Act First-Think Later? Oops too late!

If Fire-Ready-Aim is your primary mode of planning and procedure you might find yourself facing unexpected and unfavorable outcomes more often than you have anticipated. Reacting hastily on a whim or an urge without considering the potential consequences, having difficulty stopping or altering a disruptive or fruitless action once it has been set into motion, blurting out random thoughts without considering the possible consequence are some examples of impulsive behavior. Hasty, unfocused behavior complicates our lives, and we may find ourselves facing uncomfortable/challenging consequences at the professional or personal level.   

Impulsivity is something many of us struggle with at times, some more than others.  

If you find yourself needing to be more proactive and less reactive in your thoughts and deeds, I would encourage you to practice a simple exercise.

Try asking yourself these four questions before taking any action.

  1.   What am I doing?

 2.  Why am I doing it?

 3.   What outcome do I want?

 4.   What outcome should I expect? 

Write these questions down and keep them with you. Practice referring to the page until they become automatic thoughts. 

Mastering this technique will go a long way toward harnessing impulsive behavior. Ready-Aim-Fire!