Repulse that Impulse!

People with ADD are the perfect consumers.  Um, from the retailers’ perspective, that is. Think about the two oldest sales tricks in the book used by retailers to get us to “Buy NOW!”: A.K.A., the old “Better-get-it-now-or-you’ll-be-miserable-cuz-you-blew-this-opportunity”, and… …or, “You’ll-never-really-have-to-pay-us-so-go-ahead-and-mortgage-your-home!” These ploys feed on our bank accounts cuz they feed into two of our ADHD brain’s weak spots: -Our inability to delay gratification. -Our inability to appreciate longer-term ramifications of our actions. And both of these relate to our legendary impulsiveness. Whether it’s the Holiday Season, or you’re just strolling past a boutique on a spring day, impulsiveness is a force that must be reckoned with if we’re to have any chance of reeling in our spending. (And our other impulse-related foibles – like being a blabbermouth or slamming the car door shut just as we realize the keys are in it!) To wit, here are a few trusty impulse-crushers, from the simple to the sublime… Visual Reminders Heading out to shop? Put a stickie on your mobile phone or shopping list – or if you have a smartphone, create calendar alerts to pop up a couple times when you’re out – reading simply, “Do the Right Thing!”

Stop. Feel. Go.

I use exits and entrances to remind me to stop and think about what I’m doing (i.e., “get present”). So when I’m about to exit my truck, I stop to feel for my keys and phone. Can I feel ‘em in my hand or pocket? Good. Only then do I go!

Shut-Up-A-You-Mind

A simple form of meditation. All you do is occasionally quiet your mind by listening to the chatter in your brain and brushing it aside, one thought at a time. Takes a little practice but it’s a great way to build an impulsiveness-fighting mindset.

Gratitude

As we’d say in Jersey – Dis one’s yuge! According to David DeSteno, a psychologist specializing in decision making, “the emotion of gratitude, viewed from a cost-benefit perspective, stresses the long-term value of short-term sacrifice. [It] might also enhance patience and self-control…by decreasing desires for immediate gratification. He continues, “So if you’re looking to avoid impulse-buying this year, take time not only to celebrate with your friends and family, but also to count your blessings. You may find that the easiest way to thwart retailers’ enticements as you peruse the shopping aisle isn’t to try to resist what you want; it’s to be thankful for what you have.” I am grateful that you read what I wrote. Thank you! An entrepreneur and ADHD coach, Alan created the award-winning ADD Crusher™ video series. He’s a featured presenter at ADHD conferences in the U.S. and abroad and co-host of ADDA’s weekly webinar series. His free eBook, “5 Things You’re Doing Every Day that Make Your ADHD Worse” is available at www.ADDCrusher.com.  (And use coupon code TOTALLY10 for 10% off any purchase.)