Looking for a quick way to change your life? The 5 Second Rule by Mel Robbins gives you the answer. You can change your life in 5 seconds…kinda.
This book has been around a while and has been on my list of books to read, but I finally got around to it this summer. I’m sure it will become even more famous since the author is launching her own talk show this fall!
The actual 5 Second Rule is pretty simple, and probably pretty obvious. You might wonder if you need to read a 238-page book about it. To be honest, I wondered that myself. The answer: you could probably get all you need to really know and apply the 5 Second Rule in a few pages. But: the rest of the book is worth the read.
The Actual Rule
So the 5 Second Rule is basically that you count back from 5 and propel yourself into action. It doesn’t sound exactly revolutionary or terribly exciting. But the way it can be applied and the reasons why it works (like the science of your brain reasons) have proven life-changing.
Want to hit snooze? Nope. Count back from 5 and get your butt out of bed.
Putting off a phone call? Stop. Just count back from 5 and make the call.
Know you need to start exercising and just can’t get motivated? You don’t need motivation. You just need to get moving. Like now. Or 5 seconds from now. 5-4-3-2-1-go.
Have a great idea but feel shy about sharing it? Don’t put it off. You might lose the idea. Seize the moment, take advantage of the mojo, and share it.
And the beauty of it is that it starts to spill over into other areas of your life. You might pick up the book because you’re looking for motivation to exercise in the morning and find yourself applying it at work which might change your whole career.
Whatever reason prompts you to read this book is likely not the only thing it will change in your life.
How People Have Used the Rule
So even though you can get the gist of the rule and how to use it in a few pages, the book shares so many stories about how other people have used it. It’s worth reading for the inspiration.
Here are some examples of how people have improved their lives…
- going back to school
- running marathons
- building relationships
- starting businesses
- getting raises
- getting promotions
- exercising
- eating healthier
- losing weight
- giving presentations
There’s probably no end to the list of ways this simple rule can change your life. Will everything change in 5 seconds? No. But using the 5 Second Rule can prompt significant change. It’s not just a gimmick; it’s a real strategy.
The Actual Book
Again, the gist of the book can be summed up pretty quickly. What makes it worth reading are the stories Mel Robbins shares in the book. Millions of people have used this simple technique to make major life changes.
Another thing that makes it worth reading is science. Mel Robbins shares not only anecdotal but scientific evidence about the rule. She drips in psychology and behavioral studies that show how and why the rule works.
The book also feels like it’s building up to something, even if you know what it’s all about early on. While I felt a little impatient in the beginning, I also felt a sense of anticipation. The book is broken up into parts; each part inspires you to take in a different aspect of the rule, think about how other people have used the rule, and to think about how you’ll apply it in real life. And then to ultimately use it.
I actually didn’t apply the 5 Second Rule much until I finished the book. I’m thinking it’s part psychology, part the way the book is written. And partly the fact that I wasn’t prepared to 5-4-3-2-1 my butt out of bed in the summertime…
The End of Summer and the End of Snooze
Since then I have used the rule primarily to get out of bed right away without hitting snooze. Mel Robbins makes a very convincing argument against hitting the snooze button. I had heard that before, but the way she goes into it in the book has me really, really convinced.
I have also used the rule to take action on things right away rather than put it off. The rule prompted me to go to an actual yoga class instead of researching yoga classes near me. I’ve also used the rule to write and publish posts that I might not have otherwise. See my “Getting Out of That Rut” series that I 5-4-3-2-1’d into existence and am continuing to work on.
The book is also very easy to read. It’s got lots of snippets from real people. It’s easy to understand.
Maybe the real magic of the 5 Second Rule is that it’s the right tool at the right time. It’s a tool that is backed by science. And sometimes you just need something to give you the push to move in the right direction. The 5 Second Rule might be that something. It has been for lots of people already! You can find out more about the book and the author at melrobbins.com.
Do you have a book you love? Or an inspirational tip or trick you use in your life? I’d love to hear from you. Comment here or visit me on Facebook.
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