The Secret To Feeling More In Control By Allowing 100 Urges

Ever feel like your day is running you instead of the other way around?

You start out with a plan—maybe even a to-do list—but then one small thing derails you. A ping from your inbox. A craving. A quick scroll. Before you know it, you're reacting all day instead of moving with intention.

I’ve been there. I’d get to the end of a busy day, having checked a lot off my list, but still feel like I was behind. I couldn’t figure out why I felt so out of control when I was technically getting things done.

What I’ve learned is this: control isn’t about doing more. It’s about how you feel while doing it—and whether you’re making conscious decisions or simply reacting.

What Urges Really Are

Urges are those quick, strong impulses that seem to take over in an instant.

They sound like: “Check your email.” “Grab something to eat.” “Say yes, even though you don’t want to.”

They feel like restlessness in your body—tight chest, bouncing leg, racing mind. But at their core, urges are just sentences in your brain that trigger a physical response.

They usually show up when you’re uncomfortable—bored, stressed, overwhelmed—and your brain’s trying to fix it quickly.

The problem? Each time you respond to that urge with a quick fix, your brain says, “Great, that worked!” and reinforces the loop.

That’s how habits get formed. And the more you react to urges automatically, the more they start to run the show.

Why Your Brain Does This

Your brain’s #1 job is to keep you safe and comfortable. That’s where dopamine comes in—it’s the chemical that makes you feel good when something seems rewarding.

If checking your phone gives you relief from stress, your brain releases dopamine. It’s like a pat on the back saying, “Nice job.”

Eventually, your brain starts chasing that relief over and over—even if the action isn’t helpful long-term.

But here’s the good news: your brain is flexible. You can teach it something new. You don’t need more discipline—you need more awareness.

Every time you don’t act on an urge, you break the habit loop just a little. Over time, the urge weakens and your brain stops sending it so often.

How the 100 Urges Process Works

Allowing an urge means noticing the feeling, being with it for a few seconds, and not reacting.

That’s it.

It’s not about resisting or avoiding. It’s about saying, “This is just an urge, and I don’t have to follow it.”

Here’s how to practice:

1. Notice the urge – Pause when you feel the impulse to check, scroll, snack, or say yes out of habit.
2. Name it – Silently say, “This is just an urge.” That alone gives you space.
3. Feel it – Where is it in your body? Just observe—no need to fix it.
4. Take a breath – One slow inhale and exhale.
5. Let it pass – Urges usually fade in under 90 seconds.
6. Track it – If you didn’t act on the urge, give yourself credit.
7. Try again – If you gave in, no guilt. Just note it and try next time.

This is the “100 urges” process—practicing this skill a little at a time until you’ve allowed 100 urges without reacting. And if 100 feels like a lot, start with 10.

The point isn’t perfection. It’s progress.

What Changes When You Practice

Once you start tracking urges, things begin to shift. You feel steadier, less reactive. You start to feel in charge.

The urges won’t go away overnight, but they won’t feel so powerful. You won’t be at their mercy anymore.

And honestly, that’s when everything starts to feel easier. Not because your workload changed—but because you did.

Are you struggling with any aspect of being an accountant?  Don’t worry, you’re not alone.  You can always schedule a free 30-minute call with me at https://thesmarteraccountant.com/calendar/.  I’ll help you see how to become a Smarter Accountant.

If you’re interested in joining over 1,100+ accountants and becoming a Smarter Accountant, you can take The Smarter Accountant Quiz at www.thesmarteraccountant.com.  

If you want to learn more about the secret to feeling more in control by allowing 100 urges, check out this episode of The Smarter Accountant Podcast 🎤 https://thesmarteraccountant.com/the-secret-to-feeling-more-in-control-by-allowing-100-urges/

You can also download The Smarter Accountant Podcast Guide at https://thesmarteraccountant.com/podcast-guide/

Check out the NEW Smarter Accountant CPE Course of The Month at  https://thesmarteraccountant.com/cpe/