How to Avoid Impulse Decisions When You Have an Active Brain

How to Avoid Impulse Decisions When You Have an Active Brain
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My brain is constantly in “GO” mode. It’s always turning out new ideas - typical of any creative person, I suppose. I also have a tendency to think that everything is a great idea, which has led me to jump into some situations without thinking it through. I have since learned from repeated occasions asking myself “What was I thinking?” and have picked up a few tricks along the way.

Let it settle in for 24 hours, or at least overnight. If it still seems like a good idea after you’ve had a chance to sleep on it, then proceed. Scale the time frame to the size of the issue. For example, if you’re out shopping and you want to buy everything you see, take a mental inventory of everything you like, walk around the entire mall, and then go back and decide what you really can’t stop thinking about. If it’s an eating impulse, drink some water, snack on some veggies, wait 20 minutes and decide if you’re still hungry.

Designate someone to hold you accountable. I’m fortunate enough to work side by side with someone who knows just how my mind works. She lets me bounce ideas off of her and keeps me in check when I’m about to act impulsively. Sometimes she even holds on to my phone until the urge to call or email passes. Again, this will work in any situation, from deciding on a component to add to your business or simply trying to avoid saying something you might regret.

Look at the big picture before you decide. Does this new opportunity fit into your plan? Or is it a classic case of right versus right now? Take some time right now to get crystal clear on what you want, both in your personal life and your professional life. This will make it easier to see if a new prospect is right for you when it comes along.

Take a few deep breaths and put that busy mind to rest. If it’s truly the right choice, it will still be right after you take some time to think it through!

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