Self-control is strength. Right thought is mastery. Calmness is power. – James Allen
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Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! Let’s start August with a new way of thinking and make a plan to set some new goals. For example, self-improvement goals are always a great choice. Who doesn’t want to improve their life in some way or another, right? I would love to start this month’s discussion on learning how to improve self-control. Did you know that research has shown that possessing self-control can be important for your overall health and well-being? Believe it or not, it’s important to require some level of self-control if you plan to:
- Exercise regularly
- Lose weight
- Eat healthier
- Stop procrastinating
- Give up unhealthy habits
- Save money
- Maintain healthy relationships
- Learn how to create a healthy work/life balance
This list can go on and on, but we’re going to move right into the definitions so we can have a clear understanding of what self-control really is.
DEFINITIONS
If you learn self-control, you can master anything. – Unknown Author
When ever I decide to write about a topic, I spend a lot of time understanding the definitions and any words that are related to the topic. So, let’s get started.
Self-control (noun) can be defined as:
The ability to regulate and alter your responses in order to avoid undesirable behaviors, increase desirable ones, and achieve long-term goals.
Here’s some words that come to mind when you think about self-control:
- Discipline (noun) – the practice of training people to obey rules or a code of behavior, using punishment to correct disobedience. (control) (regulation)
- Determination (noun) – firmness of purpose; resoluteness. (resolution)(resolve)
- Grit (noun) – courage and resolve; strength of character. (courage)
- Willpower (noun) – control exerted to do something or restrain impulses. (determination)
- Fortitude (noun) – courage in pain or adversity. (courage)(bravery)
7 SIMPLE STEPS TO IMPROVE SELF-CONTROL
Mastering self-control, the act of restraining one’s emotions is the true key to success. – Timothy Pina
Now, that we have a better understanding of what self-control is, it’s time to discuss the 7 simple steps to improve self-control in your life. Improving self-control has a lot to do with knowing who you are and understanding your personal interests as well as your own thought patterns.
Here’s 7 simple steps to improve self-control in your life:
#1 – Know Your True Self
When working to make any sort of change in your life, it’s important to know your true self. Begin to dig deep down inside and find out why you want to change in the first place. The best way to do this is to set aside quiet time for yourself every day to pray, meditate, and to recite positive mantras/affirmations.
#2 – Reconcile Your Past & Forgive Yourself
Even though we’ve all experienced hurt and pain in our past, it doesn’t mean we have to live with it in our present life. You’ll never know your true peace until you let go of feelings, such as insecurity, guilt, anger, and shame. Then, forgive yourself for past mistakes you’ve made and focus on the present.
#3 – Prioritize Your Life
In order to prioritize your life, you must have a written record of what’s important for you on a daily basis. Create a daily to-do list with your top 3 to 5 things that you want to get done. Always use this list as a guide, but also be flexible with yourself if you need to make changes throughout the day.
#4 – Remove Temptation
Removing temptation from your life is easier said than done. However, it’s an important step to making self-control a reality. When you remove temptation from your presence, you set yourself up for success by managing yourself and your surroundings.
#5 – Manage Stressful Situations
Learning how to manage stress in healthy ways ensures you have the positive energy to keep pressing forward during life’s most challenging times. Let’s face it, situations in our lives cause us to feel stress sometimes, but we have to learn how to not react in a negative way. Take a quick break and go walk outside.
#6 – Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness is probably the fastest way to see ourselves through the eyes of others. You will learn how to observe the finer details in life and live in the present moment. You will gain a greater appreciation for not only yourself, but for those who are around you. Compliment others and notice the difference it makes in the moment.
#7 – Measure Your Progress
Like anything in life, it’s important to measure your progress. This will keep you focused on your goals, allow you to become an expert on your own behavior, and it makes habits less difficult to change. You can keep a journal or invest in a smart watch/phone to track your progress for various goals.
Believe in yourself, be patient, and always show yourself compassion. Be mindful of how you affect yourself with your daily choices, and you will be inspired to improve your self-control. My challenge for you today is to gain greater self-control by setting realistic goals for yourself. Then, determine what works and don’t work for you. Make the necessary adjustments and you’ll be on your way to conquering the concept of self-control.
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POSITIVE AFFIRMATIONS
If you lose self-control everything will fall. – John Wooden
Positive affirmations will help you to change your way of thinking and broaden your opportunities to receive great things. Consistency is key. Recite these positive affirmations each day until you honestly believe what you’re saying. This process is not as easy as it sounds, but it can be life changing.
I AM STATEMENTS
- I am brave, bold, and beautiful.
- I am worthy to receive greatness.
- I am free of worry and regret.
- I am becoming more confident every day.
- I am grateful for all that I have.
I WILL STATEMENTS
- I will stay positive and work on a solution to my problem.
- I will not let my thoughts control the way I feel.
- I will not give in to sadness.
- I will never, ever give up on my dreams and goals.
- I will allow myself to be happy no matter what.
MY STATEMENTS
- My life is great with all the positive and negative things in it.
- My thoughts become my reality.
- My gifts and talents are unique to me.
- My possibilities are endless.
- My past has shaped me into something wonderful.
JOURNAL PROMPTS
The main factor behind success is self-control. – Rig Veda
Journaling is a powerful way to process events in your life, build self-awareness, get more clarity, and keep yourself on track. Journaling also allows for past reflection, future insight, and present surrender. Keep in mind that this is a journey and be patient with yourself. Ready, set, write!
- Do you find yourself struggling with self-control often? Why or why not?
- What are your short-term and long-term goals for your life?
- How have you been getting in the way of achieving of your goals?
- What are some of your life lessons and what have you learned from them?
- What inspires you to improve overall life and self-control?
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS & COMMENTS
Self-control is not an easy task to master in life. Do you plan to improve your self-control? Why or why not? How can you use positive affirmations or journal prompts to improve your self-control? What would it take for you to include reciting positive affirmation and/or writing in your journal every day? Please share your thoughts in the comments section. I look forward to reading your feedback!
Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!
Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you purchase through any of the links (at no additional cost to you).
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