Self-Control

Self-control is what separates humans from our ancient ancestors and the rest of the animal kingdom, thanks to our large prefrontal cortex. Rather than respond to immediate impulses, we can plan, we can evaluate alternate actions, and we can refrain from doing things we'll regret. And there are ways to build your wisdom and willpower.

Regulating Behavior

Baby Steps to Grown-Up Control

Flexing your dieting muscle.

by David Adler

Self-regulation failure (Part 1): Goal setting and monitoring

Procrastination: Quintessential self-regulation failure

by Timothy A. Pychyl, Ph.D. in Don't Delay

Building a Better Self

Feeding your diet for self-control.

by Hara Estroff Marano

The Limits of Self-Control

Want to quit smoking? Pick up a chocolate habit.

by Kelly McGonigal, Ph.D. in The Science of Willpower

You Wear Me Out

How do other people help, and hurt, our own self-control?

by Josh Ackerman, Ph.D. in Coordination Games

Mind Your Body: Making Foresight 20/20

Connect with your future self.

by Matthew Hutson

See Also

Failures of Impulse Control

How Do Obsessive Compulsive People Think?

Fear of your thoughts and sensations.

by Robert L. Leahy, Ph.D. in Anxiety Files

Quirky Minds: Hold Me Back

Some people are prisoners of their impulses.

by William Lee Adams,Matthew Hutson

Field Guide to the Obsessive-Compulsive: Famously Fussy

It's OK to be a little picky.

by Joshua Kendall

Why Are You So Impulsive?

Self-regulation and symptoms of impulsivity.

by Timothy A. Pychyl, Ph.D. in Don't Delay

Are You a Risk Taker?

Why some of us prefer to bungee jump through life.

by Marvin Zuckerman

Field Guide to the Hypomanic: Hothead of State

Rahm Emanuel is Obama's army of one.

by John Gartner

See Also

Anger Management

The Lion Tamer

Steven Stosny defuses rage by teaching people how to connect.

by Cecilia Capuzzi Simon

Controlling Anger

How to keep anger from eroding your life.

by Hara Estroff Marano

Anger Management Failures

Don't date someone you meet in anger management class.

by Steven Stosny in Anger in the Age of Entitlement

See Also

Self-Control Tests

Anger Test - Abridged

Is your temper under control?
Locus of Control

Are you taking charge of your life?
Procrastination - Abridged

How putting off tomorrow impacts your life.
Setting Goals

Are you closer to your dreams, or lost in frustration?
More Tests

The Latest on Self-Control

Are procrastinators just lazy? by Timothy A. Pychyl, Ph.D.
Not sweating the small stuff, but getting it done. by Timothy A. Pychyl, Ph.D.
One of the most effective anti-procrastination strategies I know. by Timothy A. Pychyl, Ph.D.
It takes a credible excuse to justify procrastination by Timothy A. Pychyl, Ph.D.
How can adults help a child after a parent dies by suicide? by Nancy Rappaport, M.D.
Adult ADHD diagnosis related to procrastination by Timothy A. Pychyl, Ph.D.
What you eat reflects who you want to be. by Kelly McGonigal, Ph.D.
What the "outing" of positive psychologists reveals about happiness. by Timothy A. Pychyl, Ph.D.
Anger is a signal and one worth listening to. by Harriet Lerner, Ph.D.
Why feeling good about New Year's resolutions is a problem by Timothy A. Pychyl, Ph.D.

Current Issue

Heartbreak and Home Runs: The Power of First Experiences

How early life experiences shape our character.