Human intellect
The human brain is the most extensively reviewed apparatus,
yet it can be alleged that there is more unknown about it’s functioning than is
recognized, more questions than answers and more postulations than inferences. While
self-control loosely entails restriction of emotion and behavior that
principally evades some short-term reward to ensure a long-term gain; there is
more to the brain mechanics in understanding reward and punishment. There are
conflicting contingencies in monitoring impulses. Understanding these is mandatory
to master the art, science as well as practice of self-control.
An impulse is an urge or impetus to perform an action. Most
of these actions involve profit (at least it is considered so by the person who
acts on the urge). Typically this profit is instantaneous, although in several
cases it may have harmful effects at a later time.
- The eagerness to devour that divine chocolate
- A desire to yell at that person who pushed you
- Longing to snap back at the impolite colleague
- An itch to look slim and pretty at the wedding
- Wanting to get back at him for cheating on you
Delaying impulses
Exercising judgment and delaying an impulse is a constructive
option. Aggression and anger are the commonest condemned impulsive reactions
and they do have significant physical, social, emotional, relational, and
economically drastic consequences. Impetuosity may involve shortsightedness
wherein the long-term impact of imprudent words and actions are negated. The
need for self-gratification is so strong that one loses the drive to exercise
any restriction.
Child-like behavior
Classically children are impulsive, and they are forgiven easily for their behavior. They cannot foresee consequences,
as they haven’t developed memory that reminds them of negative impact of their
behavior. They freely gratify themselves with no remorse. Maturity is presumed
to enhance self-restraint and empower one with the ability to delay impulses. However age does not guarantee that either. Frustration tolerance is not an art frequently found among people.
Why impulsivity is easier than self-control
It seems like a good release to swear when someone passes
your lane while you are driving or smack your child when he or she has scored
lower grades. It’s harder to slow yourself on the road and realize maybe it was
partly your own fault too; or sit your children down and explain the importance
of studies and motivate them to work harder next time. You do feel guilty about
it later on but you cannot hold back that emotion just before it explodes. Impulsivity
works like magic: everything must go my way. I will express what I feel is right
and I will express it in that form at the spur of that very moment in the very
style I deem appropriate. Nothing and no one can stop me!
Impulse control
Walter Mischel in 1960 conducted experiments four-year-old
children to assess the outcomes of self-control on their future lives. He observed
that those who had expressed impulsivity in childhood had worse relationships,
stress related troubles and aggression in adulthood (follow up when they turned
40). Self-control has been repeatedly correlated with happiness, adjustment,
tolerance and respect for the viewpoints of others. Winning your own impulses
is by far the greatest victory of all…
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