The 5 Second Rule is simple, but not easy. It’s not easy because it will push you to do things you don’t feel like doing.
A study shows that 92% of people won’t achieve their New Year’s resolutions. That is shocking!
So how can you be effective, push yourself to achieve your goals and make the uncomfortable changes you know you need to do? You need to act before your brain tricks you.
Our brain is a beautiful organ that has several tools to protect us from danger. It can trigger us to jump on a river to save a dog or run faster then ever to avoid being hit by a bull. This same organ can hold us back from engaging in uncomfortable activities as it is trying to keep us away from danger, just as in the previous example. You need to move out from auto-pilot!
How to does the 5 second rule work
If you have an instinct to act on a goal, you must physically move within 5 seconds or your brain will kill it. The moment you feel an instinct or a desire to act on a goal or a commitment, use the Rule. If you do not take action on your decision, you will stay stagnant.
- Take a decision
- Count backwards 5-4-3-2-1 (this will awaken your prefrontal cortex)
- And do what you set out to do
You need to trick your brain into action. Don’t hesitate! Stop overthinking!
Example to the 5 second rule
A simple example is getting up from bed without tapping into the snooze button. Once the alarm rings, do 5-4-3-2-1 and get out of bed without even thinking. If you pass the 5 seconds, you will start negotiating with yourself that you could lay for another 5 minutes and hit the snooze button.
Watch the talk on the 5 Second Rule with Mel Robbins
Quick tip:
Try to implement this rule to your kids. Make sure they react and start doing the task they need to do but don’t feel like doing following the 5 Second Rule.
This will be a great tool for them through life and will make your days a lot more pleasant as you won’t need to be nagging at them.
If you still feel stuck, check out the article: Feeling stuck? Here is how to deal with it.
Good luck!
