When we’re children we have an inherent ability to do things with no limits. To fulfill the urges and desires about what little minds conceive. As parents we try to instill the limits to those plans, because if we don’t, well, the world would be dominated by sour patch filled little tyrants. Society as we know it would crumble at the tiny sticky hands of our own creation. Discipline and self-control is a fundamental practice that we learn. It’s not a natural given tendency or children would be able to say no to a second or third helping of candy. Tantrums are the growing pains of exercising that self-control, and yes it’s painful. Painful to watch, and as adults painful at times to deploy on ourselves. Sometimes we give ourselves the excuse or exemption that adulthood gives use a pass to do what we want. No one can tell me no attitude. Come on, we all know what I’m talking about. I’ve done it, you’ve done it. But how do we practice self-control, when our bodies are screaming out for those sweet temptations? Well here’s some tricks that I’ve exercised myself. Maybe they will help you in strengthening your own self-control.
I have an addiction to ramen noodles, yes, I know. But I could literally eat them morning, noon, and night. My son has the same affliction. Of course everything about ramen noodles is a contradiction to keto and the dash diet. So they had to go. My stomach still shakes a fist when I see them in my pantry. So what do I do? At first I used the procrastination methods, I tell myself not right now I’ll wait till tomorrow if I still want it then I’ll consider it. I never let myself give into the craving at that moment. I close the pantry door and try to forget the salty noodles I love. The next day I’m faced with the same question, do I want to give in or stretch this another 24 hours? I close the door and repeat to myself that eating those noodles is just going to set me back from my goals and stretch my ability to go without another day. Eventually, everyday gets easier and easier to close the door on my favorite affliction. Exercising my controls starts to get stronger.
The discipline of waiting the 24 hours is sort of like telling myself a white lie, but one I eventually realize I don’t need to tell myself. Because the truth is my body over time stopped asking for it. If you go long enough without something your mind and body adapts to a new routine. You just have to keep building that strength over time. It’s mental will power. Build yourself a pattern of behavior, a routine. And set yourself a default to fall back on. What I mean is if you absolutely can’t tell yourself no, then agree to at least a specific time between wanting it, and letting yourself have it.
Most of the time if you allow yourself time to think about the decision of giving into your cravings or sticking it out, you’ll make the right choice of sticking it out. Remember, we’re learning new behaviors, new routines, and a new way of living. We’re working on letting go of the old habits that held us back for so long and stretching our abilities to live healthy. It’s hard. And our minds and bodies fight us at first. But just think of it as our inner child, throwing that tantrum for what it wants instead of understanding you’re giving it what it needs. In the long run you will live longer and happier than the joy that craving will give you in the moment. Stay strong and flex that self control!
