The Ultimate Lent Guide: What to Give Up (and Why)

 100+ Ideas to Help You Grow in Virtue this Lent

I don’t know about you, but I don’t particularly enjoy looking at my own sin. Just hearing the word sin can stir up discomfort. Add the word deadly in front of it and, well - yikes.

But do you know what is motivating? Striving for what is true, good, and beautiful.

With Lent right around the corner, I started thinking—what if, instead of just giving something up for the sake of discipline, we chose sacrifices that actually helped us grow in virtue? After all, Lent is a season of preparation—preparing our hearts for the resurrection of Jesus. And I have a feeling He doesn’t want us to just white-knuckle our way through Lent. He really just wants our hearts to grow more like His.

So, I put together a list of 105 things to do for Lent, categorized by the seven deadly sins. The goal? To honestly examine what’s separating us from Jesus and replace those bad habits with holy habits. 

Gluttony

Virtues to Grow In: Temperance & Self-Control

Gluttony isn’t just about overeating—it’s about excess in all things, including consumption of media, material goods, or entertainment. This Lent, try:

1. Giving up snacking between meals.
2. Fasting from sugar or processed foods.
3. Limiting eating out at restaurants.
4. Drinking only water (no coffee, soda, alcohol, etc.).
5. Practicing intermittent fasting (e.g., 16-hour fasts).
6. Taking smaller portions and eating mindfully.
7. Skipping meat for all of Lent, not just Fridays.
8. Offering up hunger pangs as a prayer for the hungry.
9. Avoiding eating in front of the TV or scrolling while eating.
10. Donating money saved on food to a charity that feeds the hungry.
11. Preparing simpler meals and avoiding indulgent foods.
12. Eating only at designated mealtimes instead of grazing throughout the day.
13. Making a meal for someone in need.
14. Praying before and after every meal to cultivate gratitude.
15. Keeping a food journal to be more mindful of eating habits.
    

Sloth

Virtues to Grow In: Diligence & Zeal for God’s Will

Sloth isn’t just laziness—it’s also spiritual apathy. Challenge yourself to be more disciplined and intentional with your time:

1. Waking up 30 minutes earlier to pray.
2. Exercising daily, even just a short walk.
3. Making your bed immediately upon waking.
4. Giving up unnecessary screen time (Netflix, gaming, endless scrolling).
5. Committing to daily spiritual reading (Bible, saint biographies, etc.).
6. Doing an act of service each day (helping a neighbor, calling a lonely friend, etc.).
7. Attending daily Mass at least once a week.
8. Fasting from procrastination—tackling tasks immediately.
9. Offering up the temptation to be lazy as a sacrifice for someone in need.
10. Setting a daily goal and completing it before leisure time.
11. Praying the Morning Offering to dedicate the day to God.
12. Cleaning or organizing a space each day as an act of diligence.
13. Pray a daily rosary - or even just a decade of the rosary to start
14. Writing a list of things you are grateful for daily to foster motivation.
15. Doing a daily examen to reflect on how you used your time.
    

Lust

Virtues to Grow In: Chastity & Purity of Heart

Lust distorts love and purity. This Lent, work on redirecting desires toward holiness:

1. Giving up watching TV shows/movies with inappropriate content.
2. Setting stricter social media filters or unfollowing accounts that trigger temptation.
3. Committing to a daily Rosary to ask Mary for purity of heart.
4. Avoiding romantic novels or content that stirs impure thoughts.
5. Dressing modestly and focusing on inner beauty.
6. Fasting from dating apps if they encourage lust rather than love.
7. Making a daily examination of conscience regarding thoughts and actions.
8. Replacing impure thoughts with Scripture or prayer.
9. Giving up looking at yourself in the mirror excessively.
10. Going to confession regularly and asking for God’s grace to overcome struggles.
11. Memorizing and meditating on verses related to purity (e.g., Matthew 5:8).
12. Spending time in Eucharistic Adoration to strengthen your will against temptation.
13. Writing a letter to your future spouse (or a renewed commitment to your spouse if married).
14. Practicing custody of the eyes—avoiding looking at things that lead to temptation.
15. Wearing a sacramental, such as a Miraculous Medal, as a physical reminder of purity.
    

