Hey there. I started this topic thinking do I really possess the power of self-control?
I often tell people that I am very disciplined. Yet, at times, I feel that I lack control. This kind of thoughts really screw my brain big time, I swear. I am someone who thinks a lot, too much, and maybe obsessively. And I slowly realized that I do own it, but I definitely need to find the right balance.
Why is it important to have self-control?
St Thomas Aquinas, a medieval philosophy and theologian, said that self-controlled people were able to ‘preserve their lives’. In other words, they were able to do the right things to keep themselves healthy and happy.
Fundamentally, self-control allows us to enjoy the good things of life in moderation, without wanting too much, and knowing when we have had enough.
Finding the Balance
Self-control is not about total abstinence, it’s about finding the right balance for you.
There is an old saying that ‘a little bit of what you fancy does you good’, and provided that it is not illegal or actually damaging, that is almost certainly true. Denying yourself what you need is as bad as over-indulging. It will certainly quickly remove quite a lot of joy from your life.
You can find the right balance by thinking through your desires using the questions above, and considering what ‘too little’, ‘too much’ and ‘just right’ would look like.
Once you know, you can strive for ‘just right’ and you are well on the way to developing self-control.
Read more at: https://www.skillsyouneed.com/ps/self-control.html
I strongly believe that exercising the right amount of self-control will allow oneself to achieve greater things. Such is the kind of life and well-being I'll want to work towards to.
Herine.A