My son asked me the other morning, "Dad, why don't you ever eat a cinnamon roll?" as they sometimes like a little morning treat.

I looked at him and said, "Because Noah when I let my temptations control me, I become weak. When I give in, I desire more. I don't want to let taste control my need for good energy."

We are all ruled by our needs.

Our dependence. Our endless thirst for luscious temptations that we know we shouldn't succumb to. And yet, every day, it's a grind to ward off these desires. So much of the suffering you'll experience comes from cravings.

According to the National Science Foundation, 80% of our thoughts are negative, and 95% of our thoughts are repetitive.

So we're all in a repetitive cycle of negative thoughts. How sad!

But you can change that.

These are five ways to control your cravings and, thus, your life:

1. Discipline is destiny.

Seneca said to treat the body rigorously so it may not disobey the mind. When you're disciplined, you control what Buddhists call tanha.

"The thirst. The craving," which is the source of all suffering, and by mastering it, one can achieve true inner peace.

To do so, one must practice self-discipline and strive to be aware of the mind's impulses. With this awareness, one can learn to control the body and mind and ultimately reach a state of inner harmony.

2. Don't seek happiness.

Happiness isn't a destination.

Happiness cannot be consumed. It can never happen in the future. It can only happen here and now.

So learn to be mindful of this moment, whatever that moment is.

Be present with your thoughts, feelings, and emotions. Don't let your mind wander off.

Accept and appreciate the present moment for what it is, and find joy in the everyday moments.

3. Don't let your emotions run free.

We often allow emotions to control our lives without interjection.

Road rage, the nasty email reply, the hurtful words are all born of emotions and egos. Actively watch your mind. Notice hurtful emotions, and recognize that they'll never do you any good.

Take a deep breath and gain control of your feelings.

Instead of letting them control you, use them as a tool to provide insight, clarity, and understanding.

4. Control your needs.

Ryan Holiday writes. "The less you desire, the richer you are, the freer you are, the more powerful you are."

We become vulnerable to other people's motivations when we desire more than we need. When we overextend ourselves, we are not self-sufficient.

So, be strict with yourself so that others do not have any power over you.

5. Face your suffering.

You can't live in the moment until you embrace your feelings.

You might become enticed by cravings like money, power, or food, which are all distractions trying to mask the pain that yearns for comfort.

Ask yourself, "What are the barriers, and where do they come from that stop me from being in the present moment?"

And remember:

"A man/woman satisfied with so little could never be tempted."