All or Nothing?
When we break our own rules it’s tempting to throw in the towel and walk away (abstinence violation effect).
Two alternatives to all or nothing:
- “Intervene” on possible "rule breaks" early by replacing the short term pull (stimulus) with an increased focus on commitment to the long term outcome (reason).
- ”Transcend” this moment with a renewed focus and awareness beyond this immediate moment
Self regulation is a single choice at a single point of time, intervene and transcend early when you can.
When you cant, forgive and go again.