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" The most important thing you can do to increase your self-control is to identify the misbeliefs in the words you tell yourself. Then argue against those misbeliefs. Never let yourself get away with misbelief talk. Use determination and energy in arguing and refusing each misbelief with the truth. You can be self-controlled in every area of your life. People who exercise self-control have discovered a major key to living fulfilled lives. Laziness, apathy and lethargy, avoiding responsibility, are not inroads to happiness and the fulfilled life. It is not surprising that when a person complains of lack of self-control the accompanying complaints are discontent, guilt, deep dissatisfaction with life, and a lack of self-confidence. Self-control, a fruit of the Spirit, will become a part of your life as you diligently cultivate it, as you reject discouragement, and as you teach yourself to reward yourself for your successes. “Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not,” Paul tells us in Galatians 6:9. Allow the Holy Spirit to help you. With God, nothing is impossible. Sometimes things may seem difficult, but with the Lord as your helper, strength and guide, it’s not impossible. You can shout to the whole world, “‘Greater is he [the Holy Spirit] that is in me than he [the devil who tempts me to sin] that is in the world.’ Therefore, I can be and am a self-controlled person! "
― , Telling Yourself the Truth
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" As human beings we are not doomed to a cold, emotionless, machine-like existence. We are creatures throbbing with mental, emotional and physical energy. Once we yank out the irrationalities and lies from our thoughts and replace them with the truth, we can lead satisfying, rich and fulfilling emotional lives.
It is not, however, events either past or present which make us feel the way we feel, but our interpretation of those events. Our feelings are not caused by the circumstances of our long-lost childhood or the circumstances of the present. Our feelings are caused by what we tell ourselves about our circumstances, whether in words or in attitudes.
What we tell ourselves can be either (1) truth or (2) lie. If you tell yourself untruths or lies, you will believe untruths and lies. If you tell yourself you’re a dumb jerk who can’t do anything right, you’ll believe it. If you believe something, you’ll act as though you believe it. That’s why your beliefs and misbeliefs are the most important factors of your mental and emotional life. "
― , Telling Yourself the Truth
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" How do you “be against” you? Which of the following do you tell yourself the most? Be honest. I am dumb. Thank you, Lord, for giving me intelligence. I am unattractive. Thank you, Lord, for making me attractive. I can’t—(whatever) I can with your help, Lord! Most people are happier than I. Thank you, Lord, for the happiness in my life. I’m poor. Thank you, Lord, for prospering me. People don’t like me. Thank you, Lord, for making me likable. I have no talents. Thank you, Lord, for the talents you’ve given me! I’m miserable. Thank you, Lord, for the power to overcome. I’m lonely. Thank you, Lord, for being my faithful and dearest companion. "
― , Telling Yourself the Truth