The 5 Second Rule (Book Review)
Do you ever feel like not doing what you know you should do? Ever wonder why it is so hard to start your homework or a new project at work? How do you get started? There is a simple solution to almost all your issues. Mel Robbin's has a simple solution you can start using right away. In her book the 5 Second Rule, she will give you the simple, but not easy, solution. It is a metacognition technique that helps you get started, to get past the initial "a body at rest has a tendency to stay at rest," law of physics that seems to apply aptly to our behavior as well. When we have an idea or intuition we have about 5 seconds to take action otherwise our minds will try to talk us out of it. Our feelings will screw us into not taking action. Actions that could lead to being successful.
Examples she gives of people who took action, in the moment, are Martin Luther King, Rosa Parks, Steve Wozniak, and Michelangelo. They all made decisions without talking themselves out of it, without letting their feelings dictate what they would do next. We all have greatness, yes even you. We all have great ideas, the problem is you may have the idea for the next big thing but you sabotage yourself.
As I listened to the audio version of the book and contemplated the implications, I could totally here Alec Guinness voice paraphrasing a quote from Star Wars a New Hope, "Your feelings deceive you, don't trust them." Then I remembered Yoda's famous words, "Do or do not, there is no try." I guess you can apply Star Wars to just about anything, or live your life by it.
Mel also talks about how important goal setting is. Setting goals is incredibly easy and research shows that your brain gets on board with the goals you set. Then when something happens in your life where you need to make a decision, your intuition or subconscious, will help you make the decision that will work towards those goals. This, however, is not enough to work toward your goals and this is where the 5 Second rule comes into play. Your intuition takes over and with the 5 Second rule helping you to take action, you'll be one step closer to your goals.
The book covers psychological and behavioral research to back up her observations that I will leave for you to read on your own. Mel did mention some ground breaking work by Berne Brown. I have read some of her stuff and watch her videos as well. If you liked this book you might want to check her out as well.
This is a book I highly recommend. It will captivate and inspire you and as a result, you will be more efficient. Have you read the book? Tell us what you think.
Here is her Ted talk that she mentions in the book.
How to stop screwing yourself over | Mel Robbins | TEDxSF
"Mel Robbins is a married working mother of three, an ivy-educated criminal lawyer, and one of the top career and relationship experts in America. Widely respected for her grab-'em-by-the-collar advice and tough love, Robbins drills through the mental clutter that stands between people and what they want. Her approach is smart, effective and entertaining. Five days a week, Mel hosts her own syndicated radio show The Mel Robbins Show, discussing hot topics and giving advice to callers across America. She is starring in a new series, In-Laws, airing this summer on A&E. In addition, she writes a monthly column for Success Magazine, is a former CNBC contributor and is the co-founder of Advice for Living, Inc., which develops products and television programming with experts in the wellness, health, relationship and career categories.
Most nights, once the kids are in bed, you'll find Mel at home with a bourbon on the rocks and her Australian Shepherd at her feet, writing about life, love and everything else on her award-winning blog: www.melrobbins.com"
