UNDERSTANDING IMPULSIVITY
BY Mabel Oboh
Let’s start by getting to know the star of our show: IMPULSIVITY!
It’s that little voice in your head that says, “Sure, you don’t need another pair of shoes, but they’re on sale!” or “You should eat that second slice of cake—you deserve it!” Impulsivity is the urge to act quickly, without fully thinking things through. It’s a natural part of being human; after all, we’ve all been there, standing in front of the fridge at midnight, wondering how that entire pint of ice cream disappeared.
At its core, impulsivity is a byproduct of our brain’s desire for immediate gratification. It’s the fast-acting, pleasure-seeking part of our mind taking the wheel, often leaving the more rational, long-term thinker in the dust. While impulsivity can lead to spontaneous fun and excitement, it also has a pesky habit of steering us into trouble when left unchecked. Whether it’s a spur-of-the-moment shopping spree, saying something we later regret, or making decisions that don’t align with our goals, impulsive behaviour can disrupt our lives in significant ways.
But before we start giving impulsivity the side-eye, it’s important to remember that it isn’t all bad. Sometimes, being impulsive can lead to creative solutions, taking risks that pay off, or seizing opportunities that a more cautious approach might miss. The key is learning to understand and manage impulsivity so that it serves you rather than sabotages you.