Ian McCready,
Founder of SelfCtrl

What do we do?

7 Steps towards Self-control
1) Eyes Open

Understanding Dopamine

• Neurotransmitter that forms habits.
• Known as the “feel-good” hormone.
• Doesn’t care about long term goals, mental health or well-being.
• Positive social interactions, eating good food, laughing, etc.
• Games create dopamine through winning, “free” items, stress relief, etc.
• Apps create dopamine through social interactions, laughing, and excitement.

7 Steps towards Self-control
1) Eyes Open
2) Symptoms of no Self-control

2) Symptoms of no Self-control

What is addictive behavior:
•It’s interfering with school, friendships, extracurriculars, or work.
•Lie to spend time online or gaming.
•Steal money to pay for games/items.
•Choose social media/gaming over in-person activities you would typically enjoy.
•It’s negatively impacting sleep each night.
•You keep using social media or a game even after expressing a desire to stop.

2) Symptoms of no Self-control

What does a bad technology habit look like:
•Late to school or class, behind on homework.
•Late to work.
•Lie to parents or others to go online or game.
•Spend a lot of your money to pay for games/items.
•You always go to social media/gaming during free time.
•It’s difficult for you to put down your device or stop gaming each night.

7 Steps towards Self-control
1) Eyes Open
2) Symptoms of no Self-control
3) Overcoming Bad Habits

3) Bad Habits

•Rationalize them away
•Quit if limiting doesn’t work

7 Steps towards Self-control
1) Eyes Open
2) Symptoms of no Self-control
3) Overcoming Bad Habits
4) Craft an environment for success

4) Environment Crafting

Prioritize People
•When you are with people, be with people.
•Pick a digital sabbath time each week.
•Free time = time you can serve others.

7 Steps towards Self-control
1) Eyes Open
2) Symptoms of no Self-control
3) Overcoming Bad Habits
4) Craft an environment for success
5) Bring a Friend

5) Bring a Friend

•Youth group
•Ask your parent for help
•Christian College Club
•Ask a pastor
•Small group
•Celebrate Recovery
•Find someone to disciple you 1-1

7 Steps towards Self-control
1) Eyes Open
2) Symptoms of no Self-control
3) Overcoming Bad Habits
4) Craft an environment for success
5) Bring a Friend
6) Pursue God

6) Pursue God

•Build Godly coping mechanisms.
•Pray like David.
•Read your Bible.

7 Steps towards Self-control
1) Eyes Open
2) Symptoms of no Self-control
3) Overcoming Bad Habits
4) Craft an environment for success
5) Bring a Friend
6) Pursue God
7) Expect Resistance