For the strength to resitst tempation, you have to ask for it in prayer and make use of the sacramental system of the Church, primarily confession and the Eucharist. Frequent confession and reception of the Eucharist in a state of grace is extremely important. For me, confession is key.
I can’t tell you how many people say that they find it hard to fight temptation but if you ask them if they go to Mass frequently, or even adoration once or twice each week, they say no. Try going to daily Mass a few times each week, preferably at the start of the day. Mass is the summit of our faith, where you recieve our Lord and are incorporated into his body. If you can’t get to Mass, try to find a Church with a perpetual adoration chapel on the way to work and stop in for a few minitues each day. It is a wonderful way to start the day.
Prayer? Well, it takes time. Many are not patient enough to persevere in prayer. It can take years of struggling to learn how to pray before one feels comfortable. The rosary is a good place to start.
After that, I would practice - and I do mean practice in the classic sense of the word - the virtues of humility and charity, esecially humility. Not always having to be heard. Doing the will of others instead of our own. Taking the lowest spot. Associating with people lower status than us at work and in life.
And don’t expect overnight results.
God does miracles but prefers to act slowly, gently. Sometimes it feels like virtue is increasing at the speed of tectonic plate movement. Then one day you wake up and say, “Wow, I havn’t had that temptation in days!” or you can’t believe the good works God is working through you and you have no idea where you got the strength or will to do what you are doing.
It takes incredible patience.
