Many are aware that impulsivity is a symptom of ADHD. This aspect of ADHD is usually viewed negatively.
However, at times, impulsivity can turn into spontaneity. Many with ADHD are pretty spontaneous and enjoy taking adventures.
Impulsivity vs Spontaneity
When looking them up in the dictionary, spontaneity and impulsivity have similar definitions and are synonyms.
However, they are quite different when you really think about it. Impulsivity and spontaneity have different aspects. While doing some research, several articles make mention of this.
Here is how Sandy Maynard describes the two, in her article on the CHADD website.
“Impulsive behavior is always characterized by little or no forethought. We are too quick to jump the gun on what we think in the moment is a very good idea. Yet in reality the actions we take are poorly conceived, prematurely expressed, unduly risky or inappropriate, and result in undesirable consequences.”
“Spontaneity, on the other hand, is pausing to “play the movie forward” to think about any possible consequences for others or for ourselves.”
Basically, impulsivity is not usually a good thing, while spontaneity usually is.
ADHD & Spontaneity
As I mentioned, impulsivity is a symptom of ADHD. However, it is possible to manage this symptom. And when managed, it can turn into spontaneity. Many ADHDers find themselves being spontaneous.
For the most part, many with ADHD are generally more willing to take risks and take responsibility for the consequences, when they arise.
ADHDers tend to have an easier time with spontaneity and are more tolerant of taking risks. This leads to new adventures, starting a business venture, creating something new, and so many other things. It could be similar to Thomas Edison trying 3000 times to create the light bulb. Or it could be taking a road trip to a small town, falling in love with it, and moving to this place.
Spontaneity tends to also foster courage in those who are. After all, it does take some level of courage to be spontaneous and go seek out adventure and so many other things.
Final Thoughts
It is so easy to focus on impulsivity, see all the negatives associated with it, and let it bring us down.
However, it doesn’t have to stay this way. It is possible to find ways to turn our impulsivity into spontaneity.
