347 - What is self control?

Starting in October we tend to see a decline in self- control. It starts with Halloween, then rolls right into Thanksgiving, next thing you know its Christmas and New Years.

Your self control starts to decline a bit; whether it is with food, healthy eating, exercising, shopping, drinking, patience and whatever else you want to work on, but can't seem to stick to it.

Understanding what exactly self-control is can help you to work on the skill and stay on track to achieving your goals and who you want to be.

Self control is a trait and skill. Like all traits, some people are born with more than others. But regardless of how much you are born with; you can still work on this skill.

There is a fantastic book all about self control and it started with a Marshmallow Test with kids. The book, The Marshmallow Test, Mastering Self Control, by Walter Mischel dives deep into what self control is and the factors that both cultivate and destroy it.

Kids sat in front of a marshmallow and were told if they stayed there and didn't eat the marshmallow or ring the bell, then they would get 2 marshmallows (instead of 1). Some kids waited and others did not. What made the difference between the two?  

Self control made the difference.

What is self control? When a number of kids from a KIPP (Knowledge is Power Program) school were asked, many of them answered the same way: "thinking before doing."

Notice self control in your daily actions. Do you think before buying all that stuff on Amazon? Do you think before eating the cookie? Do you think before pouring a glass of wine? Do you think before losing your patience with your kids?

Take notice of where you are and are not exercising self control.

www.allyoumama.com
IG -@MeghanQBarrett

www.allyoumama.com
IG -@MeghanQBarrett