The 5 Second Rule is as straightforward as it sounds: when you have the desire to work on a task, count backwards from 5 to 1 and immediately get into action. This prevents you from spending unnecessary time on distracting or self-crippling thoughts and make excuses to avoid the task at hand.Â
According to Mel Robbins, 5 seconds is all it takes for our brain to kill that instinct and cause us to remain inactive. The best way to combat that is to will yourself into physical action within 5 seconds. If you wanted to work out, get up from the couch and move to get your workout gear. If you wanted to cook yourself a healthy meal, go to the fridge and take out those ingredients. Often, getting started is the most difficult part of any task.
Read more about this productivity rule in Mel Robbin’s book, ” The 5 Second Rule”: