Think First, Then Act: How I Almost Had More Adventures Than Anticipated at the Fair!

If there’s one thing I’ve learned about myself, it’s that I have a knack for saying “yes” without thinking. It’s not entirely my fault—I suspect my ADHD loves to whisper, “This is a BRILLIANT idea!” while my inner people-pleaser nods along enthusiastically. The result? I leap headfirst into decisions that seem exciting in the moment but often leave me scrambling later. It’s not just about inconvenience—it affects my wellbeing, mental health, and sometimes the mental health of those around me. Like the time I signed myself—and my unsuspecting travel companion—up to work for a travelling fair in Australia.

The Setup: When Impulsivity Takes Over

There we were, two young backpackers exploring Australia, soaking up the sun, and chasing adventure. One day, I came across a job advert on a random notice board for a travelling fair. Without a moment’s hesitation, I decided this was exactly the kind of spontaneous experience we needed. Did I think about the logistics? Nope. Did I consider whether my travel buddy was as enthusiastic about spending nights in a cramped caravan with total strangers—and their dog—as I was? Absolutely not.

Instead, I enthusiastically signed us both up. I mean, who wouldn’t want to work at a fair, right? The bright lights, the fried food, the quirky cast of fairground characters—it all seemed so whimsical and romantic in my ADHD-fuelled mind. To me, it was the adventure of a lifetime. But to my travel companion? It was, well… something else entirely.

The Impact on Wellbeing

Looking back, my impulsivity isn’t just an amusing quirk; it has serious effects on my mental health and wellbeing. When I dive into something without considering the emotional or logistical ramifications, I often end up overwhelmed. As a neurodivergent person with ADHD, the constant mental stimulation can lead to stress, anxiety, and even feelings of regret when things go awry. And it doesn’t just affect me—it also impacts the people I drag along for the ride. I’m learning that it’s essential to pause and think, not just for my own peace of mind, but for the wellbeing of those I care about. In this case, on reflection, my travel companion’s reaction shows me how my impulsivity can disrupt someone else’s sense of calm.

My Travel Companion to the Rescue

When I told him the “exciting” news, my travelling companion's reaction was a mix of disbelief and alarm. “You did what?” he asked, eyebrows raised. I eagerly explained my vision of fair life—serving candyfloss, maybe running a game stall, travelling from town to town across Australia. But he wasn’t convinced.

“Wait… where exactly are we meant to sleep?”

“In a caravan, I think,” I replied, trying to sound confident. “But we’d be sharing it with some of the other workers.”

“And a dog or two, I suppose?” he asked.

“Yes… but, you know, we'll get to see lots of Australia!” I added with what I thought was winning enthusiasm.

At this point, he looked at me as if I were a whirlwind in human form and took control of the situation. He contacted the fair and politely explained that neither of us would be taking the job after all. Crisis averted. Just like that, my impulsive “yes” was undone.

Why I Say Yes (and Why It’s Not Always a Good Idea)

This wasn’t the first time—or the last time—my impulsivity had landed me in a sticky situation. More recently, I’ve come to realise that my ADHD plays a big role here. The impulsivity that comes with it means I often act before thinking, driven by excitement or the need to keep life interesting. This can be particularly challenging in a world that doesn’t always accommodate neurodivergent traits, and sudden decisions or lack of forethought can lead to emotional overwhelm or a decline in mental health. Add to that a strong streak of people-pleasing, and saying yes becomes my default response. I want to be agreeable, adventurous, and up for anything—whether or not it’s actually a good idea. But as the travelling fair escapade taught me, saying yes without thinking can lead to situations that aren’t just inconvenient—they’re downright ridiculous and potentially dangerous.

Phone lock screen showing photo of two young people and a reminder to think first, then act!

My New Rule: Think First, Then Act

Following the fair fiasco, it’s taken me another 20+ years to realise I need a strategy to keep myself in check. Enter my new mantra: Think first, then act. To make sure I don’t forget it, I’ve added those words to the lock screen of my phone. Now, whenever I feel the urge to impulsively say yes, I will try to take a moment to pause and reflect.

I will hopefully remember to ask myself these three key questions:

1. Am I saying yes because I actually want to, or because I feel like I should?

2. Do I have all the information I need to make this decision?

3. Will this lead to an adventure I want, or just a mess I’ll regret?

The Takeaway

Saying yes isn’t inherently bad—it’s often what leads to exciting opportunities and new experiences. But saying yes without thinking? That’s a recipe for trouble, especially when it’s fuelled by impulsivity, a desire to keep others happy, or a lack of awareness of the emotional impact it might have. For neurodivergent people like me, impulsivity isn’t just a personality quirk—it can affect my overall mental health and wellbeing causing a rollercoaster of highs and lows.

I’m still learning to pause before committing to things, and I’m incredibly grateful for friends and family who have my back when my impulsive side takes over. So, to my travel buddy who saved us both from sharing a caravan with strangers and their dogs: thank you for being the voice of reason.

...and to anyone else prone to impulsive decisions: take it from me. It’s okay to say yes, but it’s even better to say yes thoughtfully...and, if you’ve got someone who can help rescue you from your own pandemonium every now and then, well, that’s just the icing on the (deep-fried) cake.