Most of us don't realize how quickly the urge hits. You sit down at the DMV, nothing is happening yet, and your hand is already halfway to your pocket. Reaching for our phone has become so automatic that we barely notice it, even though it shapes much more of our behavior than we'd like to admit. In this episode, I look at that micro-moment — the half-second between feeling an urge and acting on it. Your brain wants relief from boredom or discomfort, and the phone promises it instantly. But the urge isn't the problem; what matters is the choice that comes after it. When you pause for even a few seconds, you start to notice the familiar restlessness in your body, the mental chatter, the little spike of anxiety that says, "Just check it once." And if you sit with it long enough, something interesting happens: it peaks, and then it fades. You realize you don't actually have to obey it. That's the skill. Once you see that pattern, you start to see it everywhere. The same reflex that sends your hand to your phone is the reflex that sends you to the pantry when you're stressed, to the couch when you're tired, or to Netflix when you don't want to feel something uncomfortable. A lot of what we call "discipline" comes down to this one micro-moment. The phone just happens to be the perfect training ground. Low stakes, constant reps, and hundreds of chances every day to practice not acting on an impulse. If you can sit through that tiny discomfort without reaching for a screen, you're building the same muscle you need for better nutrition, better sleep, and more consistent training. That muscle shows up at night when you feel the pull to scroll instead of winding down. It shows up in the morning when you're tempted to skip a workout. It shows up any time you feel restless, anxious or overwhelmed, and want something to distract you from the feeling. The more you practice, the more you realize that discomfort isn't danger, and you're still the one making decisions. What I love about this approach is how accessible it is. You don't need a plan, or equipment, or willpower. Just pick one situation — waiting rooms, red lights, the minutes before bed — and let the urge come and go without acting on it. Let your nervous system learn that it's safe without stimulation. When you do that, you're not just breaking a phone habit. You're retraining how you respond to cravings, stress, and fatigue across your entire life. That's the whole point of this episode: to show you how a tiny pause can become one of the most powerful tools you have for changing your behavior, strengthening your attention, and living in a way that feels more intentional and less reactive. Thank you to this episode's sponsor, Peluva! Peluva makes minimalist shoes to support optimal foot, back and joint health. I started wearing Peluvas several months ago, and I haven't worn regular shoes since. I encourage you to consider trading your sneakers or training shoes for a pair of Peluvas, and then watch the health of your feet and lower back improve while reducing your risk of injury. To learn more about why I love Peluva barefoot shoes, check out my in-depth review: https://michaelkummer.com/health/peluva-review/ And use code MICHAEL to get 10% off your first pair: https://michaelkummer.com/go/peluva In this episode: 00:00 Intro 01:26 Understanding the automatic urge 02:20 Experiment: Resist the urge 02:56 The impact of impulse control 05:37 Mindfulness and meditation in everyday life 07:49 Connecting impulse control to nutrition 09:29 Improving sleep by managing phone use 12:01 Training and exercise: Overcoming morning impulses 15:21 Practical challenges to improve impulse control 16:33 Conclusion: Taking control of your impulses Find me on social media for more health and wellness content: Website: https://michaelkummer.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelKummer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/primalshiftpodcast/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/michaelkummer/ Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/mkummer82 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realmichaelkummer/ [Medical Disclaimer] The information shared on this video is for educational purposes only, is not a substitute for the advice of medical doctors or registered dietitians (which I am not) and should not be used to prevent, diagnose, or treat any condition. Consult with a physician before starting a fitness regimen, adding supplements to your diet, or making other changes that may affect your medications, treatment plan, or overall health. [Affiliate Disclaimer] I earn affiliate commissions from some of the brands and products I review on this channel. While that doesn't change my editorial integrity, it helps make this channel happen. If you'd like to support me, please use my affiliate links or discount code.
