You may have experienced at some point that you have done or said things and regretted them afterwards because you didn't actually want it that way? Or vice versa. When you remember certain past events, it would have been better if you had said or done something different here and there. What happened to us is that we acted out of impulse. It would be advantageous if we could control our impulsive actions. If we practice this, and it is quite possible, then we are already a big step closer to being more successful with the right actions and words at the right time.
Emotion Comes from the Subconscious
Impulsive actions come from the subconscious. As we know, the majority of our actions and thoughts are controlled by our subconscious. Some studies say that over ninety percent are controlled by our subconscious. And that's a good thing because the task of our subconscious is to take on our daily tasks. Like acting quickly without having to think much about it. Because many reactions and behaviors actually still come from ancient times. When a large animal stood in front of us and wanted to eat us, there wasn't much time to think about whether we should create a pros and cons list of what would be better. The subconscious has taken on this task for us. Acting on impulse. And in the modern world, the subconscious supports us in everyday decisions like brushing our teeth, driving a car, and so on. But even more. The subconscious also influences how we see our world and shapes our beliefs. This also determines our performance and the personal successes associated with it.
What is an Impulse?
In psychology, impulse refers to a special quality of feeling. Impulses are always spontaneously occurring emotional states that can also disappear as quickly as they came. A sudden anger that leads us to throw objects, or spontaneous joy that makes us laugh, are impulsive actions. In contrast, our fears, such as jealousy, are a state of mind. These have a more complex motive and are not spontaneous feelings. If you want to delve deeper into this, I would like to mention at this point that in psychology, the term "impulse" is still controversial. Rather, the term "emotion" is preferred. Personally, I like the term "impulse" and would like to stick with it. Now let's find out why it is sometimes wiser to rein in our impulsive actions.
Controlling Your Own Impulses
Since impulses are spontaneous reactions, we must first identify them as such. So, when a strong emotion like anger or sadness arises in us, it would be better, instead of immediately acting on it and banging your fist on the table, to consciously understand where this emotion is coming from. In principle, if you want to control your emotions, you should learn to feel yourself again. Listen to yourself. Or better yet, listen closely to yourself.
Become the Rock in the Storm. The Alpha Leader
Right at the beginning, I can promise you the following. If you learn to deal with your impulsive actions, you will firstly achieve a much higher quality of life for yourself. Because you can rely on yourself, as you can assess yourself in advance in various situations, how you will react when unforeseen events occur. Secondly, you will be perceived by your environment as much more stable and serious. You automatically become a winner type. Someone who remains calm no matter what. You may have experienced this before. We meet some people in our lives who impress us. Even if we only meet them briefly. These are people who are firm in what they do and say. It impresses us, and we follow these personalities instinctively. The instinct of stability and calmness. So, learn to handle your impulsive emotions, and you will automatically become the rock in the storm that everyone longs for, and others will be happy to join. And to become that, there are very simple exercises.
5 Points to Control Your Impulsive Actions
Here are five points to practice how you might control your impulses:
- Take 2 minutes a day to just sit and listen to your breath.
- Take an object and examine it closely. It can be a very ordinary pen lying in front of you. What is it made of? What color is it?
- Be still for a few minutes and listen to what you hear. Focus on the sounds and recognize how loud it is when it's quiet. Just take a walk.
- Round. No matter where. Just get up now and walk for a few minutes, aimlessly.
- Have a snack and savor the taste on your tongue. Clearly perceive the taste.
These exercises come from inner mindfulness. If you are interested in learning more about it, I suggest you search the internet for information on inner mindfulness. I also look forward to receiving a personal message from you or welcoming you in one of my seminars and lectures. Enjoy practicing to control your impulses. Peter Gastberger
