Quotes About Self-control

Do not scratch when itched, nor shift when cramped, nor pause when tired.

The way to work with desire in meditation is the same way we worked with body sensations. It is not very useful to suppress it, because when you do it comes out in some other way. On the other hand, you do not want to act on it either. If you are like me and you acted on all of your desires, they would lock you up. So you do not want to suppress your desires, and you also do not want to act all of them out.

Temper is the one thing you can't get rid of by losing it.

The first key to leadership was self-control, particularly the mastery of pride, which was something more difficult, he explained, to subdue than a wild lion and anger, which was more difficult to defeat than the greatest wrestler. He warned them that "if you can't swallow your pride, you can't lead.

The second day of a diet is always easier than the first. By the second day, you're off it.

When I cut, I'm the one controlling the pain. I know where it's coming from. I know that it's me who's doing it, me and no one else.

I don't let my mouth say nothin' my head can't stand

Most people are far more concerned that they can control their own bodies than they are about petitioning Congress.

The best remedy for a short temper is a long walk.

I sniffed and dabbed at my eyes fiercely. I told myself I was only tearful because I was tired.

First our desire for money is never satisfied. Our pursuit of money is infinite. We can never say: this is enough.... There is never any limit, since in order to set a limit or a stopping point, one would need self-control and wisdom. And if one had these at the outset, he would not have had such a passion for money.

I learned to create a little more space between my thoughts and actions—actually between my feelings and reactions. This is extremely important; without it, life can be a real roller coaster ride.

They are certain old qualities and flavors within you. However much you may try to pretend that you're a very nice and loving person, when deals are offered, suddenly old vasanas will take control of you. There's an urge to bite the deal.

Be calm.  Do your breathing exercises.  You'll never be able to rule the universe if you can't control your own heartbeat.

New Year's Resolution: To tolerate fools more gladly, provided this does not encourage them to take up more of my time.

As a man purifies his heart, temptation ceases, for when a certain unlawful desire has been taken out of the heart, the object which formerly appealed to it can no longer do so, but becomes dead and powerless, for there is nothing left in the heart that can respond to it.

The curtailing of one's desires is the beginning of wisdom; their entire mastery its consumption.

A man has to learn that he cannot command things, but that he can command himself that he cannot coerce the wills of others, but that he can mold and master his own will: and things serve him who serves Truth people seek guidance of him who is master of himself.

As a man thinketh in his heart, so shall he be

Calmness of mind is one of the beautiful jewels of wisdom. It is the result of long and patient effort in self-control. Its presence is an indication of ripened experience, and of a more than ordinary knowledge of the laws and operations of thought.

All that a man achieves and all that he fails to achieve is the direct result of his own thoughts.

Nobody can be forced to commit an act of villainy. You can't push anybody into the mud; people always step into it themselves.

He is entirely responsible for his own actions. His behavior is his choice.

Chocolate and wine and fun weekend are delightful gifts indeed, and God is glorified when we partake with joy and gratitude. But viewing these blessings as necessities is self-indulgent. If we demand them as rights, they will enslave us, evaporating the delight and glory they were meant to convey. No one actually needs a spa day or wine or chocolate or even a vacation.