6 Ways to Master Your Self Control

Learning self control is challenging stuff. Make no doubt about it.

Although kids don’t generally have the self control that adults do, it is much harder to instill self control the older you get, namely because discipline takes time, and it take a huge shift in habits that most aren’t willing to endure.

I like to think that I have plenty of discipline. In reality, however, I realize there are still some things I struggle with self-control on.

For instance, I suck at staying away from my phone, Facebook, and electronics. I’ve grown so accustomed to checking my phone for social media updates and news that it makes any other task nearly impossible because I get so distracted.

If you have big goals in 2017, one thing is for sure: you’re going to have to develop some self-control. You need to stay focused and committed, because distractions will come, and temptations will whisk you away from your #1 goal.

However only those who stay disciplined will see their 2017 end in success.

Fortunately, below are 6 ways to increase your discipline and self control this year:

1. Learn a new skill. This is great practice to develop self-control in other areas. Learn something that provides immediate feedback, and requires a lot of repetitions to get right. For example, I chose to begin learning piano, which requires consistent dedication. Also, when I’m wrong, I know it immediately.

2. Visualization. The practice of visualization is extremely effective in combination with actual practice. I go into greater detail in this post, but essentially you want to visualize yourself completing the new skill or resisting the temptation successfully. Over time, and with consistent practice, you will see your self control become much stronger than with will-power alone.

3. Establish a routine. It is vital that you establish a routine because us humans love patterns, and this helps with your discipline. One of my favorite books, The One Thing, states that if you make it a habit to do something consistently over time, it require far less willpower.

4. Accountability groups. From friends to workout partners to shared interest groups, these folks keep you focused. You can share in their experiences, bounce off ideas with each other, and keep each other strong. You don’t have to do it alone; find people that are dealing with the same struggles or have the same goals, and keep up the momentum.

5. Remove temptations. The easiest way to ensure you are focused is to remove distractions and triggers from sight. If your weakness is sweets, you must throw them all out or hide them from yourself. Maybe even buy one of those timed jars that only open after a certain time. Whatever you must do, make sure that you eliminate as many triggers as possible.

Referring back to my cell phone vice above, the device normally interferes with my morning routine and can derail any of my productivity completely. Thus, before I get started, I sit my phone up on the top of my bookcase, out of sight, so I don’t unconsciously grab it and get distracted. This is so effective, I completely forget about it most mornings. Out of sight, out of mind, I guess.

6. Temptation bundling. One of the final tips I have for you is very powerful, but can only be used in certain situations. Temptation bundling works almost like a bargain; if you accomplish a certain set of tasks, you get a reward. For instance, my goal is to drink 60 oz. of water per day. To ensure I do that, I will only allow myself some juice after drinking 60 oz. of water. The funny thing is, most times I don’t even want the juice after drinking all that water!

You can’t use this strategy for all situations, however. Life-threatening or extremely addictive situations like drugs, gambling, etc. require much more than discipline and willpower. However, this strategy can be extremely effective when used properly, so use it whenever possible.

These are the top self-control strategies I use to stay focused and disciplined. What do you use to improve your self control?