How in the world can someone

Question

maintain having self-control? I don't mean just with diets, really, but I mean with everything. To me, it seems like if you do get self-control, the ulimate one, of yourself, then there's nothing in the world that you can ever be upset about. I feel like ranting, but it wouldn't get me much, ha. How do you keep yourself motivated? Determined? And not temporarily, but forever?

Answer 1

nothing keeps you motivated forever, it's all about priorities. it helps to really figure out what you want and to look at things more long term. like with dieting, think about the end result you want. if you want to be thin and healthy that's more important than a piece of chocolate cake. the problem is you forget about long term desires in the heat of the moment. everyone does it sometimes. the key to self-control is putting yourself in good situations and getting into a habit. if you're on a diet don't keep junk food in your house. if you want to get work done, hide your ps2 or whatever gets you distracted.

everyone has different sources of motivation. some people want to make others happy, some want to achieve, some just do things for fun. personally i'm very driven when i set my mind to something but i also get depressed a lot and lack motivation to do anything. the key is to just start doing whatever it is you want to accomplish. for me that means getting into the moment and writing/drawing/watching something. you have to see what works for you.

you might not be a goal driven person. you should break your goals into manageable chunks i that's the case. and leave yourself reminders in the form of post it notes, status updates, to-do lists, whatever works for you.

Answer 2

...but you have ranted already, my dear. Unfortunately, there is no pill or drug yet that can keep you motivated, sweetie. Only greed and envy can create the motivating force of ambition. Such mental gymnastics, like your rant here, can be done while sitting down; however, a walking idea is more productive, don't you think? ;)

Answer 3

Like anything else in life to be good you must practice at it. Even something like self-control..take it one day at a time. A diet for example, one day to stick to it then the next and soon it's a week than a month, then you can use you time you spent on the diet as a sense of pride that you don't want to lose that time you stuck to it, then it becomes a pattern and you are set...just be patient and say focused, set small goals for yourself on the way to a bigger goal, and use that motivation, that you were able to follow the path and succeed as your motivation...

I am a recovering addict and self-control is something that I deal with everyday, but one day at a time, and my only other option to not keep going is death, I want to live a great life and have a good quality of life...that is my motivation...best of luck....

Answer 4

If you are going to keep yourself motivated, it is important to know both your strengths and weaknesses.  Time after time a person will feel best when accomplishing goals and contributing to the people around them or furthering themselves.  When someone procrastinates and does nothing, they breed contempt and laziness in themselves.  So, for me, even when i don't want to do something I make myself do it knowing that I will feel better/less stressed/happier when I am done.  It is also important to make short and long term goals and check yourself occasionally to see if you are still on track.  Once you can identify what is standing in your way either get it in check or eliminate it.  That's what I do anyway and it isn't always easy!!!

Answer 5

I don't believe you can control your temperment forever. There would be no problems, ever if that were the case. Be reasonable.

Answer 6

Maturity.

~M~

Answer 7

Have you ever read anything about Buddhism?  The idea behind it is to get rid of misery to have complete control of that.  Then you are supposed to be motivated by complete happiness.  It's a lofty goal and one not easily achieved by someone in our crazy, self centered society.