Let’s get down to business.
No matter what the source of your impulsivity, the fix is the same.
Impulsive actions
You have a great idea to do something fun, shocking or angry.·
- Stop.
- Think.
- Will I brag to my parents, partner, coach, or sponsor about this?
- Tell yourself, I’ll wait two weeks.
- If I remember what I wanted to do, I’ll think about whether it’s worth doing.
- Two weeks later, you forget all about it.
Impulsive thinking
You want to tell someone off either in person or on social media·
- Stop.
- Think.
- Would you want someone to say such things to you?
- Will it change anything?
- Are you so angry at this person or something else that’s going wrong in your life?
- Tell yourself, I’ll wait two weeks.
- If I remember what I wanted to say and to whom, I’ll think about it.
- Two weeks later, you forget all about it.
Impulsive stories
- You can’t wait to publish this brilliantly sarcastic story about a person or a subject.
- Before you hit publish. Think.
- Will it impress my family, boss, pastor, friends, coach, or teachers?
- Would I like to have people roast me in such a manner?
- This story will float forever on the web.
- Will it affect your future career aspirations, your job, or employment?
- Tell yourself, I’ll give it two weeks and re-read it.
- After two weeks, think it through. Is it still as brilliant, or is it hurtful and mean-spirited?
Impulsive in-person shopping
- Tell yourself, I’ll wait two weeks.
- If I remember what I wanted to do, I’ll think about whether it’s worth doing.
- Two weeks later, you forget all about it.
Impulsive shopping online
You can’t sleep and have been scrolling on shopping sites.·
- Put the items you “must have” in the basket.
- Wait two weeks.
- Go through the basket to check what you truly need.
- Delete everything else.
Your friends are the ones who suggested this fun/dangerous activity
- There is no time to think about anything.
- You’re either in or out. For such events, practice cool excuses ahead of time. Here are some examples, “No thanks. It doesn’t sound fun to me.” “That sounds great, but I’d rather go see my girlfriend, if you know what I mean.”
- Think of other excuses. Make sure you memorize them so they’re right there when you need them.
- Change your friend group if you find that you don’t want to participate in most of their activities.
Quick Thinking
Sometimes, impulsive thinking is a good thing. Quick decision-making saves lives in dangerous situations, such as firefighting, police work, and war. You just have to reign it in when it’s not to your advantage.
You may have wondered why you’re impulsive in the first place.
Causes of Impulsivity
Impulsivity is a symptom of several mental health conditions. For example, ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, Bipolar Personality Disorder, Antisocial Personality Disorder, Impulse Control Disorder, Neurotransmitter Imbalance, Genetics, Substance Abuse, Childhood Trauma, or Brain Damage.
There are medical interventions for some of the disorders, but not all. Consult a mental health professional to determine if you have one of those conditions.
You can do it!
The fact that you made it this far in the article proves that you are determined to do something about your impulsive thinking and behavior.
- Don’t give in to your impulsivity.
- The first step is to stop permitting yourself to continue being impulsive.
- Fight it.
- Stop.
- Think.
- Delay doing that thing for two weeks.
- After two weeks, if you still remember it, think about people’s reactions.
- How will such action affect you?
- Then decide.
- If it was just impulsive, you forgot it.
- Let me know how it worked for you. Did I miss your type of impulsivity?