Self-control is the ability to control your feelings, emotions, and reactions. Harvard Business Review research shows that people with strong self-control have better health, relationships, finances, and careers. Despite the proven positive outcomes of strong levels of self-control, it is something that is seldom actively worked on by modern humans. In the article below, we will discuss five proven ways to increase self-control, specifically with the goal of spending less and saving more.

#1: Focus on the Physical
Getting enough sleep and exercise is critical to brain functioning, emotional regulation, and decision-making. By staying physically fit, you will increase your self-control and be able to make wiser financial decisions every day.
#2: Get Digital Self-Control Support
Self-control is so important because it allows you to meet your goals. When trying to achieve goals, accountability can be a major driver for attaining successful results. There are many apps today that you can download to your phone to help you stay on track with your goals and exhibit self-control. Some examples of apps that can help you include ClickUp, Strides, MyFitnessPal, GoalsOn Track, Fitbit or Apple Watch, Mint, and more.
#3: Avoid Decision Fatigue
Decision fatigue is a state of mental overload that can impede a person’s ability to continue making decisions. This common phenomenon can be avoided with some simple fixes. For example, try scheduling your day so that you make big decisions in the morning. After all, it’s estimated that an adult makes about 35,000 remotely conscious decisions each day. So, wouldn’t you want to make big decisions with your greatest mental capacity? Additionally, developing daily routines can reduce your amount of decision fatigue. The more solidified your routine, the fewer little decisions you will need to make, like what to eat for breakfast, whether or not you will go to the gym, or what clothes you will be wearing. Last, if either of these applies to you – stop overanalyzing and stop being a control freak. Overanalyzers might consistently second guess themselves, never knowing which decision is the “perfect” one to make. If you undergo this process to make decisions daily, you are wasting energy and the ability for self-control in the process. Additionally, if you are a control freak, try to start delegating decisions where you can. By letting go of some of the decision-making, you will empower yourself to use better judgment on the decisions you still need to make.

#4: Intentionally Remind Yourself Why You are Motivated to Achieve Your Goals
As you’re achieving your goal, it can be easy to get bogged down with the details. For example, a work project may become tedious with meetings, paperwork, and bureaucracy required to complete it. In scenarios like this, it is important to intentionally remind yourself what the end goal is and remember why you were motivated to accomplish the goal in the first place.
#5: Practice Meditation or Mindfulness
Studies show that meditation improves activation and connectivity in the parts of the brain related to self-regulation. Meditation also trains the mind to let go of negative thoughts and feelings.