New Concept in Self-Control

Neither a borrower nor a lender be, for loan oft loses both itself and friend . . . Shakespeare fans undoubtedly recognize this famous line from Hamlet. Taking money from or giving it to a friend often causes contention in the relationship. Many times the friendship is destroyed and the loan remains unpaid. Despite this, in some areas of their lives people insist on borrowing to the detriment of themselves and the lender, who happens to be them too.

Twelve years ago I would think nothing of eating a dozen sourdough rolls for dinner, with a salad, and then have a pint of Haagen Dazs Vanilla Fudge or Coffee ice cream for dessert. Is it any wonder that my weight was far higher than is healthy? I was borrowing calories from my future. And for this kind of transaction my credit score was zero. Once I came to terms with my lack of creditworthiness for food, I realized that I faced a long period of reduced caloric intake to pay back the debt. Then once I got my weight down I was careful not to start borrowing again.

Overindulgence mortgages your future. And just like when you charge up balances on your credit card that you cannot afford to pay, there will be a day a reckoning. But unlike a money matter, if the issue is overeating (or other non-monetary excesses) the debt this creates cannot be wiped out through bankruptcy. Its only cure is self-restraint.

So the relevant issue is: are you a creditworthy borrower who can forgo the future gratification you are using now? If you can overeat on Saturday but by Monday or Tuesday the calories are paid back you have a solid credit score. If you do not make consistent repayment of your caloric debt, just like with credit cards the first things you need to do are cut them up, set a budget, and start living within it. You can get an idea of what your daily caloric intake should be at the USDA’s SuperTracker website. Once you are living within a calorie budget, then you can figure out how to repay past loans.

Question – How do you cultivate self-restraint?
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