Behavior: Tempering The Need For Instant Gratification

There is a direct link between instant gratification and impulsiveness. People who are impulsive do not take time to look at the whole picture, and they often do not make wise decisions.

There is a middle ground that most of us fall into, and that is those people who fall victim to their cravings for ice cream, or for buying a pair of shoes in times of budget, but who don’t do it every single time they’re faced with the ice cream truck or the shoe department. Moderation is really the key to balance.

The way to change impulsive behavior is to try doing nothing. When you want something, delay your decision for five minutes. The next time, delay it for ten minutes. During those five and ten minutes, other thoughts occur to you besides your desire, and some of the thoughts may make more sense than the desire.