Impulsivity

"One can have no smaller or greater mastery than mastery of oneself." - Leonardo da Vinci

Impulsivity is a "tendency to act without thinking or planning, characterized by a lack of forethought and reflection. It involves making quick, unplanned decisions, often without considering the potential consequences. Impulsive behaviors can be inappropriate or risky, leading to undesirable outcomes and difficulties in achieving long-term goals."

Impulsivity and concentration are often negatively correlated and this often relates to the issue of self-regulation.

"Impulsivity and concentration are closely related cognitive functions. Impulsivity, the tendency to act without thinking or considering consequences, can significantly impact concentration and focus. Individuals struggling with impulsivity may find it difficult to stay focused, easily get distracted, and struggle with tasks requiring sustained attention."

Emotion-related impulsivity

See also: Emotion

"Emotion-related impulsivity refers to the tendency to act impulsively, or without thinking, when experiencing strong emotions, whether positive or negative. This is distinct from other forms of impulsivity that don't involve heightened emotional states. It's a significant predictor of various psychological and behavioral problems."

Journal article:

• Emotion-related impulsivity and risky decision-making: A systematic review and meta-regression, Clinical Psychology Review. Volume 100, March 2023, 102232

Reducing impulsivity

See also: Decision making and Self-awareness and Self-regulation and Self-management and Concentration (psychology) and Mindfulness and Self-control and Will (psychology) and Habit and Goal setting and and Mental toughness and Psychological resilience and Organizational skills and Project management and Self-care

To reduce impulsivity these practices often help: focus on increasing self-awareness; improve self-regulation/self-management skills; improve concentration skills; practicing mindfulness; practice and improve planning skills; delay gratification via better self-control/willpower; use visual reminders to not engage in impulsive behavior; create good habits/routines; practice goal setting; break tasks down which particularly cause impulsivity; improve mental toughness/psychological resilience; developing healthier coping mechanisms (Techniques/practices like: exercise, deep breathing, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and relaxation practices can help manage impulsive urges and promote more thoughtful decision-making) and practice self-care/compassion.

In psychology, concentration as a cognitive process means focusing selectively on a single aspect of one's environment or thoughts while ignoring other things.

Videos:

• How to be less impulsive - video playlist, video playlist

See also

• Temptation

External links

• Why can’t I control my impulses?
• Impulsive behavior: what it is, causes, examples, & how to stop
• From Impulsive to Intentional: Using Mindfulness to Make Wiser Choices by Dr. Denise Fournier, LMHC
• Impulsive Behaviors: Examples, Causes, & How to Control It
• Mastering the Art of Self-Control: Your Ultimate Guide to Managing Impulsivity
• Impulse Control: How to Stay Calm Under Pressure and Build Resilience
• How to "STOP" Impulsive Behaviors by Kiki Fehling Ph.D.
• Why Am I So Impulsive? Understanding Your Impulsive Behavior
• The Meaning of Delayed Gratification by Kendra Cherry, MSEd

Video:

• The Four Types of Impulsivity | Why is it so destructive? by Dr. Todd Grande