How to build self control ?

While we believe we need sympathy, mercy or a shelter. We feel the need to be heard. We think things are not working out. Or our ways are not helping us. — It often leads us to believing we are not good enough. Slowly we start losing confidence. And self-inflicted assumption beats us down. We end up embracing ways, that conflicts our core beliefs.

Photo by Rajav Shrestha

Under these circumstances, the opportunity presents itself. A smoker gets more hints to get a cigarette. Late night sitter gets more attracted towards Netflix. We open social media and go lost for hours. The cravings to change how we feel, takes us into activities that give momentary satisfaction.

We know, while in our hard times, the short sighted action is not helpful. Yet we commit it and end up feeling all guilty again. We try to rebuild the momentum. And somedays later, we find ourselves in the same pit again.

We can beat it

— through simple promises. I have promised "I will break my phone, next time I use it to overcome feelings of anxiety or boredom". And since 4 x days — I am done with my phone as a solution. Last night at Taraweeh, I promised myself, "If I do not read all 20, I will break our dear shoe rack". I read all taraweehs in a good delighted mood.

There are other promises you can use to your favour like, fine yourself Rs 30000, next time you smoke. Promise to break your most dear possession next time you commit the bad habit. And when the low time hits you — you will realise it is dangerous to think of smoking, using phone or pausing the streak. For in your peak state, you won't be able to break your promise.