Self-control is when you can control yourself and make deliberate choices instead of just doing whatever you feel like in the moment (Baumeister & Biddell, 2019). Two examples of this are when you choose to wake up early instead of sleeping in, or when you keep working on a difficult task even if it’s not fun. It also includes things like controlling your emotions, focusing your thoughts, resisting impulses to do something wrong, and pushing yourself to keep going even when you’re tired or discouraged.
Some people use the words “self-regulation” and “self-discipline” to mean the same thing as self-control (Baumeister & Biddell, 2019). However, self-regulation is a broader term that includes all goal-oriented behaviors, even the ones we do without thinking and self-discipline is a bit more specific and focuses on sticking to moral standards and being consistent in our actions.
Researchers have studied self-control and found that some people naturally have more of it than others (Tangney et al., 2004). They’ve also discovered that having good self-control can predict things like doing well in school or at work, having healthy relationships, and even living longer.
They’ve also looked at how self-control can vary depending on the situation. They came up with a theory called the Strength Model, which suggests that self-control uses up some of our energy, like a muscle getting tired (Baumeister & Vohs, 2016). This means that when we use a lot of self-control in one situation, it can be harder to have self-control in the next situation. They call this “ego depletion.” However, it has also been found that with regular practice and exercise, our self-control can get stronger over time.
Self-control is connected to other important things in life (Baumeister & Exline, 1999). It helps us make moral choices and behave in ways that are good for society. It’s also related to free will because it gives us the ability to choose how we act instead of just following our first impulses.
Baumeister, R. F., & Biddell, H. L. (2019). In D. Hackfort, R. J. Schinke, & B. Strauss (Eds.), Dictionary of sport psychology: Sport, exercise, and performing arts. Academic Press.
Baumeister, R. F., & Exline, J. J. (1999). Virtue, personality, and social relations: Self-control as the moral muscle. Journal of Personality, 67, 11651194.
Baumeister, R. F., & Vohs, K. D. (2016). Misguided effort with elusive implications. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 11, 574575.
High self-control predicts good adjustment, less pathology, better grades, and interpersonal success. Journal of Personality, 72, 271324.