It is officially that time of the year, not Christmas or even AP Exam season, but Lent. We are already well into the 2026 Lenten Season and many of us have probably started the season strong by giving up one or two, or more, things that we care about but this 3 week mark that we are about to hit is what I like to call, the Lenten Slump. Like myself, you probably gave up something that you enjoy but also something that was reasonable to give up, like chocolate. However, as the Lenten season progresses, suddenly, that double chocolate chip ice cream looks really tempting, almost resistable. And suddenly, we don’t feel as inclined to stay committed.
Now, before I get into the solution for this lack of motivation that we are all bound to have, I want to set the record straight. Craving ice cream is not necessarily a sin, but deciding to eat a whole tub of chocolate ice cream that you gave up would break your promise to God. Although it sounds, miniscule, this doesn’t always sit right with people, especially when that ice cream tub is calling your name. So what do we do?
Here’s a list of tips and advice that I have learned from others and my own experiences through lent to get through this slump:
- Pray- Although it may seem simplistic, praying for strength truly helps with your journey because it is the first step in acknowledging that you need help.
- Take 5 minutes or more to refocus on the purpose behind your sacrifice this season.
It is often easier to gain motivation for accomplishing something when you are reminded of the greater reason for why you are doing it. For example, I gave up candy and chocolate because I wanted to focus on eating complete and nutritious meals instead of constantly seeking quick boosts from sugar. Also, if you did not set a goal for yourself before you made your Lenten promise, it’s never too late to make one!
- Adjust or add to your commitments
Sometimes, you may feel stuck in your journey because you aren’t feeling the effects of your sacrifice, both positive and negative. Try adjusting your sacrifice so that the return can better fit your goal for this season. For example, I noticed that even when I gave up candy, I still was not providing my body with the right amount of nutrition, so I added that I would eat at least one fruit and one vegetable to my meals everyday. This method can take shape in many forms, such as writing small notes for your siblings in the morning, giving a compliment to a stranger everyday, or even spending extra time to have a meaningful conversation with your parents and other family members. Sometimes we need some change, and all of these options will help produce greater and more satisfying results during your journey and can motivate you to do more or keep going.
- Remember that spiritual growth is not perfection. If you fail, it is because you are human, so don’t drown yourself in spiritual guilt, because the purpose of Lent is to grow and reflect. You can’t necessarily move forward if you are preoccupied with one mistake you made. Jesus died so that we do not have to live in guilt and shame, so don’t beat yourself up about it. Pray about it, reconcile with God, and move on.
I haven’t always been true to my Lenten promises, and honestly I find myself imagining breaking it at times because I feel like I can’t do it, but then I remember that this is a journey that I am going on with God. I am not alone, and neither are you. I really hope that these tips and advice can help you get through your Lenten journey feeling refurbished, close to God, and self-aware. And always remember, you got this!
