Master Self-control
- Eat. Our brains need fuel to run properly, and when that fuel runs low, the brain has difficulty regulating our emotions. Eat high protein foods.
- Meditate. Devote a few minutes a day to simply focusing on your breath and your senses. You will be calmer and your decision making will be sounder.
- Sleep. Your brain’s ability to absorb glucose is significantly diminished without rest. Stay consistent with your sleep every night.
- Exercise.
- Force Yourself until a new habit is formed.
- Get Others Involved. Find a support system.
- Do Your Research. Whatever your struggle, make it your priority to be the master of it.
MORE IDEAS FROM THE ARTICLE
We all possess the ability to develop self-control.
Instead of immediately responding to impulses, we can plan and evaluate our actions beforehand.
RELATED IDEAS
Self-control is a key component of emotional intelligence, yet in a study where two million people were asked to rank order their strengths in 24 different skills, self-control ended up in the very bottom slot.
A lack of willpower is not the only factor that affects goal attainment.
- There needs to be a clear goal and the motivation to change. Having an unclear or overly general goal and insufficient motivation can lead to failure.
- You need to monitor your actions daily towards the achievement of the goal.
- You need to have willpower.
- Know your weaknesses. You can’t overcome them until you know them.
- Remove temptations. “Out of sight, out of mind.”
- Set clear goals and have an execution plan.
- Build your self-discipline. We aren’t born with self-discipline -- it’s a learned behavior.
- Create new habits by keeping it simple. Break your goal into small, doable steps.
- Eat often and healthy. Low blood sugar often weakens a person’s resolve, making you grumpy and pessimistic.
- Give yourself a backup plan. Give yourself a plan to deal with a potentially difficult situation you know you will likely face.
- Reward yourself when you accomplish your goals.
- Forgive yourself when you fall short and keep moving forward.