(Distinctions are subtleties of language that, when gotten, cause a shift in a belief, behavior, value or attitude.)

 

Among the great joys of being human is the freedom to live with spontaneity. Spontaneous includes joy, adventure, gratefulness, opportunity, surprise, enthusiasm, connection, and, well, life. To be spontaneous is to be on the leading edge of life.

So how does that differ from impulsive? Impulsive projects, spontaneous pulls. Spontaneous pulls you toward that place which is waiting to unfold. It shows you a piece of ‘what’s next?’

The projection which drives impulsive is from ego, it comes from within the mind, rooted in a feeling of ‘what’s missing?’ Missing safety, missing out, missing having a need met; frequently a fear is the source of an impulsive move.

Spontaneous adds to. Impulsive fills in. They each happen in an instant, but have very different motivations.

 

Coaching Point: Can you name the last three times you were spontaneous? How did those feel? Did they work out well for you? If not, were they impulsive instead of spontaneous?

 

Copyright 2016 Steve Straus. All rights reserved.