The strength of self-control is defined as being able to exert control over your thoughts, behaviors, and actions in order to pursue goals or live up to standards. Self-control involves both initiation of a response (e.g., going for a run) or inhibition of a response (e.g., doing without dessert). People who have high self-control are able to exercise discipline and control their thoughts, emotion, and behaviors. If you have this strength, you are able to set a goal or standard, then monitor your progress toward it as you change. You continually make decisions to do something positive even in the face of temp to do otherwise.