Impulsiveness
Impulsivity is the tendency to react quickly without fully considering the consequences.
Definition
Impulsivity may involve actions, attention, decisions, or emotions. It does not automatically indicate a disorder, but when it is severe and repeatedly impairs functioning, it may require professional evaluation. From an executive perspective, the ability to inhibit reactions, predict consequences and choose a response consistent with the long-term goal is important.
Key ideas
- Quick response
- Braking difficulty
- Long-term consequences
Practice and life
Before an important response, use a simple filter: stop, name the impulse, name the goal, choose the least responsible response.
Common misconceptions
It is a mistake to moralize impulsivity as a "lack of character." A common mistake is promising yourself more control without changing stimuli, fatigue and context.
> The less space there is between impulse and action, the more procedure is needed.
> — Guru Element
Questions for self-reflection
- When is my impulsivity at its highest?
- What stimuli intensify it?
- What procedure can give me time before reacting?