PDF download Download Article PDF download Download Article

Just five more minutes can’t hurt, right? Whether you’re binging a TV show, putting off an assignment, or doing some other guilty pleasure, it’s all too easy to let your willpower fall to the wayside. How are you supposed to put your foot down and say “no” to yourself in the heat of the moment? Don’t worry. We’ve been there before, and we’re here to help! Keep reading for plenty of tips and tricks to help you master the art of self-control, so you can say “no” to temptations and stay focused on what really matters.

1

Admit that you have a weakness.

PDF download Download Article
  1. It’s completely normal and okay to have a weak spot—everyone does! Think about what temptation or situation always seems to get the best of you, whether it’s hitting the snooze alarm too often, spending too much time on social media, or something else entirely. Admitting your weakness helps you take a step in the right direction. [1] Here are a few examples of possible weaknesses:
    • Playing video games instead of focusing on schoolwork
    • Skipping a trip to the gym to hang out with friends
    • Watching TV instead of going to bed at a good time
    • Taking on an extra task at work even when your schedule is booked
  2. Advertisement
3

Set a clear goal for yourself.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Think about what you want to accomplish, so you have a clear vision for the future. Try to make your goal “SMART”, or Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Time-based. If your goal is too vague or large, it’ll be a lot more difficult to follow through with. [3] Here are some examples of SMART goals:
    • I’m only going to eat 2 desserts per week so I can meet my daily 1800 calorie goal.
    • I’m going to go for a 30-minute walk after work instead of watching TV.
    • I’m going to finish all of my math homework before checking my phone for 5 minutes.
    • I’m going to finish my remaining 3 work assignments this week before taking on any new ones.
  2. Advertisement
Quiz

wikiHow Quiz: What Kind of Reality Check Do I Need?

We all have blind spots, especially when it comes to the ways we treat others (and ourselves). Unfortunately, it can be pretty tough to take an objective look at what your own weak points are. We’re here to help. Take this quiz to rip off the Band-aid and see what your blind spots really are.
1 of 12

Pick a sea creature:

5

Picture how you’ll feel when you meet your goal.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Sure, it can be really frustrating to forego your favorite sweet treat or to force yourself out of bed when the alarm is blaring. But just think about how proud, satisfied, and accomplished you’ll feel when you reach your overall goal! [5]
    • Reaching your target weight will be much more satisfying than the few minutes of enjoyment you get from eating your favorite junk food.
    • Finishing all of your homework early will feel so much better than cramming all night to complete assignments.
  2. Advertisement
7

Remind yourself that you are in control.

PDF download Download Article
8

Say “I don’t” instead of “I can’t.”

PDF download Download Article
  1. Telling yourself something like “I can’t go on my phone” or “I can’t eat brownies” only reminds you of your limitations, and may make it harder to maintain your resolve. “I don’t” statements, on the other hand, give you much more control, and make it a lot easier to follow through. [8] Here are few examples:
    • Say “I don’t watch Hulu all night” instead of “I can’t watch Hulu all night”
    • Say “I don’t drink wine” instead of “I can’t drink wine”
    • Say “I don’t spend a lot of time online” instead of “I can’t spend a lot of time online”
9

Lean on a friend for support.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Some days are definitely trickier than others, and there’s nothing wrong with admitting that you’re struggling. Call, text, or meet up with a friend to let them know what you’re going through. [9] You might say:
    • “I had a really stressful day at work, and I’m really tempted to make an impulse buy. Could you help talk me out of it?”
    • “I thought I could resist the urge to smoke, but I’m having a really hard time right now. Do you have any advice?”
    • “I don’t feel like I’m making any progress in my weight loss goals, and I’m really tempted to just give up. What should I do?”
    • “I really enjoy spending time with my friends, but I always feel like I’m spreading myself too thin. How do I fix this?”
  2. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
      Advertisement

      Reader Videos

      Submit a Video Tip!

      Share a quick video tip and help bring articles to life with your friendly advice. Your insights could make a real difference and help millions of people!

      Submit a Video

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 37,778 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Anonymous

        Dec 16, 2023

        "This helped me from spending so much time on the screens and helped me to stop procrastinating on my instruments."
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement