Self-regulation is a goal directed characteristic that pertains to a person’s ability to monitor and control their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. For example, let’s say you have a biology exam in two days that you really need to study for. But, you also have just been invited to a big party tonight. What do you do?
Your ability to self-regulate will help answer this question. If doing well on your exam is the most important goal for you (which it probably should be), then you will be able to control your thoughts and feeling about going to the party, and that will ultimately result in your studying for the test.