Impulsive Vs Willpower

Have you ever wanted something, like NOW and got frustrated and angry because you couldn’t get it? Have you had an argument with someone because they didn’t arrive soon enough? Are you continually making mistakes and speaking off the cuff without thinking about the consequences. Do you mistake being impulsive for acting on intuition? Sometimes just because you feel you need to respond, act or do something, doesn’t mean it is in your (or the other persons) best interests. WHAT IS IMPULSIVE & WILLPOWER? Impulsivity is part of the AWARENESS of self-regulation. Steven Stosny, Ph.D., defined selfregulation as the ability to act in your long-term best interest, consistent with your deepest values. Being impulsive, although useful in some situations, in general can ensure your long-term interests may be challenged and in an unhealthy way. When we are impulsive we rarely are thinking of the outcome and even less about past times where being impulsive did not help so much! Have a few moments to think about all the impulsive things you did- the stuff done without thinking. Like blurting out a secret when you are supposed to be the vault! Running across a road without looking, buying something you don’t need. How about shooting off an angry text because you haven’t heard from your partner yet? On the other hand, while being impulsive can lead to rash decisions and actions (that you may later regret), WILLPOWER is your ability to show control, to act with restraint and to be empowered to be the person you want to be, across all situations.