The 5 Second Rule: Transform Your Life, Work, and Confidence with Everyday Courage

“You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.”
-AA Milne

Even though she doesn’t like doing it, she’s formed the habit of taking action anyway—and has completed a huge project with this mindset and will “get what I want.”

Each time you use the Rule, it’ll get easier and easier to stop procrastinating and just start.

One of the most powerful ways to create new habits, according to researchers, is to “create a starting ritual.”

If procrastinating is a habit, you have to replace the bad behavior pattern (avoidance) with a new positive one (getting started).
The moment you feel yourself hesitate, doing easier tasks, or avoiding hard work, use the Rule, 5- 4- 3- 2- 1 push yourself to start the important thing you need to do.
Getting started takes us back to our engineer at CISCO and the concept of a “locus of control.” Procrastination makes you feel like you have no control over yourself. When you assert yourself and just get started, you are taking control of the moment and your life.

This leads us to Step 3.

Get Started with the #5SecondRule

“Just get started.”

Interestingly, research proves that when you can picture the “Future You,” it gives you the objectivity to push yourself in the present moment.

create a vision board or a mental image of what your life looks like

Step number one, stop the cycle by forgiving yourself. Scott, you’ve got to take five seconds, 5- 4- 3- 2- 1 forgive yourself for upsetting people, falling behind, and not working to your full potential. If you can recognize that your stress about finances are driving the procrastination at the lab, now you’ve got a chance to assert yourself and take control. By the way, you want to take control so you can achieve your goals. And that person you hope to become can help you right now.