“You have power over your mind-not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.”
-Marcus Aurelius, Stoic Philosopher
Self-regulation is the ability to manage our own emotions and actions and to keep a sense of balance in our lives. From helping us choose the correct course of action, control our reactions to disappointment and stress, and achieve our goals, self-regulation is a valuable strength for everyone to pull on.
Studies have found the character strength of self-regulation can also create a buffer against the negative effects of stress and trauma by giving people a sense of control and autonomy. In Michelle McQuaid’s book, Can You Put Your Strengths To Work, self-regulation is described as your ability to remain in charge of what you think, which feelings you experience, and what actions you engage in.
STRENGTH INSPIRATION
Need some inspiration? Check out these stories of self-regulation!
- Brent Gleeson, CEO of TakingPoint Leadership and a former Navy Seal, writes about how self-regulation was the key to his success.
- This article interviewed leaders such as Gary Vaynerchuk, Sweta Patel, LeNae Goolsby, and Trevor Chapman on their self-discipline motivations and tips.
DID YOU KNOW…
The three least prevalent character strengths in human beings are prudence, humility, and self-regulation according to the study Character Strengths in Fifty-Four Nations and the Fifty US States? So, if you have any of these in your top 5, spread them around … every team needs their fair share!
PUT IT IN PRACTICE
- Form a Synergy: If self-regulation is low for you, combine it with one of your top strengths to give it a boost. Try combining with honesty by recruiting an accountability partner or fuse it with forgiveness to pick yourself back up after a self-regulation misstep.
- Delegate your Regulation: If you’re struggling to self-regulate in a particular work area, find a tool that can help ease the load. A color-coded calendar with time-blocks for work and breaks, a filing system that reminds you when it’s time to enter data, or a water bottle with lines marking how much you’ve drank are all tricks for helping build your self-regulation muscle.
