After all is said and done

A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls. (Proverbs 25:28 NLT)

Through learning how to control our impulses, we become the kind of person that others want to get to know. People who can control themselves usually:

- Have better relationships with others, because they have learned to control their temper and feelings of annoyance over petty things.

- Are generally physically healthier as a result of good exercise and eating habits.

- Have disciplined their minds and have learned how to use knowledge to help them succeed.

- Are filled with a healthy sense of self-worth because they value themselves too much to indulge in negative or self-destructive habits.

- Are often happier because they’re getting what they want out of life.

Learning to control your impulses and desires is a skill that can help you succeed in life. You may want something very much, but never do anything to achieve it.

The “achieving it” part is what requires hard work, putting in the hours, gritting your teeth, saying no to other things that might try to distract you—in a word: self-mastery.

After all is said and done, the biggest key to achieving what you want—as well as the biggest hindrance—will likely be you. [1]

We can only learn to know ourselves and do what we can—namely, surrender our will and fulfill God’s will in us. - Teresa of Avila (1515–1582)

[1] Activated Take Me to Your Master!