Saying no to another piece of cake or no to splurging on a purchase you don't need (but is on sale) can be difficult. Especially when you really want it! Why is it so hard to have self-control and self-discipline?
The world created the mess and we are just playing in it. The world says that we should practice self-care and do nice things for ourselves. So, if the second piece of cake makes you happy or using your credit card to buy that thing on sale gives you pleasure, just DO IT! The world says you have permission to take care of yourself and be happy. If you don't like it then leave it. If it doesn't make you happy, then don't do it.
Self-control (by the world's design) is one's ability to control their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors when tempted by something, in order to achieve an end goal. The world wants us to rely on our own abilities to accomplish things and it is a TRAP!
Self-control by God's design says that you are to GIVE UP and SURRENDER your ability to control your thoughts, emotions and behaviors and seek God's guidance and His will in all you do. Total opposite of the world.
You will find self-control & self-discipline in the Bible. You won't find "self-care", "self-worth", "self-esteem", "self-confidence" in the Bible. Why is that? It is because God knew we were already too focused on ourselves. This is why it is so important to focus on others and how others are feeling...seeking to understand before being understood...getting out of our own feelings, emotions, thoughts and desires.
Putting God first is the answer. You must stop before your start. Pause before you make any decision. Get God's opinion first. He is in charge. He knows what you should do. When you make this a priority, He builds you from the inside out and shows you how to have self-control and self-discipline...and then along the way, you will also begin to see your worth, value and how much He cares about you.
