“You can either take that emotion that wells up and put it into a box and push it away, or you can take that emotion and do something with it. And that’s where self-control comes into play.” In this episode, Nick talks about cultivating self-control and what your mindset has to do with that. And there’s just no other way around it. You have to be able to actually think through what’s going on, but you have to also couple it with what you’re feeling in a moment. What to listen for: How do we be in control in each moment, moment by moment What Self-Control actually is and how it affects us more than we think it does What control looks like for each of us and how we each handle it differently What system I’ve created that works for me and how I still work on it each and every day “What is self-control?” Nick defines self-control and what its goal is for us How self-control works with our impulses, emotions, and behaviors Sometimes, we need to be put in a tough situation in order to stretch ourselves and test our self-control What we learned with self-control at an early age, for some of us we were burned by the learning experience “You really gotta think, is it worth any of the stuff that would come along with it? Would you feel better? Even if you think you may, I guarantee that you wouldn’t.” We don’t always need world-shattering situations to use our self-control; we can see it tested in everyday situations When we take a beat and tap into our power, we can make a decision that is right for us and others Without constantly stalling or slowing yourself down, there is power in being able to consider the consequences in any situation “Learn from it, grow from it, and just start over again. And start it from that moment. It starts day one all over again.” How we can and must show ourselves grace when we mess up or fall on our face Nick relates self-control to managing ourselves and using addictions as a source for a self-control workout Self-control, like self-mastery, is not a destination but a journey About Nick McGowan I’m Nick McGowan, entrepreneur, podcaster, and mental health advocate, and I've been on a 20+ year journey of personal development, learning to master my mindset, emotions, and the art of living with purpose. As a Mindset and Self-Mastery Mentor, I work with ambitious men and women who want to live their most authentic and joyous life, by helping them master their mindset, emotional awareness, and authentic communication. My mission is to empower people to lead lives that feel aligned, grounded, and truly their own. Throughout my career, I’ve built teams, streamlined systems, and improved client experiences across SaaS, media, marketing, and personal development spaces. Whether I’m leading cross-functional projects, optimizing SEO, Podcasting, designing strategies, or guiding clients through transformation, I bring a hands-on, solution-focused approach to everything I do. I’m also the host of The Mindset and Self-Mastery Show, where my guests and I unpack the stories that shape us, challenge us, and ultimately guide us back to who we are at our core. On this show, we uncover the secret gems others have discovered through trial, error, and breakthroughs so you can fast-track your growth, and master your mindset on your pursuit toward self-mastery.  With years of podcasting and two decades of marketing experience, I’ve mastered the storytelling, interview flow, strategy, and technical production that elevate a podcast from "just content" to something truly impactful. Whether you're a leader looking to amplify your message, or a seasoned speaker and podcast host looking to sharpen your edge or even a beginner who is wondering how to share their message, I mentor thought leaders through every step of having the conversation they're here to have on this planet. So, what message are you here to share?! Resources: Check out this other episode that get into self-control: