I don’t know how old you are, but I have a couple suggestions for you:
(1) Cut your hand off - Not literally, of course. Read this:
“And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut if off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.” (Matt 5:30) If there is something that continually makes you stumble stop doing it. Is it YouTube? Is it the internet in general? Is it a video game? Whatever it is, Satan will try to convince you that you don’t need to omit it from your life. You might be convinced that all you need to do is try harder. However, that isn’t necessarily true. Why not help yourself and permanently (at least semi-permanently) cut out whatever is bringing on temptation?
(2) Know Thyself - In a very similar lighting as (1), know yourself. When do you stumble? Is it at night when you sit on your laptop or phone and no one is watching you? Is it during the day when everyone is busy and isn’t paying attention to you? Or is it random? For example, if it’s at nighttime, make things easier for yourself by leaving electronics in another room.
(3) Don’t let yourself get bored - Why not try going on walks whenever you feel a temptation? If not walks, find something else it is to take your mind off things. Do pushups, watch a movie, read a book, sing, play music, write in a journal, drink a glass of water. Find something that you love spending your time doing. If you love to draw or cook, do those things! Enjoy living!
(4) Rewards - One thing that has really helped me come over habitual sin is rewarding myself. There have been times where I’ve literally had to take it a day at a time, or even an hour at a time. Set a small small goal. Overcome the goal. Reward yourself (hopefully with some kind of healthy behavior (a favorite snack? video games? shopping?))!
(5) Help - Ask for help! I don’t know if you feel comfortable asking anyone you know for help, but they may be able to help you. Do you have a good religious role model in your life? It might be embarrassing to own up to a sin, but if you can find a good role model, I doubt they will judge you. When I was really struggling with a problem, I told my best friend about it, even though it was embarrassing. It turns out, she had the exact same struggle! We now talk about it everyday, and help hold each other to a higher standard. It is extremely beneficial. This person that you trust can help hold you accountable. You aren’t alone!
(6) Guardian Angel - On the subject of not being alone, don’t forget you have a guardian angel. This angel’s sole task is to watch over you and keep you from harm. Allow them to help you! Get to know them! Talk to them!
(7) Confession - Please, never ever give up. It sounds like this is something that really bothers you. Never tire of running to our Lord and apologizing.
(8) Cross - Don’t forget that we are called each day to carry out Cross. Right now, this is part of your Cross. It isn’t supposed to be easy. Whenever you feel like giving into temptation, look at Our Lord on the Cross. Watch the Passion. You could even carry a little crucifix with you, and hold it whenever you feel like giving into temptation.
(9) Hope - One major trap is allowing yourself to grow despairingly comfortable with this sin. Each time you leave Confession, do NOT think to yourself, “Alright, now I just need to see how long I can make it”. Think, “That is the past. Now it’s time to move on to a better future.” Basically, don’t set yourself up for failure mentally. Give yourself a chance! We are strong, and we have a WILL. You are strong enough, through Him, to overcome this sin.
(10) Prayer - I had to add this because it is obviously essential. I highly recommend you read up on St. Augustine! You might find his “Confessions” very helpful and interesting. Or, even a quick google search might help.
Here are a few prayers. I have them memorized after praying them daily for several years, and they have given me strength many times:
ourcatholicprayers.com/prayers-for-purity.html
May God bless you and your family! I will pray for you!
-SnowAngels
