### Why does self-control matter?

Sometimes, what makes you happy right now isn’t good for you in the long run. For instance, junk food tastes great but isn’t healthy. Self-control powerfully predicts academic and professional achievement, physical and emotional well-being, positive social relationships, and financial security.

### Pulse Check

Think about how your day is going. How many of these things are true?

- I got to work right away, rather than procrastinating.
- Instead of getting distracted while working, I stayed focused.
- Because I planned ahead, I was prepared for what I needed to do.
- I didn’t do things I knew I’d later regret.

### **How do I encourage self-control in others?**

**Model it.** Resolve to accomplish a goal of personal significance, then talk about obstacles and your plans to overcome them. Emphasize strategies you’ve found work especially well for you: _“I’m not super motivated to exercise, but I now take the stairs instead of the elevator—that’s a start!”_

**Celebrate it.** Praise children for waiting patiently. Notice when they plan ahead: _“Great job getting all your stuff organized!”_ Appreciate ingenuity in navigating self-control dilemmas: _“Keeping your cell phone in a different room is such a clever idea!”_

**Enable it.** Establish family rules, like no cell phones at mealtimes. Create quiet, distraction-free areas for study and work. Keep fruit on the kitchen counter and hide junk food on a high shelf.