One thing that builds people and helps them have long-lasting relevance is the presence of regulatory mechanisms put in place by them or by external bodies to which they must be subject.

Let me, in a few paragraphs, say something that may be technically boring but will help buttress this point. Walk with me.

The cholinergic system of the human body

The cholinergic system of the human body is one of the most essential systems of the autonomic nervous system. Many functions of the body, such as the heart rate, muscle contraction, eyes miosis and accommodation, intestinal and ureteral peristalsis, etc., are under its shared control. These functions are possible because a tiny substance called acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter, played its role.

The acetylcholine is synthesized in nerve terminals and released into the synaptic clefts by preganglionic neurons, where it interacts with the nicotine receptors. From here, they are further released by the postganglionic neurons to interact with muscarinic or nicotinic receptors present in the effector organ. Depending on the organ, we can have the functions listed above.

If the release of acetylcholine is continuous and uninterrupted, we would suffer the damaging effects of what was meant to be an essential neurotransmitter for the proper functioning of our body. It would become a classic example of something good turning bad when overapplied.

However, acetylcholine understands its powerful effects and auto-inhibits itself, stopping further release of the vesicles containing it. The body also puts in place other inhibitory mechanisms to keep acetylcholine in check. It doesn’t rely on just what acetylcholine does but builds mechanisms that, in turn, inhibit the acetylcholine pathway. So, the body has an enzyme that breaks acetylcholine down to its constituent parts, thereby making it ineffective. The body also has other neurotransmitters that inhibit further release and actions of acetylcholine. This way, acetylcholine is regulated.

Are you bored yet? Not really? Okay, here is the point:

You are the acetylcholine. You need autoregulation (self-control) but do not rely on auto-control only. Build systems that would keep you in check.

Dear young person racing for gold, there is a tendency to go freewheel, lose control, go off track and die not reaching the finish line. Therefore, discover people to whom you must submit. Have a circle of friends, family, and externals to whom you are accountable.

Reflection:

Take a good look at your life and ask yourself if there are structures in place that can draw you back and keep you on track when the temptation to go wild comes. Check to see if there are people that you submit to who can call you to order without you questioning their authority.
What are some good practices of men who didn’t sacrifice integrity and character while chasing their dreams? Reflect on their lives and learn from what they did.

Today’s chore:

Begin to build accountability partners around you. Now that you are growing in your career or profession, call a few friends and agree to hold each other to high standards in character. Search for great mentors and be open with them regarding your tendencies. Learn from their stories and build similar structures. As a Christian, find mature Christian mentors and submit to them – we live in perilous times.

Quote:
Build structures today that will keep you safe tomorrow.