Subscribe to UpdatesFollow the Rules to Self-Control…
In the last message, we discussed the definition of self-mastery, which is the control of one’s behavior.
So how does one go about controlling their behavior?
You can start by taking a long, hard look at yourself. I suggest that you make a list in your journal (you have started your journal, right?) of the things you would like to change about your life. For example:
- I want to lose 25 pounds.
- I would like to have more time to myself.
- I would like to read more/pray more/travel more etc.
- I would like to spend more time with my family and friends.
- I would like to make more money.
You get the idea. Once you have done this, ask yourself, “How can I accomplish this?”
My opinion is that we have to set some rules to live by. If we have no self-discipline, then how will we ever be able to obtain self-control?
Discipline can be defined in numerous ways. For our purposes, the definition of discipline is to instruct a person or animal to follow a particular code of conduct or the training expected to produce a specific character or pattern of behavior.
So, it is really simple. We, no matter what age we are, need to constantly train ourselves to control our behavior, our time, our thoughts, our speech and our actions. We were expected to live by the rules as children, and forced to suffer the consequences when we did not. The rules were there for a reason, right? Somehow, over time, “playing by the rules” has taken a back seat to other qualities.
What is stopping you from achieving mastery over yourself?
For many of us, it comes down to the fact that we have forgotten the importance of discipline and setting rules to live by. Without being too hard on yourself, take the time to identify some rules for yourself and ask yourself these two questions.
1. What area of my life is out of control?
2. What can I do today to start the process of bringing forth the change I would like to experience?
Once you have identified the areas in your life that need to change, then you can start on the path towards change. We have to take control over our own lives – ENJOY THE JOURNEY!
Take Control of You and Your Life!
I mentioned on last Monday’s Corporate Conference Call that I was on a path to mastering myself and I invited anyone who wanted to join me on this journey to please do so. I have to say that I was very touched by all the emails and phone calls that I received from people saying they would join me.
We are going to start this journey by first looking at the definition of self mastery.
Self mastery [self-mas-tuh-ree] noun – The conscious control of ones behavior. Self-control.
It is time that we hold ourselves responsible for our own actions. It is much easier to blame others for our mistakes than it is to accept responsibility for where we are in our own lives.
It is easier to blame your spouse that held you back, parents that did not give you the love or “push” you needed, children that take up all of your extra time, or the economy that is collapsing around us. That is much easier than saying “Hey. I messed up here and I need to fix it.” When we don’t accept responsibility and we look for reasons or excuses as to why we are where we are, then it is nearly impossible to fix our situation.
I once again encourage you to get a journal and to keep your thoughts and ideas on paper. I have said it before and will say it over and over…if you write your thoughts, feelings and ideas down it will help you to keep up with yourself and become clear about where you are headed and what you want out of this beautiful life of yours.
I guarantee that you will be able to look back on your journal and see how things get better over time and you will see that when you put your thoughts down you give them more power….more power to change them for the better. Until next time … TAKE CONTROL!!
Starting 2009…the “Write” Way
This is one of my favorite times of the year. One of my favorite sayings is “out with the old and in with the new.”
January is a time to reflect on our accomplishments and mistakes of the past year and improve on it all. What are your hopes for this year? What are the things that you are looking to achieve in 2009? It is important that you put thought into this and make a list of your goals.
I think that most of you know that I have been journaling now for over 19 years. This has brought so much clarity to my life and has allowed me to be clear in the direction I wanted to go in. I encourage each of you, men and women alike, to write your thoughts out. I assure you that if you do, this will help you to focus and become clear about what you are out to accomplish in 2009.
Here is to your words bringing clarity to your life!
With much love,
Sherri Wear