Think Again!

108 • Think Again: Transformation That Yields a Return on God’s Investment

To overcome impulsiveness, agree with these three truths: 1) I make my own choices; 2) I am responsible for my actions; 3) I accept the consequences of my actions. Instead of becoming a victim of circumstances, pay attention to those things you can control. Put less energy in that which you cannot control and more into what you can influence. I once spoke with a ministry leader who complained about the shackles he felt under his leaders. I asked him to describe the aspects of ministry where he did have freedom to control. I then counseled him to innovate energetically in those areas where he possessed discretion, and stop fuming about everything else. Sometimes, you have more control over your environment than you recognize. Perhaps the most important part of gaining victory over impulsiveness is to receive the grace of God and stop taking yourself so seriously. There is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus (Rom. 8.1)! If you spend more time in thanksgiving and praise, and less time in introspection, ruminating over your failure, you might relax enough to be released from the grip of impulsiveness. 58 The Better Approach Awfulizing is over-reacting to something bad that may never happen. Impulsiveness is trying to make something good happen so you don’t miss out. There is another way. Think about life as a pure but unpredictable river. Impulsiveness launches a speedboat to outrun the current and rush toward the future. Awfulizing fearfully stands on the riverbank without even getting its feet wet. The better approach is simply to wade into the center of the water and let the current of God’s presence set the pace, whether it is swift or still. 59