I have a confession to make. I almost hugged the Entenmann’s delivery driver in front of the display of cakes and donuts at the grocery store. He had just stacked the top shelf with several distinctive orange boxes decorated with images of pumpkins and autumn leaves containing my absolute favorite breakfast cake – Entenmann’s Pumpkin Loaf Cake! Made with real pumpkin, this moist, flavorful baked good is savory and not too sweet. It is a seasonal item which I wait for with great anticipation all year long.
While the Entenmann’s delivery driver left the store with just my heartfelt, “Thank you!” (I had managed to control my first impulse to grab him in a bear hug of gratitude), my next dilemma was deciding on how many of those precious pumpkin loaf cakes to place in my grocery cart. I don’t like to be that shopper who takes the very last bag or box or container of anything. But my pumpkin loaf cake is only available for a limited time each autumn.
I never keep too many items in the freezer at home since we often lose electricity in my neighborhood. I bought two of those much-anticipated Entenmann’s pumpkin loaf cakes and hoped that the store shelves would be re-stocked next week.
Impulse control is important. Here are a few examples that I try to keep in mind: Never shop on an empty stomach. You may regret the unplanned purchases of cookies and Yodels and Fritos that somehow end up in the shopping cart. Don’t give a rude hand gesture to the car honking behind you. Many drivers carry weapons and are just itching for an excuse to display their road rage. Don’t push someone out of the way if they are walking too slowly in front of you. Someday you may shuffle along at the speed of a turtle and need to take your time, too. Never write an angry email and then hit “send all.” Many friendships have ended this way. Impulse control can also be used to avoid peeking into shopping bags of unwrapped holiday presents in the coat closet.
According to the experts, it takes a minimum of 21 days to form a new habit. I have tested that theory out over the years to start a good exercise routine and to eliminate excess snacking. Years ago, my neighbor and I decided to start walking every morning at 6:15, rain or shine. At first the early morning walks before breakfast and driving off to work seemed like an effort. But after a week or so, I started getting used to the new routine. I bounded out of bed when the alarm clock sounded, jumped into my walking attire, laced up my running shoes and headed out the door. After two weeks, the morning walk and chit-chat time seemed perfectly doable. After three weeks, there was no turning back. Even a little drizzle did not stop us.
A couple of years later, I tried using my will-power and impulse control to stop snacking after dinner. No more scarfing down chocolate pudding or Raisinets every night while watching TV. At first the elimination of all snacks after 7 p.m. seemed like an effort. But after a week, I started getting used to the new routine. After two weeks, no snacks after dinner was not that hard, especially if I avoided the kitchen. After three weeks, there was no turning back. Impulse control was firmly in place.
Kim Kovach can help anyone develop the habit of writing fiction or personal stories each week! Please visit her website at www.kimkovachwrites.com.
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