Here’s a news flash. You can choose! You are a feeling, thinking human being who can manage feels and make decisions.

Self-control doesn’t mean ignoring your feelings. It actually means being aware of them.

It can be difficult – if not impossible – to achieve your future goals or build good and lasting relationships without learning self-control. For example, it is self-control that helps you do your homework rather than watch a favorite TV program.

Here is a model that can help you slow down and do the right thing:

• Feel - Identify what you are feeling: Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired, or Sick (HALTS)
• Think - Go over the possible choices including waiting for another time when the emotions cool down and review any possible consequences.
• Act - Make a wise decision that is best for you in maintaining your goals.

If the thinking step is missed the results may look like this:

• Feel - Are overwhelmed by our feelings and let them rule us.
• Act - Do what feels good or natural at the time.
• Regret - End up suffering serious consequences for not thinking things through.