Joseph was tested with temptation because he had the innate capacity to withstand that challenge. It might seem that inasmuch as one's primary obligation is to develop and perfect one's inherent capacities, the task should be a relatively easy one. After all, it is only a matter of reinforcing one's natural endowments. While it is indeed easy once the deterrents to this are eliminated, overcoming the deterrents may be quite difficult. The deterrents are those traits and drives that distract a person from tending to his primary obligations, and result in his neglecting them.
Common deterrents are envy, seeking acclaim, and pursuit of physical pleasures.
If a person recognizes his primary obligations and tends to them, rejecting these deterrents, he will then be well on his way to perfecting himself. Obviously, if a person is unaware of his innate capacities, he cannot develop them. Inasmuch as he does not realize just what it is that he should be developing, he may lack the motivation to eliminate the deterrents. He may see no purpose in denying himself indulgence in physical pleasures. It is only if he appreciates his character assets that he may see a reason to forgo the physical pleasures which would prevent him from developing his strengths.