The 5 Second

RULE

August 2023

E-Newsletter

Michael Delsignore

Transform Your Life, Work, and Confidence with Everyday Courage.

Author: Mel Robbins

Author Mel Robbins

3 Easy Tips on

How to Effectively Use

The 5 Second Rule

• If you start to feel too tired to exercise, count slow and controlled,” 5, 4, 3,2…1.” Push yourself to get mobile. Whether at the gym, at home, or out for a walk; get up and move!

• If you start to be difficult with your spouse or partner, “5,4,3,2…1.” Correct your tone and be emotionally in tuned with the situation and how to address it in a healthy, communicative way.

• If you find yourself procrastinating, “5,4,3,2…1.” Sit down and work methodically. Choose easy steps to reach the goal by chiseling away at a project instead of looking at the entire mountain of work that needs done.

"5, 4, 3, 2...1 - GO!"

Have you ever used this

tactic to calm down?

Face a fear?

Discipline a child?

Count down the New Year?

These are all viable options to use the well-known countdown method. However, have you ever contemplated how you can use the countdown method in a self-discipline tactic to skyrocket you to the next level you have been wanting to reach?

This is a tried-and-true method that will help you goal set and achieve one step at a time to get to where you want to be tomorrow!

Pushing yourself to take simple action steps, creates a chain reaction in your confidence and your productivity. Creating momentum and experiencing a sense of freedom comes easily when there are clear, concise steps to take in reaching a goal.

Psychologist Julian Ritter has put forth an important concept: the locus of control. The more a person believes they are in control of their life, their actions, and their future; the happier and more successful they become. One thing is guaranteed to increase feelings of control over one’s life: a bias toward action!

The 5 Second Rule is a great option to help with the foundational framework of courage and method structure building for pushing through to ultimate change. Before anyone is about to do something that might seem difficult, scary or a little unsettling, they hesitate. Hesitation is a natural response: fight or flight. That one small hesitation can trigger a mental response stopping someone from continuing forward past their fear. 

One thing to remember, is that not everything that defines our lives are big moves. Small moves that affect us little by little (drip, drop, drip, drop) can have large results as well. Being bold and not responding to uncertainty with hesitation or fear, is what we need to move past obstacles to reach our desired goals. Give yourself a “5, 4, 3, 2…1” moment to move past the fear, settle yourself and then – ACT!

The longer a person thinks about something, the less likely they will follow through with the intended goal. Hesitation sends a signal to the brain and the body goes into “protection” mode. 

Hesitation is a habit. 

Hesitation is trained.

Hesitation is a hurdle not a cage!

Every time you catch yourself hesitating it is a push moment. The 5 Second window is open; you need to push through the gap.

Everything thought to be set in stone, including old habits, mindset, and personality attributes are flexible. Change the default mental settings and your hardwired traits are one 5 Second Rule away from substantial motivation and change. 

Everyday life is full of moments that are scary, uncertain, and difficult. Facing these moments one 5 Second Rule at a time unlocks opportunity. The magical joy that comes with tremendous courage is well worth the effort in changing how you approach uncertain circumstances.

What Results Look Like

When we replace a difficult task with something simple, we receive an

internal temporary mood boast. A feeling of control settles into place with

one easy step in the right direction.

The moment you feel any hesitation in doing tasks or avoiding hard work,

use the 5 Second Rule “5, 4, 3, 2…1.” Push to start the task with one easy, achievable step and improve! Learning to take control of the mind to direct thoughts and fears is the single greatest exercise to improve overall quality

of life.

Questions to Ask Yourself on How to Combat Worry & Change Your Thinking 

What are you grateful for in life? 

What moments do I want to remember?

When you ask these two questions you impact your brain at a biological level. To respond successfully, you must take mental stock of your life, relationships, personality traits, and reactions to situations. It forces you to focus on the positive aspects of your life and facilitate a joyful outcome.

Instead of calling something anxiety, call it excitement. Tell your body that you are excited. It is your body’s way of preparing you for something new and adventurous. 

Exchanging anxiety for excitement does not actual lower the feeling surging through the body, however; it gives the mind an explanation that has a result of empowerment not abandonment from a situation.

Give your mind anchor points when you are nervous.

I have done this before. 

I have completed this type of work before. 

I have and will succeed. 

Create an anchor point that leads to a harmonious and positive outcome. There are always people who cannot see your worth; do not let one of those people be you! 

Confidence is built on everyday acts of courage. The more you practice courageous acts in everyday life, the more you can count on yourself to succeed.

A good life is made up of small steps making tough decisions. Nothing about your life or personality is fixed; it comes that way because you practice it. You must practice daily acts of courage.

“5, 4, 3, 2…1 – GO!”