Sadia Week 12: Choosing What Matters


Self-control is one of those things that's easy to talk about, but hard to practice. We don't often realize how much power we have over our actions as well as behaviour until we are faced with the decision. It's the choice you make when you are sitting on your phone, about to waste another hour, but then you change your mind and decide to work on your homework instead. It's those moments when we realize that the actual issue is not what we want at that time but what matters the most. 

There is a saying my mom often repeats to me: "سب سے بڑی فتح اپنی نفس پر ہے" which means "The greatest victory is over one's own self". To me, it means that the real problem is not about facing external obstacles, rather mastering control over the desires and impulses that come from within. It is the temptation to give in, even on little things such as watching another video, scrolling aimlessly, eating unhealthy or when not even hungry, or skipping workout just because I don't feel like it. All these little indulgences at the time feel harmless, but nonetheless, without realizing, these small habits start to take control. Though there are times when I learned things the hard way, resisting the urge to procrastinate, biting my tongue to hold back a sharp comment in a heated moment or choosing not to react in a way that I might regret later. 

Having power over your choices (desires). That is what Self-control means. It is not about being "perfect" or denying occasional indulgences in things you like to do. It is about making the right choice at the right moment. The power to restrain yourself, no matter how tempting it might be. 

              Works Cited: 

Istockphoto.com, 2024, media.istockphoto.com/id/1404384884/vector/self-control-or-leadership-thinking-for-business-decision-or-guidance-to-the-right-direction.jpg?s=612x612&w=0&k=20&c=IgzWS_-ZhQx93-qNUBRxSbchMqbgrips0rziHaEWnxk=.

“Nafs.” Wikipedia, 15 Mar. 2023, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nafs.


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Comments

  1. Leila AlabedMarch 5, 2025 at 9:35 PM

    Hello, Sadia! I think that it is extremely common for people our age to struggle with time management and staying off of social media. The way in which you describe the seemingly small but difficult choices, such as choosing to work on homework over staring at your phone and resisting procrastination, is what makes your blog extremely relevant as many teenagers our age struggle with these issues.The saying that you shared from your mom makes this blog seem a lot more personal, as it reinforces the idea that strength comes from taming our impulses. I appreciate the emphasis you put on self-control not meaning total perfection, but rather about making the right choices when it matters most. I enjoyed reading this blog, keep up the great work!

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