How to Improve Your Self-control

by Steve Halsall

A Celebrity Personal Trainer

I guess we are all victim of our 'naughty side' and our 'self-indulgent side', where we throw caution to the wind and do the things we know we shouldn't. 

I'm at odds with the whole idea of living some puritanical existence where self-control becomes self-obsession, this does not appeal. There is a middle ground in all of our lives where the angel and devil meet and shake hands. I guess it is all boils down to understanding that are you happy with the way you look and feel? If you are not then you have to accept that all you have done to this point has not served you and you simply have to change something. I believe strongly that human will is a powerful thing and we all just have to fit the right will into the right situation. It takes willpower to eat a bucket of Kentucky as much as it does to eat a green salad with dressing on the side. It is all the same. Willpower is willpower. What you have to remember is that improving self-control is shaking up the inherited behavioural systems and actions you do sub-consciously and making a stand within your self. 

'Just say no' was the 80's strap line for kids to avoid hard drugs, did it work? I doubt it but those three simple words have a lot of power and have become part of everyday language. Breaking habits and taking control of your life is not rocket science, it just appears to be painful and uncomfortable to most people. We are all creatures of habit and regardless of our habits we will do them (the habits) anyway, because that's what we do. Breaking habits can take a while and unsettle the most stable and secure individuals. But fear not, there is a cunning self-appreciation and internal back slapping to a 'good day' of the right choices.

Ultimately you have to want to change bad enough, it is that simple. I had a client recently who needs to lose 15kgs come to me waving a sachet of protein in my face 'Should I do this?" was the question. I told him 'yes' as what ever you choose as your thing to be a catalyst to a new improved you should be embraced. The secret is, to do it to the letter and not become a serial quitter. Finish the process. Quitting never achieved anything and it takes self-control and will power to create a situation where change happens.

 

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