An impulse is a spontaneous decision or thought occurrence that results in a particular following of action that may or may not be beneficial when comparing it to rational thought and planning. Often thought as a negative characteristic of younger adults and children, it can also be positive by breaking a routine or set pattern of life. Normally expressed as a strong desire or urge, impulses are very hard to resist, even if the person experiencing them tries to not follow through.
Impulses originate from both physical and psychological roots. In the physical sense, when chemicals in the form of hormones within the body build up to certain levels, this is why teenagers and young adults are said to suffer the most, because the body’s maturity hasn’t completely managed to regulate the flow of chemicals. In a similar manner, a build up of testosterone can trigger a momentary spark of rage or lashing out. This split-second decision is not a rational action, but an impulsive one. Similarly, one’s desire coupled with their imagination can lead one’s thoughts up a building path of mental depictions and feelings that might not be reflected in reality, but those suffering this are deluded that the depictions are true. This deluded thought can result in an impulse reaction that is negative. As most impulses end with a reaction with consequence, the majority are considered bad.
Choices mentally based can be influenced by impulse. Impulse shoppers and buyers are usually people that don’t think their buying through when out shopping and end up with a number of items they didn’t need. These people are typically spenders that have a poor time with money management and find themselves into debt faster than those with calm rational. However, impulsive people are also more skilled in social environments, because they are often faster to interact with a complete stranger while those that think too much lose out.
In the scheme of business, impulse can lead to rushed negotiations or the breakdown of a deal, although sometimes the “first come, first serve” policy favors those with impulse. It is difficult to live a life without the feelings of impulse, but even if it can come in handy at times, it is better to think things through than to give in. However, those who have overcome their impulses often fall into a life filled with repetition and boredom. Sometimes the only way to make things interesting is to break the pattern, and by that one follows their impulses.
