Many a times, battles are won or lost in the mind. The thought that starts, builds, and manifests itself in the behavioural realm.
The choice starts in the mind as well. When we decide our hearts (subconsciously) and our minds (consciously) as to what we want to do/ where we want to go, we carry out that attitude or bring forth the behavioural manifestation of it in our actions and words.
so says the verse 'out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks'
i guess that's why joy is so important:) joy that comes from being secure, from knowing our purpose in life, from unconditional love. joy that flows from within.. 'cos it influences our thoughts, it influences our attitudes towards things, and as such, it influences our motivation to do things, which influence our actions ultimately.
so if we want to do something well (e.g. not succumbing to a particular temptation) , many a times it's not a matter of changing our behaviour per se, but rather, a change of our thought processes and our outlook towards it 'taking captive of our minds'.
something we know :) but not something we all apply XD