Self-control: How To Master It And Control Your Actions?

What is self-control and how does it benefit us to know how to exercise control over our mind? Discover the best emotional self-control techniques and how to become your best version.

How to have better self-control?

He self control It implies the ability to regulate, alter and dominate our behavior to try to avoid undesirable actions and increase what allows us to achieve our long-term goals and objectives. Much research shows that emotional self-control is vital for both our mental health and well-being.

Thanks to master self-control, people can manage to move towards their personal self-realization and therefore it is a method that gives us more satisfaction with our lives and more happiness. But how to have self-control?

What is self-control? Definition of self-control

According to psychology self-control and its definition refers to the following aspects:

  1. Ability to control behaviors to avoid temptations and get on track to work towards our goals
  2. The ability to delay our gratifications and the ability to resist behaviors or impulses that we do not want
  3. It is a limited resource that can be exhausted.

Studies have also shown that self-control dynamics They are usually very defined by our genetics. Despite this, there are self-control techniques with which we can increase our capabilities regarding this skill.

How do I know if I have emotional self-control?

There are a series of signs that can tell us if we really have the capacity to exercise the emotional self-control in our lives. In this way, you will be able to identify if you master the dynamics of self-control through these signs.

Signs of too much self-control

In many cases self control It is a skill that many people admire. But, when people start applying too many self-control techniques in their lives, it can become a problem for their mental health. In many cases, psychologists call this ‘excess self-control’, and most people who suffer from it may end up showing the following symptoms.

  • Difficulty relaxing
  • Create some distance from others
  • Rigid personality
  • Too focused on details
  • Lack of feelings or display of feelings.
  • Being too responsible
  • Constantly avoid risks

In many cases having a large emotional self-control It can cause mental, physical and emotional exhaustion in the person. So much so that it can lead to mental health problems.

Signs to identify whether or not you have self-control

Signs of too little self-control

On the opposite side, when a person lacks self control It is usually easier to detect. Normally, those people who do not know how to have emotional self-control have a lot of difficulty committing to their own goals and objectives. Some of the signs of a lack of self-control are the following.

  • Little or no discipline
  • Lack of goals or inability to achieve them
  • Low motivation
  • Little willpower
  • Difficulty controlling emotions
  • Lack of attention
  • Constantly blaming or blaming others
  • Difficulty maintaining friendships
  • Dangerous or too passive lifestyle

People who have little self control They may experience real difficulties in their daily lives. For these individuals, not only do they have little self-confidence, but their own personal self-esteem may also be damaged. If you identify with these signs, you may require the attention of a professional psychologist.

How to have self-control?

There are a number of reasons behind the lack of emotional self-control For this reason, before working on various self-control techniques, it is important to know the reason behind not being able to exercise it. The best way to know how to have self-control is to understand the three critical components with which we regulate this capacity.

  • Have a clear objective: If you do not have a clear objective, being able to exercise emotional self-control In you it will not be possible. The reason for this is that when we have a clearly defined goal that is in line with our values ​​and objectives in life, people have intrinsic motivation and therefore it is not in line with what happens around us.
  • Know what we do: Tracking to be clear about the steps we have taken towards our goals is another of the factors that determine the ability to self-control
  • Willpower: In order to establish good self-control dynamics People must work on their willpower since it is essential to be able to control our behavior.

Main self-control techniques

Emotional self-control techniques

There are some self-control exercises that can help you improve this ability. Among the best strategies we find the following.

Avoid sweet temptations

A good way to make the most of your self control available is to try to avoid being available to a temptation as much as possible. Whether it is changing a habit towards food, or to have more concentration, the key is to change that action for another that is healthier.

Use self-control dynamics

One of the actions that will help you the most to have a good self control It is precisely trying to establish a schedule in your daily life. Also, something that will help you keep self-control more in check is to try small actions to improve your willpower. For example, if you want to exercise every day, instead of aiming for twenty minutes, you can start by just doing five.

understand your mind

To exercise self-control techniques It is essential to try to understand that your mind only has a limited attention span. Therefore, you should focus only on one goal at first to improve this skill.

He self control It is essential to be able to work towards your best version and enjoy good mental health. For this reason, learning to manage it can be a good way to improve various areas of your life. If you think you can’t do it on your own, perhaps you should consult with a professional psychologist. Be the person you want to be.


  • Emily Psychology

    I’m Emily Williams Jones, a psychologist specializing in mental health with a focus on cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness. With a Ph.D. in psychology, my career has spanned research, clinical practice and private counseling. I’m dedicated to helping individuals overcome anxiety, depression and trauma by offering a personalized, evidence-based approach that combines the latest research with compassionate care.