5 Second Rule

When we think about changing our lives, we typically think about big changes that take time. But what if you found out you can make significant changes in your life in 5 seconds?

The 5 second rule is simple. The moment you think about doing something, you should mentally start counting down – 5, 4, 3, 2, 1… then GO.

The rule acts as a “starting ritual” that breaks bad habits and triggers positive new behavior change.

The science behind the 5 second rule is compelling. Your prefrontal cortex is the part of your brain that makes decisions, plans and works toward goals.

How Mel Robbins’ 5 Second Rule Works

When you count backwards, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 – you take control of your prefrontal cortex instead of letting it control you.

That simple act of consciously taking control of your decision-making process creates “activation energy.”

The energy it takes to get something started is much greater than the amount of energy it takes to keep something going. It’s that first step that’s the doozy.

I used it to motivate myself to make the phone calls I was putting off. I also used it to reach for a bowl of fruit instead of ice cream. Small victories, but victories all the same.

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