This is the basis of that asceticism which is essential to true Christianity. Of course, there are those who have the grace and determination to ascend the heights of asceticism which we, in our weakness, shall never attain. Nevertheless, whether we be priest or layman, man, woman or child, we are all called to be Christ's disciples and therefore to walk upon the ascetic path of self-denial. We are surrounded by a world of superfluous stimuli whose flashing images imprint themselves on the mind in a fraction of a second, without our even being aware of it, only to pester us the moment we stand for prayer. We must learn to say No to perennial distractions and useless daydreaming.
Advertising offers another barrage of stimuli, purposely tempting the consumer to buy, buy, buy.
Curb your self-indulgence. Good habits are much easier to inculcate at an early age. If you cannot get rid of your own greatness, neither can you lay yourself open for real greatness. If you cling to your own freedom, you cannot share in true freedom, where only one will reigns. Finally he comes not to have any of these extraneous desires but whatever happens to him he is satisfied with it as if it were the very thing he wanted.