The Impulse Barrier

Barriers slow down impulse. Every step between urge and action creates space for the impulse to fade. If chips require walking to another room, opening a cabinet, and unsealing a container, you’ll eat fewer chips than if they’re open on the counter. The question isn’t about willpower—it’s about how many barriers exist between you and less-desired eating. This companion explores how barriers work, a current barrier audit, types of friction to add, strategic placement, high-impulse times when barriers matter most, and using barriers in reverse for foods you want to eat more of. (4 min read)