Impulses: The Good, the Bad and the Maybe

Have you ever gone shopping to buy just one or two things and come home with a couple of bags full? Let’s talk about the pros and cons of making impulsive decisions.

Do you ever act on your impulses, or make spontaneous decisions to do things? Most of us know that acting on impulse can have negative consequences, like when you are in the grocery store or investing large amounts of money. Signing contracts without reading the fine print can be a disaster in the making. But did you know that impulses can also be very positive?

Let’s dig a little deeper. You see, an impulse is nothing more than an urge to do something. It is a suggestion from your subconscious that suddenly surfaces in your conscious mind and, as such, it deserves to be considered. In fact, carrying impulses into action can be a good way to become goal-oriented. Of course, it can also be a way to get into serious trouble. So how do you decide whether to act on an impulse?

Try asking yourself if the impulse feels like it could be in harmony with the person you most want to be. Does it line up with your personal philosophy? Will it be beneficial to those around you? If the answer is no, nip it in the bud, or at least defer it. If the answer is yes, do it and do it as soon as possible, because procrastination can be the death of too many wonderful impulses.

Now, if you can’t come up with an immediate answer, you have arrived in the Land of Maybe. “Maybe” can be as effective as a “no” response, and only you can decide if this is a good or a bad thing. However, “maybe” can also be the springboard for further thought. “Maybe” can be a signal that perhaps a little self-reflection is in order, to decide on who you want to be. You see, it is vital to a fulfilled life to know who you are, and if that’s not enough, who you want to be.

If the impulse can’t be acted on immediately, you now have the opportunity to set a goal and create a clear mental image of the end-result you most want to bring about. Affirm and re-visit that picture every day. With the fuel of vivid sensory details and a determined spirit, you will begin to see some extraordinary positive changes in your life.