Let’s go to the dark side first. The most annoying thing about impulsivity is that you act before you think.
Imagine yourself after a few beers. Yeah, this is what I’m talking about. Some of us act like this without drinking any alcohol at all (bless you ADHD).
But in some situations, impulsivity can be a great thing.
- Impulsivity can boost creative moments
- You are willing to take risks (this can be bad as well, but let’s focus on the bright side)
- It makes you feel alive
- You’re more likely to go all in into things
- You can’t get bored
If you’re getting into trouble because of your impulsivity, you can work on it. One of the greatest tools to manage impulsivity is practicing mindfulness. I’d really recommend it to everyone, not just impulsive people. There are also other techniques which can help.
What is your relationship with impulsivity, how do you use it for something good?
Further reading:
“I learned to recognize the thorough and primitive duality of being human; I saw that, of the two natures that contended in the field of my consciousness, even if I could rightly be said to be either, it was only because I was radically both.”
― Robert Louis Stevenson, The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
This is a great post!! I really agree.
“One of the greatest tools to manage impulsivity is practicing mindfulness”
—Totally agree, too!
Both my best and worst moments have come from total impulsivity :D.
My entire blog and hobby of writing has come from one impulsive moment…! All-in, no fear, that only came later lol.
😀 I can totally relate.
Hey Maja, thanks so much for asking that question on my post, you really spurred a lot of important thoughts! And now you’ve been blasted with the full force of my impulsivity, lol. Even if you don’t read any of it that was completely worth it, and I obviously don’t expect you to reply to any of it 💙.
My impulsivity is relatively mild to some I have heard but still not a good one. I almost always wish I thought before I said the thing and planned better before making a purchase or pursuing a hobby. I used to think it was my enneagram 7-ness, but I know see it as my ADHD because it has gotten me in hot water at time. Luckily never enough to cause permanent damage, but frequently enough to just be aware and super annoyed.
I struggle with ADHD. Thank you for all of the resources!
You’re welcome.
My impulsivity either turns into something beautiful or disastrous…. It’s basically 50/50 at this point lol
It still sounds better than 100% disastrous 🙂
Haha yes! 🙂
There is a great book for adults with ADHD called PlayDHD by author Kristen Miliken and you touched base on an important topic of hers from inside the book. I highly suggest checking it out!
Thanks for the suggestion!
We lack balance
Thanks Maja for teaching and inspiring me through your writing. 🙂