How do you feel when life takes the reigns? Did you know that your response to out-of-control situations determines your ability to cope and learn?
Self-regulation is the mental process of controlling our brain's and self's functions. We must master our emotions and thoughts to have it. Self-regulation leads to task performance (Self-Regulation: Definition, Skills, & Strategies, n.d).
Research shows that individuals who delay gratification have a higher aptitude academically and socially. Muraven et al. (1999) attribute self-regulation to energy and strength. One who practices self-regulation can find the reserves to better cope with stress in emotional management. This discipline gives people the fortitude to combat substance abuse and eating problems. Think of self-regulation as a muscle. The more you exercise the practice, the stronger your muscle of regulation becomes (Muraven et al., 1999).
Why is self-regulation important?
Everyday life throws challenges at us. We can allow negative forces to dictate our responses, or we can mold our reactions to reflect the person we strive to become. As we positively deal with the stresses of life, we train ourselves to grow from experiences. As bad things happen to us, and they will, we need to see the lessons in them. What could we have done differently in the situation? What about it could we control? What did we do to make things better? What did we do to make them worse?
We will all make mistakes in life. That is the human experience. Dreams and goals will fail. Life isn't necessarily about achieving our goals but what we learn on the journey. We can be reactive or active in how we respond and the course we decide to follow. Discipline helps us focus on things that add value to our character. As we master self-regulation, we can bring ourselves to higher attainment.
Who do you want to be? What do you want to overcome? How can focusing on your actions benefit you? Are you ready to practice self-regulation to regain control in your life?
_______________________________________________________________
To Control or be Controlled, that is the Question
by Stephanie Daich
References:
Muraven, M., Baumeister, R. F., & Tice, D. M. (1999). Longitudinal improvement of self- regulation through practice: Building self-control strength through repeated exercise. The Journal of Social Psychology, 139 (4), 446–457. https://doi.org/10.1080/00224549909598404
Self-Regulation: Definition, Skills, & Strategies. (n.d.). The Berkeley Well-Being Institute. Retrieved November 20, 2022, from https://www.berkeleywellbeing.com/self-regulation.html#:~:text=%28A%20Definition%29%20Self-regulation%20is%20defined%20as%20the%20mental
