The Six Secrets of Self-Control

Self-control is a key component of emotional intelligence, yet in a study where two million people were asked to rank order their strengths in 24 different skills, self-control ended up in the very bottom slot.

• Meditate.
• Eat. If your blood sugar is low, you are far more likely to succumb to destructive impulses.
• Exercise releases GABA, a neurotransmitter that makes your brain feel soothed and keeps you in control of your impulses.
• Sleep. When you are tired, your brain cells’ ability to absorb glucose is highly diminished.
• Ride the Wave. Desire has a strong tendency to ebb and flow like the tide. Waiting out this wave of desire is usually enough to keep yourself in control.
• Forgive Yourself when you slip up. Focus on what you’re going to do to improve yourself in the future.