What is Self-Control and how does it affect Bad Habits? | Dr. Jonathan Bricker

Self-Control and the Impact that it has on Bad Habits

Do you ever find yourself engaging in an unhealthy habit, and while you recognize that it is not good for you, you can’t seem to stop yourself from doing it? Most of us have been and that’s because many of us lack self-control at least to some extent. Whether you are having an extra cookie with your lunch and are going to get another fix of a hard drug, there are different levels of bad habits that self-control can help us to break. I’m Dr. Jonathan Bricker and I want to talk to you today about the secret to self-control to help you find freedom from anxiety and addictions.

What is Self-Control?

In order to fully understand its effects, it is important to first define self-control. It is one’s ability to discipline themselves and refrain from giving into temptation and unhealthy desires. 

How does Self-Control Affect Bad Habits?

Self-control is tied directly to our bad habits because the more of it we use the less likely we are to cave into our addictions and cravings. When you are dependent on a substance or the result of using a substance, you often feel helpless. This feeling of helplessness comes from having no control. When you begin to exercise your self-control, you break free from the restricting chains of temptations and bad habits. Check out my Ted Talk and other free resources for more information on the secrets to self-control and the life principles for a meaningful life.

How Can You Improve Your Self-Control?

Seeking help is often the best option for learning skills to improve self-control. Therapy for self-control and addiction is often the best method to learn lasting skills. This can help you to:

  • Be Aware
  • Be Willing
  • Be Inspired

Be Aware

The first step to defeating cravings and addictions isn’t to stop doing them altogether, it’s to become more aware of exactly what your desires are and what triggers them. Just like with most things, once you are aware of what the problem is it becomes much easier to solve it.

Be Willing

Having a willingness to accept your triggers will help you to stop struggling with them by changing the way you respond to them. As opposed to fighting your cravings or addictions altogether, it is important to start paying attention to how you feel and how it affects you, and you will find your desire for that thing naturally shifting on its own.

Be Inspired

Once you are aware of your triggers and addiction and you become willing to accept and change them, you can start focusing on your passions and the important goals that you have for your life. When you develop these self-control skills and aren’t controlled by your bad habits, you are free to focus on what truly matters to you.

Make an Appointment

Are you ready to start working together to practice your daily awareness and self-control skills? Well if so, then please feel free to call my office at (206) 745-5500 or send me a message. I would love to learn more about you, your struggles with self-control, and to work together to help transform your lie into one free of anxiety, addiction, and cravings.