Self-Control
Self-control
Self-control means understanding the internal battles that exits between "what we know we should do" and "what we feel like doing".
Our minds have two major faculties, the intellect and the emotions, (feelings), and they are often at war with each other. For example:
1. Sometimes, we know what we should do, but we don't feel like doing it.
2. Sometimes, we know what we should NOT do, but we really feel like doing it!
In these moments of indecision, it is better that we follow the advice given to us by the most intellectual parts of the mind, and not simply follow our most primitive emotions and desires.
Which means,
- Just because we feel like saying something, does not mean that we should say it.
- Just because we want to do something, does not mean that we should do it.
Mind over mood.
It is important that we don't allow our basic instincts and dark moods to determine our behaviours, especially if they are based upon emotions of anger, upset, fear or self-doubt.
It is important that we operate according to our plan, not our mood.
Self-control is one of the keys to success.
Self-control is the art of Subordinating Emotions to Reason.
Success comes only to those who can make themselves to do what know they should do, even if they don't feel like it.
Unsuccessful people are those who are governed by their momentary moods and negative emotions.
Don't be a moody individual!
Self-control is one of the keys to a better life.
Self-control means, making yourself do and say the right things, even if you are not in the mood.
Self-control means, stopping yourself from doing and saying wrong things.
"The greatest victory is over yourself". Plato
Definition: Self-control
Within personal development, self-control is a skill. Someone who uses it must spot the clash between feeling and thought, choose to let thought lead, pause or reshape the first impulse, and act so the result serves a chosen goal. If any one of those four parts is missing, the act is not self-control.
Show CG4D Definition
- Notices the fight between emotion and reason
- Chooses reason as the guide
- Holds back or reshapes the first impulse
- Acts to match a clear long-term goal
Article Summary
Self-control is the act of letting reason steer you past mood; when you pause, follow your plan and do what you know is right, Oxford research shows you finish 25% more work, feel 18% calmer and move closer to lasting success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions that frequently get asked about this topic during our training sessions.
What is a simple definition of self-control?
Why do intellect and emotion often clash inside us?
How does the 'mind over mood' idea guide daily choices?
Can practising self-control really boost work success?
What quick step helps when I feel an impulse to act?
Is it always wrong to follow my feelings?
How can I develop discipline to stick to my plan?
Thought of something that's not been answered? Ask Us Today!
Did You Know: Key Statistics
A 2024 University of Oxford study of 1,200 UK office workers found that staff who completed a five-minute daily self-control exercise finished 25% more tasks and felt 18% less stress than those who did not. Gallup’s 2023 State of the Global Workplace report shows that employees who can manage their feelings at work are 3.4 times more likely to be rated as top performers.About the Author: Chris Farmer
Chris Farmer is the founder of the Corporate Coach Group and has many years' experience in training leaders and managers, in both the public and private sectors, to achieve their organisational goals, especially during tough economic times. He is also well aware of the disciplines and problems associated with running a business.
Over the years, Chris has designed and delivered thousands of training programmes and has coached and motivated many management teams, groups and individuals. His training programmes are both structured and clear, designed to help delegates organise their thinking and, wherever necessary, to improve their techniques and skills.
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Further Reading in Personal Development
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Personal Development: Wise words from Jim Rohn
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Personal Development Develop a Positive Attitude
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