Usually, most of us will then stop ourselves taking action we know that could benefit us due to this response. And that’s precisely to the point of the 5 second rule, it’s to override the doubts and fears we have and to take actions we know could be of benefit to us quickly.
How do You Apply The 5 Second rule?
So how do you apply the 5 second rule? It’s a simple two step process:
- The first thing to do is to acknowledge that you’re stressed. Don’t analyze or dissect it, but just accept that what you’re dealing with is not a fault, defect, or inability in you, but a reaction to stress and it’s driving your decisions. That takes a bit of the pressure off and enables your prefrontal cortex to play a role in the next decision.
- Make a 5-second decision that is directly contrary to the stress response. You do this by counting backwards from 5, like a rocket launch, and by 0 you need to push yourself to take action.
The 5 second rule is simple, and it has to be as if it isn’t then we’ll overthink the rule and still fail to take action.
The 5 second rule is about seizing opportunities in the day. The average person has a huge number of opportunities that come their way daily to get little wins and instead of taking them they let them float by. The 5 second rule is about acting to take the opportunities, not to wait for them to land in your lap.
RELATED: Making Decisions and Avoiding the Epic Fail
Remember, the 5 Second Rule is a method to push you to do what you know you should but often fail to act on. So use the 5 second rule and seize the opportunities you have in life!Enter your text here.
This article on the 5 second rule originally appeared here, and is used by permission.
