Self-control has been defined in many ways as willpower, self-discipline, or conscientiousness. But however you define it, self control is about being able to regulate yourself.
It is an important skill to develop because these same emotions occur in any person who feels that their needs or desires are not being met. However, a person who lacks self control may respond in a variety of ways including with anger, physical violence or by turning to unhealthy coping mechanisms.
Self-control is the ability to manage your emotions and actions so you don’t stray from your path and are able to meet your long-term goals.
Psychologists typically define self-control as:
* The ability to control behaviors in order to avoid temptations and to achieve goals.
* The ability to delay gratification and resist unwanted behaviors or urges.
* You need to have willpower and there needs to be a clear goal and the motivation to change.
Let’s look at an example to understand the importance of self control:
* Say you have a project deadline the next morning. But your friends invite you at the last minute to go out for dinner.
* You’re in a dilemma. You want to go out and have some fun with friends. But, at the same time, you know you should wrap up your project so that you don’t have to pull an all nighter.
* People use a variety of terms for self-control, including discipline, determination, grit, willpower, and fortitude.But not everybody is successful at exercising self control.
how to avoid loosing self control:
* Remind Yourself of the Consequences.
* Focus on One Goal at a Time.
* Practice Using Self Control.
* Plan Ahead.
* Avoid Temptation.
There will always be things that tempt and distract us from our goals and commitments. It is the awareness about the importance of self control that drives us towards making the right choices. Our goals require our unwavering focus and commitment, and self control is the mechanism that stops us from deviating from our path.
The belief that self control alone can help us reach our goals can lead to people to blame themselves when they are unable to resist temptation. It may also lead to feelings of learned helplessness where people feel that they cannot do anything to change a situation. As a result, people may give up quickly or simply stop trying in the face of obstacles.
Benefits of self control:
* Better personal relationships.
* Self control can make you excel.
* Self control can beat temptations.
* Greater chances of success.
* Decision making ability.
You exercise self control. In other words, you don’t give in to the temptation to go out and enjoy, and you finish your project instead.
Remember that sustained and well directed effort is essential to achieving your goals, and self control is the skill that keeps you on the right track...