"Self control means not doing what we want to do, which is why so many of us fail," says Dr. Janet Polivy, professor of psychology at the University of Toronto Mississauga. "A lack of self-regulation is more evident with dieting because eating is something that we all have to do, and the question of controlling how much we eat becomes a very delicate one."
So, how do you acquire self-control in your quest for healthier living? Unfortunately, you can't flip a switch that will magically turn you from a loose cannon to a tightly run ship, but you can build a tolerance for temptation. Here are six ways to strengthen your resolve.
1. Set the right goals
It's a bit of a no-brainer, but if you don't like running, don't choose a half-marathon as a fitness goal. Forcing yourself to do something you hate is a one-way ticket to failure, so you should tailor your diet and fitness regimes to suit your tastes. If you really like yoga, join a studio, socialize with your fellow yogis, or even study to become an instructor. The more you love your healthy lifestyle, the less inner strength you'll require to maintain it.
2. Lower your expectations
Sad, but true: most of us will never be able to pull off skinny jeans. Everyone has a standard, an ideal physical self to which they aspire, and more often than not, they've set the bar too high to be reached. So, if you're a short, curvy brunette, don't strive to be a Heidi Klum doppelganger.
3. Find your motivation
Several studies on self-control have shown that when subjects knew there would be social or monetary benefits from completing a task, they were more likely to succeed. Establish what is motivating you to change – be it a person, place or thing – and remind yourself of it every time you're thinking of trading in your personal-training session for watching Dancing with the Stars with your good friends Ben & Jerry.
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