Restraint

Restraint: The quality of self-control, managing emotions, and behaving appropriately

Practicing self-control + carefully considering words and actions = restraint

People with restraint exercise self-control and moderate their responses. They limit speech to appropriate expression and pause to consider the consequences before expressing everything they think or feel.

Restraint Requires:

• PAUSING: In the rush of emotions and desires, pause and slow down before speaking or acting.
• EVALUATING: What hangs in the balance? What might my reaction cost me?
• VISUALIZING: No one enjoys seeing him or herself out of control. Picture yourself without restraint, then imagine yourself calm and dignified. Which do you prefer?

“He that would govern others, first should be master of himself.” – Philip Massinger