How to Stop Procrastination in 5 Seconds
You might need to learn how to overcome procrastination if you ever find yourself knowing what you need to do but just not able to get yourself to do it. Don’t worry, it happens to the most of us. But just because you are one of many, doesn’t mean you have to be like everyone else, missing out on their goals or dreams by using procrastination as an excuse.
Just think of how many deadlines you will make, how many pounds you will lose and how many things you will achieve in your life if you will learn how to stop procrastinating. It may seem difficult to do but it actually doesn’t take that long to overcome procrastination. If you want to learn how to overcome procrastination within as little as 5 seconds, then keep reading to learn more.
The Chemistry Behind Procrastination
In order to understand why this happens, you need to understand activation energy. In chemistry, activation energy is when a tremendous amount of energy is needed to start a chemical reaction. After this initial spark, a lot less energy is needed to keep it going.
In the same sense, not having enough activation energy can make it so hard to complete a variety of tasks such as going to the gym, making a phone call, or getting out of bed.
Sometimes we need to create a *spark* to get us moving, that is also big enough to keep us going. Other times we need to light a fire under our butt to remind us the big reason why we need to take this action. Regardless the reason, Whatever the reason, it is possible to spark the motivation necessary to take action towards ANY goal using this simple 5-second rule. We have author and speaker Mel Robbins to thank for this gem, so keep reading to learn more about this powerful mindset hack!
Why 5 Seconds?
I’m sure you were asking yourself this question when you clicked on this blog. Well this is because your brain is wired to avoid risk and fear change. When the thought comes to your mind of the thing you want to do (but that you haven’t done because of fear or resistance), if you wait more than 5 seconds, then your brain will try to talk you out of it, again.
It will bring up all of the reasons you “shouldn’t” do it, why it isn’t a good time, what could go wrong, or the most clever one—“I don’t feel like it.” Well, unless what you’re trying to do is 100% pleasurable (which it can’t be, otherwise you wouldn’t have to make yourself do it) chances are you will never “feel like it”.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m not suggesting you should be forcing yourself to do things that truly aren’t right for you. Don’t make yourself suffer. Don’t go against what your heart is telling you. But if your heart is telling you YES and your body still won’t get in gear, give it a nudge! By taking action, any small action, within 5 seconds you outsmart your own brain.
How It Works…
Anytime you have an idea that will better your situation, act IMMEDIATELY—within 5 seconds. Don’t think, just do!
When the thought comes, start counting from 5 down and GET MOVING. There are 2 reasons why this 5 second rule works:
- It signals to your brain that there is an END to the countdown. If you counted
from 1 to 5 you could keep going. - Counting distracts your mind, preventing it from thinking you out of it.
So, next time an idea comes to mind of something you know that if you did it you’d receive positive results, use the 5 second rule to DO IT NOW. When the thought comes, “I should make that phone call” count 5… 4… think of where your phone is… 3… 2… reach for your phone…1… dial the number.
There are so many uses for this! Before I had ever heard of the idea of the 5 second rule, I used this immediate action strategy to get myself to stop procrastinating on my workouts.
Then, when it worked, I used it on everything! I’d notice my resistance and use that as a trigger to act IMMEDIATELY. Another excellent use of the 5 second rule is to start a new habit! Breaking an old habit requires you to replace it with a new habit. You can use the 5 second countdown to start the new ritual that will interrupt the old behavior pattern. For tips to overcome procrastination and self doubt, click here. I hope this helps!
In Good Health,
Amber Stew BS,
Holistic Nutritionist
Certified Master Life Coach
ACSM Exercise Physiologist,
CTNC Mental Health Specialist
TBMM Corrective Exercise Specialist
