Have you ever gone to the store to buy just one or two things and come home with much more? If someone is impulsive, it means that they act on instinct, without thinking decisions through.

If you worked for an entire year to save money for a car and then suddenly decided to spend your savings on a time share for future vacations, that would be an impulsive purchase.

Do you ever act on your impulses, or make spontaneous decisions to do things? Being impulsive is generally considered a negative trait. Impulsive people tend not to consider the consequences of their actions, think things through, or finish things they've started. However, did you know impulse decisions could also have positive outcomes?

Let's explore that a little more. Obviously, an impulse is nothing more than an urge to do something. It's a suggestion from your subconscious that suddenly surfaces in your conscious mind, and as such, it deserves to be considered. It might sound strange but carrying impulses into action can be a good way to become goal-oriented. Of course, it can also be a way to get into serious trouble. So how do you decide whether to act on an impulse?

Well, try asking yourself if your impulse feels like it could be in harmony with someone you most want to emulate or impress. If the answer is no, it might be a good idea to don’t go through with your impulse. If the answer is yes, you might consider this is something to act on, and do it soon, because procrastination is the death of too many wonderful impulses.

If it can't be done immediately, set a goal and create a clear mental vision of the end-result you most want to happen. Affirm and revisit that image daily. With the fuel of vivid sensory details and a determined spirit, you should begin to see some extraordinary positive changes in your life—and your good choices will assist you in your new goal of being a positive role model!

So…don’t ignore all impulse decisions. Some will be game-changes, but pick and choose carefully.