Self-control = CONTROL + SELF

We lose “self-control” because we either don’t have control — or don’t have power over our own selves

 

CONTROL

Control = having CONTROL over the SITUATION

=not needing to rush it

=not needing to get emotional about it

=only CONTROLLING IT, as we desire

=and only ENJOYING IT

 

SELF

Self = self-knowledge + self-management

Self-knowledge = understanding how IMPULSES and EMOTIONS work

-how they emerge

-how they interfere and even precede the thought

-and thus precede action

Self-management = exercise and practice of one’s own AGENCY

-managing various aspect of the self

-and CONSCIOUSLY CHOOSING among them

 

Self-control requires both CONTROL part — and the SELF part.

 

Mere self-subjugation doesn’t give you any more “self-control”.

It merely removes the self out of the way, with it’s distractions and delusions and biases and ego and weaknesses.

It allows you to concentrate your power.

But it’s no substitute for having power in the first place

For having vision in the first place

It merely helps you concentrate your power on your vision

 

Likewise mere extra control is not sufficient

Because we never have full control — therefore must develop ability to respond EVEN WITHOUT control

One will be found helpless, one will be found WITHOUT control.

And one must be able to RESPOND to his own HELPLESSNESS, own ABSENCE OF CONTROL

And then REGAIN that control

 

Therefore don’t merely strive for more control. It’s a never-ending struggle. Futile.

Nor merely strive to CONQUER the self, conquer the mind. It’s pointless without a purpose behind it. Don’t just sharpen the sword — sharpen it to use it.