If you’re like me and are struggling to get things done, this is truly the book for you. My first encounter with Mel Robbins and the 5 second rule was when I watched her Ted Talk many years ago. It was about the courage to do things and how to start doing them, and I highly recommend that you give it a watch.
The book focuses on the 5 second rule by Mel Robbins, how to use it and examples of people using it in their daily lives. It can get a little repetitive but it was nice to see how various people implemented the rule in a myriad of ways.
What exactly is The 5 Second Rule?
Ultimately , it is: 5 4 3 2 1…do it.
Do whatever action you would like to do or know you have to do. It could be waking up in the morning, starting a new habit, talking to your boss about a promotion or telling someone you love them.
That’s really it. It’s simple to understand and simple to do. The 5 second rule gives you the push to make things happen.
According to Robbins, counting backwards causes the mind to shift gears, distracts you from your excuses and focuses your mind on moving in a new direction. It activates the prefrontal cortex, the part of your brain that you use when you focus, change or take deliberate action.
When you actually push yourself to take action, it gives you more confidence and it will create a chain reaction. It will slowly strengthen your belief that you have the ability to control your own fate, as you’re proving it to yourself one action at a time.
Taking action and to keep the momentum going will require courage and courage is just a push; a push you can get by counting backwards 5,4,3,2,1. These little actions and smallest moments of courage can and will change and transform your life ultimately.
The difference between people who make their dreams come true and those of us who don’t is just one thing : the courage to start and the discipline to keep going.
The book in 3 sentences:
1. It takes only 5 seconds of hesitation for our brain to kill the instinct to act on something great and the 5 second rule allows us to disrupt the thought process and give ourselves the push to take action.
2. 54321…go gives us the courage to push through and act, and it’s these little moments of courage that can and will transform our lives for the better.
3.Change is simple, not easy as we usually rely on our feelings to make decisions on action. We should not rely on our feelings as we will never feel like doing it and just 54321… go for it.
How has my life or behaviour changed as a result of reading this book?
1. Wake up without snoozing
Not snoozing and getting up when the alarm rings is always a challenge for me, especially if I am trying to wake up early. As my work does not require me to be in the office in the mornings, this is especially tough.
Snoozing always makes me feel guilty about sleeping in and not seizing the day. Did you know that snoozing actually impacts our brains function and productivity for up to 4 hours if we snooze since we’re starting another sleep cycle when we do so? No wonder I’m usually groggy despite snoozing multiple times in the morning.
This is probably the first thing I’m using the 5 second rule for. 5,4,3,2,1…get out of bed and own my day.
Either you run the day or the day runs you.
2. Workout and be healthier
I think it’s safe to say that I will never feel like working out or eating healthy. Fried chicken always calls my name. I realised that if I only take actions based on my feelings, it will probably not happen
Since one of my 29 before 29 goals is to work out consistently in the mornings, I can’t really on motivation and inspiration to strike. Instead, I will use the rule to push myself to put on my workout clothes, get my sweat on and choose healthier food.
3. Go after my goals and aspirations
While it may sound cheesy, I realised that my dream life is definitely within reach. All I really have to do is take action and work towards it, one step at a time. Sometimes our dream lives can seem out of reach or impossible, and we doubt ourselves.
Like what Robbins mentioned in the book, change is simple. It’s just not easy. With the 5 second rule, I plan to propel myself into action and to work on my passions. Stop doubting myself and just 54321…do it.
How can you use the rule?
Think about a habit you would like to start on. Maybe it’s something you’ve been struggling with. Maybe it’s something you’ve always wanted to try. Set an intention to do it and start counting backwards from 5 when it’s time to take action.
The moment you have an instinct to act on a goal, you must 5,4,3,2,1 and physically move or your brain will stop you.
I hope that this post has inspired you in some way and be sure to pick up the book (you can get it off Book Depository!) if you’re interested in finding out more.Think about one thing you can use the 5 second rule for and do it! You’ve got this.
Till then,
