Urges

The power to overcome an urge comes from creating the space to see the urge, so that we can scrutinize it. When examining urges, it is helpful to identify the feelings that often accompany them and create heuristics to make better decisions.

The familiar temptation to make an impulse purchase is often accompanied by a feeling of elation. Depending on the stakes of the purchase, your heart rate might increase, and you become uninhibited against your better judgement. You might even feel like you’ve had a few drinks before and immediately after you swipe your card or click the buy button. Similarly to many alcohol-fueled “decisions”, we often come to regret these impulse purchases soon after.

If you often find your foot in your mouth, perhaps you have felt the feeling of your wiser self imploring you to not speak out. We can choose to ignore this voice at our own peril, or we can course correct in the moment and save face and the feelings of others. Take a beat, create space to listen to the voice, an avoid the urge to criticize or otherwise exercise the ego.

Creating rules is a helpful way to address and overcome urges. If you are an impulse shopper, perhaps you should wait 24 hours before making any purchases. If you often regret your words, then stay attentive for the voice of your wiser self and remember to always listen when it tells you to hold your tongue.

Over time, these heuristics that we cultivate safeguard us against poor judgement and enable us to live our best purpose-driven lives.