Author: Leona Bishop
A couple of days ago, I was doing a TIFF© feedback session with a client when the topic of reckless behaviour came up. Their profile indicated they were putting energy into it, but their immediate response was one of surprise.
"I’m not reckless," they said.
When they asked what question in the questionnaire had led to this result, I encouraged them to reflect on their own experiences first. If they had gone straight to the question – perhaps something like, Might you take a chance to get to the other side of the road in time? – they might have instinctively replied, "Oh no, I wouldn’t do that!" And just like that, the opportunity to explore their reckless tendencies would have been lost.
Recklessness isn’t always about taking obvious physical risks. In Functional Fluency, we examine how people use their energy – constructively or unproductively. Reckless behaviour is a sign of immature energy use, often more subtle than people realise.
This conversation made me pause and do some Accounting on my own reckless tendencies. I have to admit: I do this too. Taking on more responsibilities than I can realistically manage, for instance? That’s a big one for me. It’s easy to justify – telling myself I thrive under pressure or that I’m just being helpful – but in reality, it sometimes stretches me too thin, leaving me overwhelmed and less effective.
Recognising these patterns in myself reminds me that we all have areas where our energy use could be more effective. And it starts with awareness.
Many assume recklessness is about extreme sports, dangerous driving, or thrill-seeking. But it also includes impulsive decisions, taking unnecessary risks in work or relationships, and overloading yourself because you enjoy the adrenaline rush. Recklessness isn’t always about being daring - it can be about failing to consider the consequences of your actions, big or small.
Common forms of reckless behaviour:
At work
Taking on more than you can realistically manage, convincing yourself you ‘thrive under pressure,’ but then rushing tasks, making mistakes, and burning out.
In communication
Sending an email or message in the heat of the moment without thinking it through, only to regret it later when the damage is done.
In daily life
Making split-second decisions – crossing a busy road, making big financial commitments on impulse, or agreeing to things without considering whether you truly have the capacity.
One of the biggest challenges in recognising reckless behaviour is that we often dismiss it because we don’t see ourselves as risk-takers. But recklessness isn’t just about physical danger – it’s about taking unnecessary chances in any area of life.
If you’re struggling to see how this might apply to you (or your clients), here are some useful questions to consider:
We engage in reckless behaviour because it gives us a temporary boost. When we take risks – whether it’s overtaking on a blind bend or agreeing to an unrealistic deadline – our brain rewards us with a hit of adrenaline. That rush can feel exciting, even empowering. But when the moment passes, we’re often left dealing with the fallout: stress, mistakes, damaged relationships, or exhaustion.
Recognising reckless tendencies is the first step to making a change. Here’s how you (or your clients) can shift towards more mindful decision-making:
Pause and reflect
Before making a decision or taking a risk, ask: Am I doing this because it’s the right choice, or because I want the thrill of it?
Assess the risk
Is this a well-thought-out move, or am I gambling with the consequences?
Seek perspective
Reckless behaviour can be hard to see in ourselves. Ask someone you trust if they think you take unnecessary risks.
Find other outlets
If you love excitement, channel it into activities that give you a sense of adventure without negative consequences – sports, creative challenges, or new experiences.
Reframe control
Being in control doesn’t mean being boring. It means making choices that serve you well in the long run, rather than just feeling good in the moment.
Recklessness isn’t always obvious, but it can impact our work, relationships, and wellbeing in ways we don’t always see. The key is to recognise when we’re seeking the adrenaline rush at the expense of long-term stability.
So, next time you find yourself about to take on too much, make a snap decision, or take an unnecessary risk . . . pause. Ask yourself: Is this really worth it?
That split-second of hesitation could be the most powerful choice you make.
