Follow 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!