Written by Qianhui 2022 Cohort
This is a personal answer to one of the New York Times Learning Network topics. For details, check https://www.nytimes.com/ca/section/learning
-I don’t have much self-control in my life. But I wholeheartedly agree with the New York Times reader’s answer that self-control is an effort that can help you achieve your goal academically. It enables you to focus in school, improve your knowledge, raise your intelligence and give you the ability to be patient in everything you will be attending but not rushing. I know that many model students have discipline, and they can learn a lot. And I always admire people who have self-control at any time.
My self-control depends on where I am at that time. I can entirely focus on my tasks in school or the library as I know I am watched by someone else. However, I don’t go to bed early. I’m always on my phone when I am at home. For instance, sometimes I lack persistence in reaching my goals or performing tasks because I always want to open my laptop and watch Youtube.
There are many strategies I can use for exercising self-control. For example, exercise will motivate me to have an orderly day instead of getting sleepy and lazy. I can follow a daily routine of when bedtime is when I should wake up, eat, and do my homework. Besides, I can put my laptop in another room that I cannot reach easily.
Honestly, if I take the marshmallow test, I’m not sure I will pass it.