The 5 Second Rule by Mel Robbins
5, 4, 3, 2, 1, do it!
The 5 Second Rule by Mel Robbins is a self-motivation mind trick that takes something we’ve been using since we were kids - a timer. And applying a couple of constraints to it, to make it more effective for use by an individual.
The idea is quite simple: we count down from 5 and take action when we reach 0 (or whatever we choose in place of 0).
We first learn of the timer mind trick from our parents. Who would give us X number of seconds to take action before we forfeit whatever it is that is on the line.
A common example is: you have 10 seconds to get in the car or you’re staying home alone!
This traditional timer works due to the fundamental human desire of the need to be needed.
It’s that feeling that our parents/family want us to go with them, that makes the timer work. Not the actual timer itself.
As Mel points out in her book titled “The 5 Second Rule”, this approach is only really effective if there is a third party involved. Otherwise, we just keep counting onwards until we forget about the timer altogether.
Mel’s 5 Second Rule works by constraining the timer to 5 seconds and counting down instead of up.
By constraining the timer to 5 seconds, we reduce the chance of counting fatigue. Yet, we give ourselves time to prepare for whatever it is we are about to action.
And by counting down rather than counting up, we put our mind into an “active” state (i.e. waking up our brain), since counting down is not the natural way we think when it comes to counting.
The other effect of counting down rather than up is, there is no where to go after you hit 0 (or whatever you choose in place of 0).
Next time you are struggling to get out of bed, get started on a project, or whatever, consider giving the 5 Second Rule from Mel Robbins a try.