Bochur14 wrote on 13 Feb 2011 21:43:
I have a question: what do you do when you find yourself going and looking at p**n more out of habit than anything and you don't even have such a strong urge for it until you're actually doing it? How do you stop yourself from doing it whenever you just get the idea?
Unfortunately, I don't think there is any good answer to that question. Any one of us here can give a wonderful answer to that question
while it is you who is having the difficulty! That's because when we are not in that position, our brains are working properly and logically, rather than our bodies dictating to us what we should think. So the question really is: How do I get my brain to go back to normal mode and take charge, when my body is about to dominate?!! If there were a solid answer to that one, we could close down GYE and just post it once for all to see. So what now?
Like most of my posts on this site, I think this too is subjective. When Yosef Hatzadik (the original one!)
![](https://guardyoureyes.com/components/com_kunena/template/default/images/emoticons/new/wink.png)
was about to be Nichshal with the wife of Potifar, it was the image of his father's face that woke him up and stopped him. The Gemara talks about those who would make a Shevua to stop themselves from doing something wrong. We all know the famous story of Rav Amram and his using Boosha to stop himself.
My advice to you would be: Think good and hard
before you are in front of the computer about something that is most precious to you. For a Bochur that might be his potential Shidduchim, or losing the respect of his closest friends and Rebeiim, while for a married guy it may be his wife or children. Then think of a way to set yourself up a reminder that will instantly bring that thing back in front of your eyes and on your mind when you need it most. Lastly, put that thing somewhere near enough to your self while at the computer, or near the computer itself, so it will be ready and available in case of emergency.
Just as an example. As a married guy with wonderful beautiful Heilige children, there is nothing in the world that I would care to lose more than them. So i paid about $10 and I got myself a mouse pad specially made with a picture of my smiling children on it. When I am vulnerable, I use that mouse pad to remind me of why I don't want to do this.
Remember, anything you do can work, if you tailor make it to yourself while in the proper state of mind. It is very subjective.
Lastly, an important note. All this is based on your statement that you are not actively looking for a problem right now, it sort of just comes. But if you are holding by having already decided to do it, I have not found a way to stop myself then except for Davening that something goes wrong ie. computer crashes, someone walks in right before I'm about to start. But if it's random, there is more hope.
That's my 2 cents worth.
Hatzlocha!!