November of 2020! We’ve almost made it out of the year of the craziest events of our lives. As we start to look forward to the holidays, we have to keep in mind that we still have to practice self-control. That means limiting the amount of delicious food we want to eat and money we want to spend on gifts.
Subject: Exploring Self Control
In so many ways 2020, has been all about self-control. We have had to physically distance in situations when we are normally in close quarters, wear masks in public places and even go two months without any of the luxuries that we’re used to. It hasn’t been the most comfortable, but it was necessary. That’s the definition of self-control: doing what’s necessary despite how it may make us feel.
Throughout the month of November, we’ll get the opportunity to explore several areas where our self-control and self-restraint can be improved or maintained.
Objective: Journaling about Self Control
Since we’ve already created our template for what we are going to do each month, the task of copying prompts and setting up this month should be fairly easy. If you are finding this page first, check out my post on how to start journaling here, then pop back over to get the prompts.
Here are a few of ideas for the end of the month recap:
- Write down wins you’ve had this month in the area of self-control
- Take on a “no spend” challenge and write out how that went
- Pick up a new habit or regimen and document the changes you’ve noticed.
Actionable Item: Self – Discipline Throughout the Month
There are so many things that require us to use restraint in order to get favorable outcomes. This month, choose something that has been causing you to not buckle down and get the results. Did you pick up the quarantine 15 and want to get rid of it before the holidays? Maybe you’ve had more free time since activities have been limited and haven’t completed some small tasks you set out to do. What about setting aside time for meditation and prayer? Whatever your thing is, make this month the time to make those things happen.
I recently decided to make some changes to my diet in addition to increasing my exercise. These small modifications over the past year resulted in a 20 pound difference on the scale. Am I back to my fighting weight? Nope. But I have seen what self-control and discipline can do.
Point of it all: You Have Control of Your SELF
We all have responsibilities and those can eat away at our time. We all get 24 hours to make any thing happen. I once read that if you believe you can or believe you can’t, you’re right. It’s our belief and subsequent actions that determine what things do or do not happen in our lives. And you know what dictates the things that happen? Our self-control.
I’m not suggesting that you start a multi-billion-dollar business by changing your habits this month (unless you’re sitting on that… make that happen), but I am saying that if you need to stop yourself from clapping back, do that. Leave the sweets or meat alone if you need to. The point is to make habitual, small changes and decisions that will make you better.
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