Let’s be clear about one thing- Self-Control is difficult to maintain. Normally, every teenager would like to be more productive with themselves, study harder and make all the “As” during every examination. But usually there are distractions that are just too tempting to ignore. You would like to be better organized, eat healthy and stay fit with the help of exercises and all. But then you can’t because there is plenty food to eat and exercising is hard. You’d like to watch less television and put your screen time to more productive things. But then again you cannot because you just can’t seem to have control yourself whenever there’s electricity and the television is available…
If you are currently facing these challenges, be rest-assured that you are not alone. Self-control is really a difficult virtue to posses. But not to worry, because by following the right approach, you can finally learn how to control yourself when necessary. Please see below some of the steps to take towards achieving the much desired virtue of Self-Control according to a Psychologist called James Gross:
SELECT THE SITUATION: Choose to hang out with fellow teenagers who will help enhance your self-control. Choose to spend time with friends who live healthy, study well and aspire to become successful rather than those who encourage you to be mediocre.
CHANGE THE SITUATION: Modify the situation to make self-control easier. If you have trouble getting out of bed, put your alarm clock across the room so you have to get out of bed to switch it off. If you are addicted to the TV in your room, get your parents to get it out.
REFOCUS YOUR ATTENTION: If you can’t change the situation, change what you pay attention to. Assuming you are addicted to food, always find a distracting activity to do until your food craving subsides. Also, encourage yourself with how good you will look when you consistently eat right and exercise regularly.
