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Self-Control Examples 10-15

10) Budget and manage finances well

The better we budget the better we can manage our finances and possibly save for items we want.  Here are some suggestions with regard to how to manage our finances better. 

Use a spreadsheet.  Put all regular bill payments and outgoings onto the spreadsheet. Then work out how much is left each week for spending.  If money needs to be saved for a yearly holiday, add that to the spreadsheet and take the relevant amount of money out each month. 

Open a couple of extra bank accounts – Use one account for money being saved.  Also if you know you can only afford £100 per week for general spending, then have a direct debit place £100 into an account every week on Monday so you know whatever is left in that account is all you’ve got to spend each week.

11) Reduce intake of comfort substances

Start limiting how many unhealthy, ‘comfort’ substances you consume.  For example, limit consumption of sugar and caffeine substances and cigarettes – or limit whatever your vice may be.  Just begin to force yourself to cut down a TINY bit each day.  If you can achieve this and feel good about it then you can always cut down a tiny bit more.  This is a complex area and I will write a full article on this on a future date.  I consider the level at which I crave a ‘comfort’ substance to be a strong gauge of my general anxiety level.  If I have very low levels of anxiety it becomes very easy to avoid unhealthy ‘binge’ and ‘comfort’ items.  

12) Think before you speak

Do you always say whatever comes into your head then often find you regret it.  If you have an inkling that what you are about to say may be best not said or could be phrased better, then pause and rephrase it, or remain silent!

13) Remove yourself from unproductive situations

Change unproductive situations.  Do you hate your job?  Start being proactive about finding a new one.  Use your hate for the to channel your energy into working on a new CV, looking through job ads, perhaps getting trained up or doing evening classes.  Remember if something is making you unhappy it’s time to take practical steps to change this.  You usually have the power to make changes that will make yourself happier if you’re in an unproductive situation.  However it can take time to make major life changes.  So just start taking the first steps.  Start doing some research.

Is your partner treating you with little respect?  Are you in a unproductive relationship?  Then perhaps think about getting relationship counselling or perhaps start thinking about whether you really need to be in that relationship.  Ask some really serious questions about your options.  Even contemplating leaving your partner might shake you into action to start making serious changes in the logistics of your relationship that might make you happier and resolve some issues that are being brushed under the carpet. 

14) Keep Fit

Are you doing no exercise.  Being fit should make you much happier.  If you find it difficult to motivate yourself, then perhaps think about joining a fitness group.  This could be a gym but I personally find gyms mindless.  I like to do something social and something that develops a skill.  So I did Karate for quite some time.  Make sacrifices if necessary.  Remember you may feel much happier in yourself if you are doing some regular exercise.

15) Table in down time

Reward yourself.  Make sure you table in at least a little down time every day.  Otherwise you will remain stressed and emotionally drained and this will have a negative effect on all the other achievements you are attempting to make.  If you are not having downtime you are highly likely to get stressed.  Evidence you are not resting enough might be seen in a strong desire for chocolate or a cigarette or some other ‘comfort’ item.