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Self-control: What it is and how to train it

Writer's picture: Renée CoolRenée Cool


Boy studying how control himself


Self-control means that you can direct your impulses, emotions and behavior to achieve what you really find important. It helps you to make better choices, live healthier, get along well with others and be successful. Investigate what self-control is, why it's important, and how you can improve it.


What is self-control

Self-control means that you think for a moment before you do something. You don't just act impulsively, but consciously choose what you do. This will help you to:

1. Resist temptations.

2. Adapt your behavior to what you want to achieve.

3. Take actions that are better in the long run.


Why is self-control important

1. You achieve more in life: Self-control allows you to achieve things that take time and effort, such as getting a degree, staying healthy, or building your savings.

2. You stay healthier: People with self-control avoid bad habits such as smoking or overeating. They exercise more often and choose healthier options.

3. Your relationships will be better: If you have your emotions under control, you can stay calm in arguments and communicate better. This makes relationships stronger and conflicts less.

4. You feel happier: Self-control helps you to reduce stress and deal with challenges more positively.


Features of self-control

1. Control impulses: You think before you act.

2. Focus: You can focus on what's important.

3. Patience: You don't give up easily when something is difficult.

4. Informed choices: You make decisions that are good for the long term.

5. Regulate emotions: You don't let emotions control your behavior.


How can you train self-control

1. Set clear goals: Know what you want to achieve, such as spending less time on social media or eating healthier.

2. Create a plan: Use a schedule to plan your day and tackle tasks step by step.

3. Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness helps you become more aware of your thoughts and emotions so that you can respond better.

4. Build willpower: Start with small challenges and slowly work your way up to bigger goals.

5. Recognize your pitfalls: Think about what often distracts or seduces you, and think of ways to deal with it. For example: put your phone away when you are at work.

6. Evaluate yourself: Look back every day on what went well and what can be improved. Learn from your experiences.

7. Seek support: Ask friends, family or a mentor to motivate you and hold you accountable.

8. Your thoughts determine your power: What you think influences who you become. If you have a negative thought, try to turn it into something positive right away. For example, replace "I can't do this" with "I'm going to learn this."

Exercise: Strengthen your self-control


Exercise to develop self-control


Step 1: Determine what you want to improve

1. Think about a situation where you have difficulty with self-control, such as snacking too much or procrastinating.

2. Choose one thing you want to work on.


Step 2: Set an achievable goal

1. Make your goal concrete, for example: "I want to spend a maximum of 30 minutes a day on social media."

2. Write down small steps to achieve this goal.


Step 3: Develop strategies

1. Find out what your triggers are, such as boredom or stress.

2. Think about how you deal with this, for example: take a walk instead of snacking.


Step 4: Practice and Evaluate

1. Celebrate small successes, such as achieving a day without distractions.

2. Think about what went well and what could be improved.


Step 5: Make it a habit

1. Keep practicing until your new behavior comes naturally.

2. Adjust your approach as needed.


Conclusion

Self-control is an important skill that helps you to better organize your life and achieve your goals. By consciously working on it and practicing regularly, you can continue to improve yourself.


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