Reason vs. Impulse

• In the picture above, are you the rider or the horse? Are you the calm, composed, and logical rider  or the wild, impulsive horse who needs to be tamed?

• There’s an animal in each of us  that is constantly pushing us to be more successful, earn more, be more physically fit, and mate with the best partner. We do have a rational mind as well.  But, as a horse’s energy can become uncontrolled and can overpower its rider, so too can our own impulses overwhelm rationality  at times.

• We all have passionate impulses,  but they are always temporary and do what feels good short-term. Think about the last time you acted on an impulse. How did it go? You probably regretted it, as we usually do when we operate on a whim.

• Embrace your reason instead of your impulsive animal mind. Your reason thinks long-term. Your reasoning mind allows you to analyze your thoughts and recognize their flaws. It is ready to suffer short-term discomfort in return for long-term peace and happiness.

• It is our reasoning mind that slows us down, enabling us to think right and to have insight, experiences, and logic  that our impulsive animal minds lack. When the time comes, our reasoning mind must take control back from our urges and impulses, especially when they become out of control.

But that’s just my take. Comment and share yours.

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