How to build self-control, according to psychologists

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Researchers have found that self-control is not just about willpower, but also about creating habits that make self-discipline easier. By establishing small, repeated habits, people can achieve their goals and develop stronger self-control over time.
Psychologists have shifted their understanding of self-control from requiring willpower to focusing on specific strategies or habits. Researchers found that people with high self-control create habits that rarely expose them to temptations. A study in 2015 found that high school students with high self-control relied on routines for studying, exercising, or sleeping. These structured habits led to long-term success. Establishing small, repeated habits can help achieve goals. Participants who consistently achieved their small goals reported developing stronger habits.
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