Understanding self-control

  • Self-control is indeed a resource, but a renewable, psychological one.
  • Goals that are motivated from within—for reasons that are personally important to us—are more likely to succeed than those that are motivated from without.
  • Succeeding at self-control is more about the desire rather than the ability to do so.

142 people saved this idea

Save it with our free app:

Download on the AppStore
4.8Deepstash rating on AppStore
Get it on Google Play
4.8Deepstash rating on Google Play

IDEA EXTRACTED FROM:

The one thing all people with strong self-control understand

3 ideas
qz.com
The one thing all people with strong self-control understand

TOPICS:

RELATED IDEAS:

  • Research on Self-Control

    A 2011 survey found that 27 % of respondents identified a lack of willpower as the primary factor keeping them from reaching their goals.  One study found that students who exhibited greater self-discipline had better grades, higher test scores, and were more likely to be admitted to a competitive academic program.  The study also found that when it came to academic success, self-control was a more important factor than IQ scores. A health study found that people who were rated as having high levels of self-control during childhood continued to have high levels of physical and mental health in adulthood. Research has found that self-control is a limited resource. In the long-term, exercising self-control tends to strengthen it. 

    How to Improve Your Self-Control

  • Strategies for self-control

    Meditate. Eat . If your blood sugar is low, you are far more likely to succumb to destructive impulses. Exercise releases GABA, a neurotransmitter that makes your brain feel soothed and keeps you in control of your impulses. Sleep . When you are tired, your brain cells’ ability to absorb glucose is highly diminished. Ride the Wave. Desire has a strong tendency to ebb and flow like the tide. Waiting out this wave of desire is usually enough to keep yourself in control. Forgive Yourself when you slip up. Focus on what you’re going to do to improve yourself in the future.

    The Six Secrets of Self-Control

  • Components Of Mental Toughness

    Challenge: Viewing challenges as opportunities rather than obstacles. Control: Believing that you are in control of your life and destiny. Commitment: Having the ability to stick to tasks and see them through to completion. Confidence: Possessing strong self-belief in your ability to succeed.

    The Best Ways to Cultivate Your Mental Strength

  • Why your goals matter

    We’re more likely to get something done when we take a moment to think about why it matters to us personally. Intrinsic goals are motivated by values meaningful to you, such as growth and relationships. These are much more motivating than extrinsic goals—efforts motivated by money, status, or other external factors. 

    4 ways to make your to-do list a whole lot sexier | A Life of Productivity