Developing self control

How many of you when you buy something new, you don’t read the manual and you get straight into fiddling around with it but when it doesn’t work, you finally check the manual? I was one of the impatient one too but I resolved to try to change this particular habit as one of my ways to learn about self-control. It was difficult as first but it helps me to develop the ability of to control the intense excitement instead of having it control me.

In what areas do you need to develop for self-control? The disciplines or self control you establish today will determine your success tomorrow. Below is a list applicable to our lives, noted by Rick Warren: 

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• People with self-control master their moods. They do not let their moods master them. Most of what gets done in the world is accomplished by people who do the right thing even when they don't feel like it: (Proverbs 25:28, NLT)

• People with self-control watch their words. They put their minds in gear before opening their mouths: "Be careful what you say and protect your life. A careless talker destroys himself." (Proverbs 13:3)

• People with self-control restrain their reactions. How much can you take before you lose your cool? "If you are sensible, you will control your temper. When someone wrongs you, it is a great virtue to ignore it." (Proverbs 19:11)

• People with self-control stick to their schedule. If you don't determine how you will spend your time, then others will decide for you: "Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." (Ephesians 5:15-16)

• People with self-control manage their money. They learn to live on less than what they make and they invest the difference. The value of a budget is that it tells your money where you want it to go rather than wondering where it went! "In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has." (Proverbs 21:20)

• People with self-control maintain their health. That way they can accomplish more and enjoy their achievements: "Learn to appreciate and give dignity to your body ...." (1 Thessalonians 4:4)
  

It takes more than just willpower for lasting self-control. It takes a power greater than yourself: "For the Spirit that God has given us does not make us timid; instead, his Spirit fills us with power, love, and self-control." (2 Timothy 1:7, TEV)

Proverbs 25:28 (NLT)
A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls. 

- May Inu