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My Short Review: The 5 Second Rule By Mel Robins

Writer's picture: Siddhartha DebSiddhartha Deb


Abstract: The book is about the five-second rule that the author describes as one of the life-transforming decision-making guides. I have personally used this in different scenarios and found it extremely helpful. Here, we will list the basic principles that can help us kick start and achieve our goals. The author mentions that our habits, mindset, and personality traits are flexible and subject to change.





Takeaways:


1. Anxiety is a physiological state of arousal that we can use to our advantage rather than allowing fear to pull us in.

Rather than telling ourselves to "calm down," we can try this: Instead, exclaim, "I am super excited!"

When we tell ourselves that we are excited, we give ourselves a valid favorable option that allows us to maintain control.


2. A simple tool that can help us adjust our "default" reactions is reverse counting down from five. Anytime we are stuck and need the nudge. The author gives an example of applying this rule to wake up in the morning instead of hitting the snooze button.


3. You can also use the 5-second rule to push yourself from your comfort zone or at times when you know what is right yet do not have the courage to take the stand.


4. Even the most talented among us require encouragement to get back on track.

Even though our ideal scenario may never arrive, we tend to wait "for the right time." We should stop playing the waiting game instead and utilize any opportunities.


5. We have no control over our emotions, but we do have control over our actions.

An excerpt from the passage says, "According to neuroscientist Antonio Damasio our emotions are the deciding factor for 95 percent of our decisions. So rather than "thinking and acting," we generally "feel and act."

Top athletes like Rafael Nadal know that feelings are only suggestions, and sometimes it is best to ignore those suggestions, especially when trying to reach a goal. Ignoring one's feelings and focusing on the goal is why Nadal has the most number of grand slams to his name today.


6. The five-second rule is a useful weapon in the battle against procrastination. Procrastination is a result of our powerful subconscious desire for instant gratification.

Experts used to think of all procrastination as being the result of bad time management and a lack of willpower or proper self-discipline. But it’s now understood that procrastination isn’t just laziness, but also a side effect of how we deal with stress.

To overcome the temptation of procrastination, use the five-second rule. Let it be your new, healthier habit.

Since the best way to complete a task is to “just get started,” as Dr. Pychyl puts it, you’ll want to start the five-second rule the moment you start to sense the urge to procrastinate or do something else.

Once you begin to use it for this purpose, you’ll immediately begin improving your locus of control. After all, procrastination is just another way of giving up control. So, instead, start the countdown and reassert control over your life(Mel Robins. (2022, June 06)).


From my own self-experience, once I start, I tend to go on till I complete my tasks.



7. Don’t regret all that time spent worrying; redirect those emotions and start feeling grateful.


Pay attention to your mood, and if you notice your mind drifting toward worry, count down from five in a peaceful manner for five seconds to reclaim control.


As soon as you get to "one," ask yourself these two questions: "What am I grateful for right now?" and "What am I grateful for in the future?"



Bibliography

Mel Robins. (2022, June 06). Online Source. Retrieved from web.


Note

These are all personal notes and reviews; The self interpretations are not meant for any profit or marketing.


Suggestion to readers

Please read the entire book. Suggested.



--------------------------------------Thank you, Gratitude, Love and Light-----------------------------------

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