A novel concept. One that might get us into more trouble, definitely, depending on your level of impulsiveness. But there’s one area where acting before you think might be a good thing, and that’s in the area of compassion.

Let’s say you saw someone on the street, perhaps homeless and hungry, and your first thought was to give them a couple of dollars? But before you get your hand in your pocket, your brain tells you that that is your last $5 till payday and if you give it to that needy person, then you might feel some discomfort by not being able to buy lunch or coffee or whatever. How often have we talked ourselves out of practicing generosity by thinking before we acted? Maybe that homeless person would have appreciated a meal more than you would have appreciated the coffee you would have otherwise bought with the money in your pocket. And just maybe, you might have felt a little more connected to the world and a little bit proud of yourself for thinking of someone else’s welfare ahead of your own for just a moment.

It’s something to think about anyway. If we all acted upon these little impulses driven by compassion, the world might be a little bit better place!

Have a great weekend!