Envy

Virtues to  Grow In: Gratitude & Contentment

Envy poisons the heart and keeps us from appreciating our blessings. This Lent, cultivate gratitude:

1. Giving up social media comparison—unfollowing or muting accounts that trigger envy.
2. Keeping a gratitude journal and writing down three blessings daily.
3. Complimenting at least one person  genuinely every day.
4. Whenever you feel envious of someone, say a prayer for them
5. Volunteering to serve those less fortunate.
6. Create a “joy for others” list—each time you notice someone’s success, write it down and thank God for blessing them
7. Giving up shopping for unnecessary items to avoid material envy.
8. Pick one person you envy and make a habit of praying for their happiness and success daily
9. Writing letters of appreciation to people you admire.
10. Reflecting on a Bible verse about contentment daily (e.g., Philippians 4:11-13).
11. Choosing to be happy for someone else’s success instead of comparing.
12. Clean out your closet and donate clothes you no longer wear, instead of wishing for a new wardrobe.
13. Practicing random acts of kindness at least one time per day
14. Avoid looking up house prices, job titles, or salaries out of curiosity or comparison
15. Replacing complaints with prayers of thanksgiving.

Pride: 

Virtues to Grow In: Humility & Trust in God

 Pride blinds us to our need for God. This Lent, practice humility:

1. Giving up arguing or needing to have the last word.
2. Admitting when you're wrong without making excuses.
3. Praying the Litany of Humility daily.
4. Avoiding bragging or sharing accomplishments for attention.
5. Serving in a hidden way (doing something good without seeking recognition).
6. Spending time in silent adoration, humbling yourself before God.
7. Confessing a personal weakness to a trusted friend or mentor.
8. Pray the Divine Mercy chaplet every day.
9. Giving up complaining—it often stems from entitlement or pride.
10. Choosing to listen more than you speak.
11. Begin each morning with a surrender prayer—pray, “Jesus, I trust in You,” and offer the day to Him.
12. Go to Confession once per week
13. Kneel to pray instead of sitting comfortably, as a physical act of humility before God.
14. Fast from interrupting—focus on truly listening when others speak instead of planning your response.
15. Meditate on Philippians 2:3-4: "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others."
    

Wrath

Virtues to Grow In: Patience & Forgiveness

Wrath can damage relationships and prevent peace. This Lent, choose patience and mercy:

1. Fast from negative speech—avoid gossip, complaining, or criticizing others, especially in moments of anger.
2. Practice a small act of kindness toward someone who annoys you
3. Praying for someone who has hurt you.
4. Going a whole day without complaining and increasing the challenge over Lent.
5. Fasting from raising your voice or using harsh tones.
6. Practicing deep breathing or prayer when you feel anger rising.
7. Replacing frustration with acts of service (doing something kind when angry).
8. Meditating on Jesus’ words: "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do."
9. Writing a letter of forgiveness (even if you don’t send it).
10. Giving up road rage—responding with patience and courtesy while driving.
11. Read books or watch moves that reflect on the Passion of Christ
12. Do something calming every day—whether it’s journaling, going for a walk, or spending time in silent prayer, cultivate peace in your daily routine
13. Limit exposure to negativity—reduce time spent on news, social media, or conversations that fuel frustration.
14. End each day with an examination of conscience—ask yourself where you let anger take hold and how you can surrender it to God.
15. Read Scripture on patience and mercy—verses like James 1:19-20 ("Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.") can serve as reminders to stay calm.
    

Avarice

Virtues to Grow In: Generosity & Detachment

Greed keeps us focused on earthly treasures instead of eternal ones. This Lent, practice generosity:

1. Give away one item every day—declutter your home by donating clothes, books, or possessions you don’t truly need.
2. Giving up online shopping for non-essential items.
3. Increasing your tithing or giving extra alms to charity.
4. Making a sacrifice by buying something for someone in need instead of yourself.
5. Fasting from materialistic thoughts—reminding yourself that true joy comes from God.
6. Avoiding checking bank accounts or investments obsessively.
7. Cooking simple meals instead of indulging in expensive foods or going out
8. Writing down all of your expenses and looking for areas where you can be more generous.
9. Doing one generous act per day, even if small.
10. Host friends and family in your home every Sunday during Lent
11. Praying daily to trust in God’s providence instead of money.
12. Pay for someone else’s meal or coffee—anonymously pick up the tab for a friend, stranger, or someone in need.
13. Give a meaningful gift without occasion—surprise someone with a thoughtful act of generosity, expecting nothing in return.
14. Offer your talents for free—use your skills to help someone (e.g., babysitting, home repairs, tutoring) without charging.
15. Downsize a luxury—swap an expensive habit (e.g., dining out, salon visits, subscriptions) for something simpler and donate the savings.

Final Thoughts

Lent isn’t just about giving things up—it’s about transformation. By choosing sacrifices that counteract our struggles, we allow God to shape us into the people He created us to be. Whether you focus on one deadly sin or address multiple, let this season be one of renewal, grace, and deeper union with Christ.

What are you committing to this Lent? Share in the comments or with a friend to keep each other accountable!.