When ADHD Impulsivity Jeopardizes Your Job and Friendships: 8 Expert Tips

ADHD impulsivity can have a frustrating and even serious impact on adult life. If your impulsiveness is hurting friendships, ruining work prospects, or leading to unnecessary purchases, try implementing the following expert advice.

CatMa

September 1, 2021 at 9:50 am

Dr. Tuckman, thank you for this! I’m glad you pointed out how to differentiate between impulsive behaviors and relieving anxiety. As I think of the times I have been impulsive, I can identify some when I was anxious. For example, when in a volunteer committee meeting, and feeling guilty because I (wrongly) believe that I don’t help enough, then I may say “yes” to some task or new role that I really do not have time to do. The guilty feelings make me uncomfortable. I believe the others are somehow pressuring me, expecting me to step up, to somehow make up for “not doing enough” – and so I say yes. Ugh — another weekend gone to do this thing I agreed to do! Then that discomfort (anger) leads me to procrastinate doing that thing, and I end up not even getting the thing done in a timely way. I do usually get it done, eventually. But it can be like pulling teeth!
Again, thank you for this, you’ve given me another set of tools to work with this problem of mine!
~ Rita C., Certified ADHD Life Coach