The 5 second rule

“From the second you have that idea, you only have five seconds to take action.”
– Mel Robbins

When I first heard Mel Robbins’ TED talk about the five second rule, I knew I would be a raving fan.

When I was in sales in the early 80’s, I would always say to myself, “do it now,” when a I had an idea to contact a client or prospect. I still do it to this day. It’s a practice that has gotten me far.

But all too often there will be an impulse to do something that falls outside of my comfort zone.

I’ll get an idea to expand my business through bringing retreats on the road, but I’ll make up an excuse of why that’s hard and not take action (even though I LOVE hosting retreats.)

This rule applies to everything – not just business.

How many times have you wanted to reach out to an old friend, but instead said, “I’ll do it later?” And later never came.

Or clean out your closet, purge your pantry, make your own meals? But something always comes up to get in the way.

Or respond to a dating profile of a man you think is good looking and interesting, but you don’t say anything? (If I had done that I would still be alone today.)

You only have five seconds to turn an impulse into an action or it’s lost.

Take a look at this short video from Mel and reply to me or comment below what impulse you are going to act on.

Here’s to you,