Having a constantly scheduled day makes us prone to impulsive decisions. As a result, we make terrible choices.
When it comes to making decisions, I switched from being impulsive to being mindfully instinctive. My decisions were usually hasty, and this haste often resulted in some future friction. My instincts often took the blame.
I now pause before deciding. I reflect on what I’m doing. After that, I respond mindfully by taking an action that minimizes or eliminates any future negative consequences.
This is what I call the Add to Cart method. It’s a fun way to shield yourself from your own stupidity. This method works for me every time. Let me show you how it works when I shop online.
Suppose I’m buying lamps for my house. I add the lamp I like to my cart, as well as everything else I’m excited about. My cart gets filled with a lot of items I don’t need, but I do not curb my enthusiasm. Instead, I let that impulsive energy drain out of me.
Then I let the cart rest overnight. I examine the cart the next day and find that most of the items are useless. I delete the unwanted items and keep the ones that I actually want. Sometimes I realize I didn’t need that ‘lamp’ in the first place.
As a result, I save money, time, and most likely save myself from regretting making a dumb decision.
I apply the “Add to Cart” philosophy to every decision I make, no matter how big or small. Here, the idea is to pause, take time to reflect on what I am doing, and ground myself in complete awareness before deciding or concluding anything. Go ahead - Add to Cart.