Self-Control

Martial Arts will put you back in the driver's seat!

---

• What is Self-Control?

Defined: control of oneself, one's emotions and impulses.

---

• Do you lack self-control?

Answer a few simple questions to help identify if you suffer from a lack of self-control.

1. Do your diets often fail?

2. Do you have a hard time studying?

3. Have you found you lose your temper too easy?

4. Do you have a hard time finishing projects you've started?

5. Do you have an abuse problem such as alcohol, drugs, or something else?

---

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may need to work on improving your self control.

Obesity, drug abuse, and crime are but just a few of the extreme consequences of not being able to control yourself. Humans beings naturally have a hard time controlling urges, but one of the things that seperates us from the rest of the animal world is the ability that we have to exercise self-control.

Because people have a limited ability to control themselves, it is no wonder that many people often fail at their goals because they give in to temptation. All acts of control draw from a limited resource. Once this limited resources is depleted, is when people often find themselves partaking in an undesired behavior. In this depleted state, one is more likely to commit a crime, over-eat, become angry, or abuse substances.

Self control is a difficult concept for many to grasp, mainly because we are inclined to act on our emotions and desire for instant gratification rather than doing what will be the best for us in the long-run. This is especially true in today's modern world. Generations now are growing up with cell phones, the internet, and other devices that put our desires at our fingertips with minimal effort. This can bring indulging in our compulsiveness, addictions, obsessions, irrationality and other self-destructive behaviors. From overeating, procrastinating, impulsive buys, abusive relationships or drug and alcohol abuse, a lack of self control in your daily life will eventually catch up with you if it hasn’t already.

---

• Self Control, the key to success?

Studies have linked having the ability to conrol yourself directly to success in other areas of life. Psychologist Walter Mischel conducted a classic experiment around 1970. The experiment looked to judge the ability of children to control their urges and followed them as they grew up to guage their success in life.

The study was initially performed by having a group of 4 year olds placed in a room with a bell and a marshmallow. If the child rang the bell, the experimentor would come back and the child would be allowed to eat the marshmallow. If, on the other hand, the child was able to exercise control and wait for the researcher to return, they would then be allowed to eat two marshmallows.

Video of the experiment shows the children reacting heavily and having a difficult time not eating the marshmallow. They would kick, squirm, and hide thier eyes in desperate attempts to control their urges. Over the course of 15 minutes, performances varied considerably. Some children could not wait and rang the bell immediatedly. Some lasted for 15 minutes.

The children who rang the bell the fastest eventually were more likely to have drug problems, recieved worse evaluations from parents and teachers, and were the types more likely to become bullies. Those who waited went on the get higher SAT scores, got into better colleges and had, on average, better success as an adult.

---

• So where does martial arts fit in?

One of the best ways to develop self-control is to build upon that which you already have. Once you find that you can prevent succumbing to a desire, you can utilize that same behavior in other areas of your life. You will find that the addage "success is contagious" is true, because you will be able to transfer your ability to control yourself to other areas of your life.

• A staple of martial arts is teaching students to exert self-control when faced with difficult situations.

Martial arts is a system of self-defence, not self-offense. Because of the nature of what is taught in martial arts schools, it is absolutely necessary that the lessons carry a sense of responsibility for newfound talents. Having self-control enables martial artist to refrain from using fighting skills unless absolutely necessary.

• Self control in martial arts is required to continue progressing.

Lacking self-control will put a halt to any martial artist's success. Let's not fool ourselves, the material taught is difficult and requires discipline to learn. By giving into the emotion to quit or give up, students will quickly fail. Learning to control this urge to quit is one of the main differences between a successful martial artist and one that fails.

• Remember, lack of self-control is giving into emotions.

One must have emotional intelligence to conquer a lack of self control. One must be able to recognize what they are feeling, why they are feeling it, and how to respond rationally to it. Martial arts gives practiioners and deeper sense of self. Through training methods, graduated accomplishments, and lessons in spirituality combined with physical ability, martial arts students gain a better understanding of themselves and the forces that drive them to make choices.

Having this elevated understanding of self and ability will help you know the best choice for yourself.

Once you are able to see alternatives to urges you are able to make an intelligent and concious decision. Sometimes, losing self-control is noting more than not knowing an alternative choice. Armed with knowledge, one can make the better choice and exert self-control in a situation they otherwise would not be able to.
Return from Self Control to Benefits of Martial Arts.

Reference: Answers.com

---

Southern California Martial Arts Schools Listings Most complete listing of Southern California Martial Arts Schools, MMA training locations, Self-defense Schools in Socal

Types of Martial Arts; Martial Arts Styles Complete list of types of martial arts styles with video, techniques, descriptions, history, and more.

Socal MMA Schools Complete Listing of Socal MMA Schools, MMA training, MMA lessons, MMA instruction

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu; BJJ History, Origin, Description, Techniques, Benefits of BJJ, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Self Improvement Ideas Extensive list of self improvement ideas to make your life better, using martial arts benefits to better yourself.

Choosing a martial arts school Choosing a martial arts school is a big decistion, there are many factors you need to consider. Here is everything you need to know about picking the right martial arts school for you.

Socal Martial Arts Tournaments Complete Listing of Socal Martial Arts Tournaments, MMA events and fights, Martial Arts Tournaments and Events.

MMA News Up to date and live mixed martial arts news, MMA news, and Mixed Martial Arts Headlines.