Building Strength pt.3
Self-Control
The fit guy wants a Popeye’s Spicy Chicken Sandwich (damn tasty) just as bad as the fat guy.
The difference is in their self-control. The fit guy recognizes his mouth salivating as he drives by the Popeye’s Billboard but then weighs his desire against his goals.
“Self-Control is the ability to master your fears, desires and other emotions.” (59)
Everybody knows they can’t be slaves to their emotions but still I see it alarmingly often. I mean think about the fact Americans keep getting bigger. The obesity rate has jumped from 27.4% in 2011 to 33% in 2021 (source: Statista). That’s 1 in 3 people!
Is there less information on nutrition today than in 2011? No. Then why is the obesity rate going up? I think there’s two reasons:
People can get fast, unhealthy food for much cheaper
There’s increasingly little self-control today
The specific aspect of self-control that’s missing is long term consistency. Everybody is able to make the healthy choice or the smart choice once or twice. But my theory is that we, as a people, aren’t willing to wait as long for rewards. Television, social media and digital games have gotten us used to constantly being rewarded for our efforts.
We also watch online the highlights of people’s lives and see so many “life transformation” stories that make the reward appear much closer to the work itself. We see the overnight success who made a billion dollars selling water in a can or the man who lost 200lbs just drinking SlimWaist shakes. We see the condensed version of a years-long journey. But a big part of self-control is being able to make the right choice every single time, not just once.
“Emotional intensity is far less important in the long run than disciplined consistency. Inspiration and excitement might get you going, but persistence and routine are what keep you going until you reach your goals.” (61)
Deep down we all know that any get-rich-quick scheme on the internet is a fake but we still want it. We know that every “weight loss hack” either doesn’t work or is actually unhealthy (eg. starvation). These schemes play on our desires to get what we want as soon as possible. But the only way to guarantee lasting results is through long-term self control.
If you want a 6-pack, control yourself like a guy who has a six pack. For years, not days.
If you want to be a great friend, control yourself like a great friend. Forever, not just sometimes.
If you want to be rich, control yourself like a rich person (I think so, but I’m actually pretty broke right now so I might be wrong)
Self-Control is key to building strength and becoming a clear thinker. You must master your emotions and make the right decision time and time again.
Brains Gains
What’s a small step you can take everyday to get closer to your long-term goals?
Have a day you’ll be proud of. Remember the best time to start a good habit was when you were born, and the second best time is today. You can be unrecognizable in a year.
Your Biggest Fan,
Noah “BigNerd” Sochaczevski
PS. Check out this clip from Alex Hormozi on “extraordinary accomplishments”
PPS. Join the BigNerd Chat to interact with other Big Nerds about the book, ideas from the book or whatever else you feel appropriate
