Long-term regrets about exercising self-control in scenarios where “letting go” may have led to more fun, pleasure, and connection.A tendency to over-work and over-rely on yourself over others.A more limited emotional experience and range of emotions.Some studies have found that high levels of self-control may present the following drawbacks: While some degree of self-control sets you on the path toward success, too much can be detrimental to your health and relationships. On a long-term scale, we need a combination of self-control, rest, and social support to reach our goals and treat others with respect. This phenomenon is known as ego depletion, or a state of depleted willpower. At some point, we all need breaks: it’s impossible to push through every obstacle with sheer willpower. On occasion, these “slip-ups” are expected and entirely human. By the end of the evening, you may have less cognitive energy to resist temptations: perhaps the extra drink at happy hour, or one more episode of your favorite show. Throughout the day, you make hundreds of decisions, ranging in size and magnitude, and you exercise willpower to follow through with each one. While self-control is an essential part of goal-setting, it’s also a limited resource. Research suggests that people with higher self-control tend to find greater satisfaction and meaning in life, while those with lower self-control tend to give into impulsive behavior and progress more slowly toward their goals. Overall health: Making healthy choices about food, exercise, drugs, and alcohol.Relationships: Keeping promises to friends and romantic partners and taking time to process difficult emotions, rather than acting out.Finances: Saving and spending money within reason.Career: Focusing on the task at hand and slowly working toward long-term goals.In almost all dimensions of life, self-control helps us overcome our immediate desires and make more thoughtful, practical decisions. But if you start oversleeping and skipping workouts, you may be disappointed in your performance at the final event. For example, if you’re training for a marathon, choosing to get up every morning to complete your workout pays long-term dividends. People with greater self-control are able to resist short-term rewards in favor of long-term goals. In theory, self-control is a “good” and necessary skill. What Is Self-Control?Īccording to the American Psychological Association (APA), self-control is the ability to be in command of your behavior and restrain or inhibit your impulses. How do psychologists define self-control, and how much willpower do you need to achieve your next big milestone? We’ll dig into these questions, consider the value and drawbacks of self-control, and offer five tips to tap into its power. To meet our goals, take care of ourselves, and show up for the people we care about, we need a certain amount of self-control. An Online Therapist Can Offer Accountabilityīut on other days, life calls for a bit more willpower.
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