A lot is attributed to willpower in life, but it’s really more about self-control deep down.
The ability to stop yourself from saying or doing destructive or harmful things in life comes down to the ability to recognise when you’re going wrong (or are about to) and stopping yourself in your tracks. If you struggle with this, don’t beat yourself up too much about it — a lot of people do. However, it’s worth working on developing self-control if you want to live a happier, healthier, and overall more productive life. Here are some tips to help you out.
1. Figure out your triggers and temptations.
Source: Unsplash The first step to gaining control is understanding what sets you off. Do you find yourself reaching for a sugary snack every time you feel stressed? Or maybe scrolling through social media becomes your go-to procrastination tactic? Once you know your triggers, you can start to anticipate them and develop strategies to resist those temptations.
2. Set small, achievable goals.
Instead of trying to overhaul your entire life overnight, start with small, manageable changes. Maybe it’s setting a goal to wake up 15 minutes earlier each day, resisting that afternoon candy bar, or dedicating 30 minutes to a task you’ve been putting off. By focusing on smaller wins, you’ll build momentum and confidence, making it easier to tackle bigger challenges later on.
3. Practise mindfulness and self-awareness.
Mindfulness is all about being present in the moment and paying attention to your thoughts and feelings without judgment. By practising mindfulness, you can become more aware of your impulses and urges, making it easier to pause and make conscious choices instead of reacting on autopilot. Try simple mindfulness exercises like focusing on your breath or noticing the sensations in your body.
4. Reward yourself for your successes.
Celebrating your wins, no matter how small, can be a powerful motivator. When you achieve a goal, reward yourself with something you enjoy, whether it’s a relaxing bubble bath, a new book, or a night out with friends. This positive reinforcement can help solidify new habits and make it more likely that you’ll stick with them in the long run.
5. Forgive yourself for your slip-ups.
We all have moments of weakness, and that’s okay. Don’t beat yourself up if you occasionally give in to temptation. Instead, acknowledge the slip-up, learn from it, and move on. Self-compassion is key to building resilience and maintaining motivation on your journey towards greater self-control.
6. Create a supportive environment.
Your environment can either support or sabotage your efforts to build self-control. If your kitchen is stocked with junk food, it’s going to be harder to resist those cravings. Remove temptations from your surroundings, whether it’s deleting time-wasting apps from your phone or avoiding social situations that trigger unhealthy behaviours.
7. Find healthy ways to cope with stress and emotions.
Stress and negative emotions can often trigger impulsive behaviours. Instead of reaching for that bag of chips or scrolling mindlessly through social media, find healthier ways to cope. Exercise, meditation, spending time in nature, or talking to a friend can all help you manage stress and regulate your emotions in a more productive way.
8. Prioritise sleep and rest.
When you’re well-rested, you’re better equipped to make good choices and resist temptation. Sleep deprivation, on the other hand, can impair your judgment, increase cravings, and make you more susceptible to impulsive behaviour. Make sleep a priority and aim for 7–8 hours of quality shut-eye each night.
