(Self) Controls

I can't clearly define one single element, trait or behaviour I'd call the most responsible for me having created what I feel is a very good, happy and meaningful life. Can you?

I'm of the belief that we are responsible for creating the life we want to lead and I'm against the concept of allowing it to simply play out aimlessly and without direct input to help shape it the way we would like it to look and be. To that end, things like effort, consistency, discipline, decisiveness, evaluation, openness to change, self-honesty and ownership, tenacity, and more come into play with each adding to the overall "picture" that is our lives...let's call it the masterpiece we hope to paint on the canvas of life.

Identifying one single element in isolation is not something I can do although I can certainly name each of them, (including a little luck), that has helped me along and helped me to paint that masterpiece, a few are listed above.

In a chat with a person I mentor recently, self control came up - she recognised a lack of it in her life, personally and professionally. I usually use the word discipline but she called it self control and I'm ok with that and even more ok with the fact she's owned up to struggling with the concept. Good for her.

Self control, or discipline, has so many uses in our lives; I'll not list them as you can probably work them out for yourself but I wanted to ask you about your experiences. It's the controls we put in place throughout our lives, that help us to build and improve it and we all have them, or should.

Question

How has having self control, or not having self control, impacted your life? How have you made good use of it and what results came from its use; have you come to the realisation that you do not have it or use it enough? How have you set out to rectify that?

If you'd like to get involved with the conversation and share your opinions and stories feel free to do so in the comments below.