have more self control

my first month of college was a little bit crazy, and made me realize that i really needed to work on having self control. i’ve lost a lot of interest in partying, so i have been better about the amount that i drink, and i have a boyfriend now, so i’m not prone to making out with random guys. those were the big ones for me when i first added this to my list. but there are still a lot of things i need to improve, such as my work ethic and health, that will require even more self control.

My life is a battleground between my long term goals and my impulsive behaviour. My finances are in a mess because I spend money on impulsive things and don’t plan for my future. I am overweight because I choose to eat more than I should. Despite knowing that it is bad for me, I drink too much. I goof off at work because I can get away with it. I fail to achieve my long term dreams because I get side-tracked onto things that don’t matter and fritter my time away on trivial things. No wonder my self-respect and integrity is shot to pieces.

All of these problems in my life, and more, have a single root cause: lack of self-control.

Impulsiveness and spontaneousness are part of being human, and whilst I do not wish to become a robot, I do wish to have self-control over chosen areas of my life.

I have heard it said that self-control is a skill that can be learned with practice, and that like muscles in the body, it will grow and become strong with use. It seems then, that I would benefit from some exercises in saying “no” to self.

For a week, I have set myself the following restraints:

- I will not surf the internet or do any personal tasks during working hours. None.
- I will neither drink alcohol or snack between meals. None.
- I will drive within the speed limits. Always.
- I will abstain from certain sexual practices. Completely.

After a week, I shall reassess my progress and set new goals for my continued journey into discovering self-control.

Thanks for reading. Your thoughts and comments are welcome.

Best regards,

Mark

I made up my mind to fast today until after sundown. It’s easily done until I got home and now the kitchen fridge light keeps coming on for some reason. The goal is important however. It’s difficult (well for some of us) not to eat of entire day. The nature response to hunger is to eat and it requires mental concentration to overcome that response. Not eating is stepping stone to having more self control. I also wrote on my hand with a Sharpie, “I have a choice.” So far that statement is keeping me from eating even though I have a headache.

I’m not saying I dont have any,sometimes I have incredible willpower but other times I am easily led and have little concept of the word ‘moderation’. When I can do this it will help with all my other goals. Need to moderate amongst other tings ,internet useage, ‘party’ instict, etc etc…........

in the NYT

... in a BIG meeting.

Ended up making a fool of myself.

I think if I can accomplish this, there will be nothing beyond my control.

yup.

need to do this specially when it comes to helping others or charity.

Self control is good, but trust me: it can get out of hand. Bad things can happen if you’re too determined to control yourself. It’s great to have self control, but don’t go too far.

How do you do this when you know that you don’t always have it and can feel when you’re about to lose it but it doesn’t stop?

I’ve tried yoga breathing and a lot of times that helps, but only when I do it before I realize I’m ready to have a meltdown.