Let's Talk About the Benefits of Impulsivity

Impulsivity is a symptom of many mental illnesses, from borderline personality disorder (BPD) to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and more. Unlike other symptoms, such as anxiety or apathy, impulsivity is still highly stigmatized and is often portrayed as being immature or careless rather than being a symptom of mental illness. Although impulsivity can definitely cause issues in your life, I would also argue that there are some hidden benefits of impulsivity.

What Are the Benefits of Impulsivity?

I talk more about the hidden benefits of impulsivity in the video below, but basically, I think impulsivity can be a good thing in certain circumstances. I tend to swing back and forth from being excessively inhibited to being excessively impulsive, and I can tell you for certain that I definitely prefer being impulsive to being inhibited. Impulsivity involves action, whereas inhibition feels like a slow death.

I would also argue that impulsivity can help us move toward our goals. New things are scary, and our brains like to find ways to keep us from trying new things, but impulsivity can break through those barriers of fear and worry in a way nothing else really can.

What do you think? Are there any benefits of impulsivity? Let me know in the comments.