Reflections

Many people describe selfcontrol as an area of weakness when they lack it and struggle with setting and attaining goals or sticking with started projects. Self-control is certainly related to some of these struggles; however, there are some ways you can increase your self-control and improve your willpower and ability to reach your goals.

Self-control is an important factor in the ability to attain goals. Most people associate willpower with self-control and goal attainment. While, at first, it may be difficult to resist temptations, avoid undesired behaviors, and delay gratification, self-control is improved with consistent practice over time. In the short term, however, willpower is often limited. Willpower is easily depleted when you focus all your energy on one goal and have trouble moving on to another goal. Self-control is like a muscle in that the more it is exercised, the more it strengthens. At the same time, your willpower to resist temptations and delay gratification will also increase.