How to Develop Self Control

Tips by Dr Karishma Ahuja 

Self-control is the ability to manage our behaviour desirably. It is the ability to alter our responses in order to avoid undesirable action, to increase desirable outcomes, and to achieve long-term goals that we have set for ourselves. Several research studies have shown that possessing self-control can be important for Health, Success and overall Well-being.

Being able to control your behaviour is an important step to achieving any Goal. Common goals such as getting fit, exercising regularly, eating healthy, running a successful business all require self-control.

1. Remind Yourself of the Consequences –

Just like Self-control can help you achieve your goals and improve your physical and mental health, a lack of self-control can have adverse effects to your self-esteem, education, career, finances, relationships, overall health and well-being. Remind yourself of the consequences of doing something you know you shouldn’t. Ask yourself, what could be the ill effects of giving in to this temptation? This can help you stay motivated as you work to improve your self-control.

2. Learn to manage Temptations-

Practically think of possible situations that might affect your Control and Discipline. If you are faced with temptation, what actions will you take to avoid giving in? Planning ahead will improve your Willpower and help you find a way to overcome temptation. For example, if you know you have a hard time controlling junk foods in the evening, eat a well-balanced wholesome lunch packed with vitamins that will keep you full longer. To overcome temptation, you may even choose an activity like going for a walk, calling a friend or completing some pending task. Do whatever it takes to get your mind off the thing that is tempting you at the moment. With practice, you will get better and better at it.

3. Don’t Over pressurize yourself, Focus on One Goal at a Time-

Setting a lot of goals at once is usually one of the reasons why we are not able to keep our control or discipline. It is best to choose one specific goal and focus your energy on it instead of trying too many things at once and giving up or failing at them. Once you exercise control for a particular goal, You will gradually get better and better at developing Self-control for even other areas and goals.

4. Know yourself better-

Know and understand yourself better so that you can manage your emotions and impulses. Why is this important? The reason is, emotions drive one’s behaviour. So managing your feelings is a very important step. For example, are you in the habit of getting over-anxious? Do you experience a lot of fear when trying something new? Do you lose your cool in stressful circumstances? The ability to identify and then finding a way to keep negative emotions in check is a powerful way to develop more Self-control.

5. Meditate-

   Meditation is a great way to strengthen your Self-control ability. Few minutes of Silent sitting and Conscious breathing will help you start learning how to be more Self-aware so you can better resist temptations. Silent sitting techniques can also help you learn to slow your thoughts. This can help you control any rash or impulsive behaviour getting in the way of your ability to lead your life more happily.

All the best

Dr Karishma Ahuja, PhD