danish and one small scoop of ice-cream. I didn’t enjoy the food any less, but the recommended serving size was automatically decided for me, thanks to my preemptive move.

So look around your workplace and find your sources of temptation. Is it the guy who keeps a bowlful of candy on his desk and invites everyone to dip into it? Or is it the cheerful lady who religiously brings to work her home-made cookies, brownies and cakes? Or is it the co-worker who loves eating out and invites you everyday?

Recognising these temptations will enable you to make simple preemptive moves (use another walkway away from the candies; say you are allergic to the cookies; or just point to your own lunch which you brought from home!)

Repeat after me, “When I see a tempt, I’ll attempt to preempt!”

It’s even got a nice ring to it.

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