14 Apr Change in 5 seconds

Well, ehm, doing it takes 5 seconds.
Reading about it will take a little bit longer.

Sometimes we have a great idea. Or a new habit we want to stick to.
And if we wait too long, our brain talks us out of it.
It’s risky. Or different.
Or too scary to do. Or too difficult.
Or the outcome is uncertain.

So, it is safer to not follow up.
Which is exactly what our brain is designed for, and has done for millions of years: to keep us safe.

When we wait too long, longer than 5 seconds that is, our brain takes over.
And starts analyzing, thinking, overthinking …
And then we hesitate and doubt our great idea.

The 5 seconds we are talking about, are precious, and give you back the power of control.

Mel Robbins created this amazing tool.
It was during a period of her life that everything was falling apart, and she had trouble getting out of bed.
Then one night she was watching a rocket launch on tv.
And the final countdown of 5-4-3-2-1-lift off sparked an idea.

Could it be that simple?
So the next morning, when the alarm clock went off, and it was cold and dark, and early, she counted backwards and out loud: 5-4-3-2-1 and launched herself out of bed.

Very simple. Easy to do.
And you might have guessed, it’s called the 5 second rule.

Very practical to implement. And to start, right now.

During these 5 seconds the prefrontal cortex is awakened, which creates sort of an activation energy.
To get you going. Or do your new habit.

5 seconds. That’s all it takes.
And there is no daily limit on how many times you can use it 😉

Let me know how you will use this to take action in the comments below!
5-4-3-2-1 GO!!

Much health,
Maaike

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