A Secret Weapon Against Procrastination

Procrastination is a b*tch

Jun 06, 2024

“You see you’re capable of being more productive, you’re just waiting to feel like doing what you need to do. And, guess what? You’re never going to crack the whip on yourself when you have a million other things that you need to do and you’ve got people that are making demands on you.”

-Mel Robbins

Hello, my lovely readers! Oh my look at those sparkling eyes! A whole universe of stars there! Keep shining guys. (🌟 ← this you 💕)

(I can’t see you, I know I know. But this part is gonna be a every-week thing from now on! Love complimenting my beautiful/handsome readers!)

And I also thought of adding little bits and pieces of my life to the newsletters. I felt like I was detached from you guys. So that’s what we’re going to do!

Okay, so let me tell you guys a little story.

I loved school when I was little. I had friends. I used to be an ambivert you know. I loved being alone but loved my friends at the same time. Life was awesome.

That was until I was 11. I lost my dad. It was kind of a turning point in my life. I lost many relatives AND friends. Didn’t understand much those days. But a year or two later I understood it. Got to know who people actually are.

Now what does this have to do with procrastination you may ask?

So let’s get to that part. After 9th grade, my friends kind of started being bullies. I did have two best friends who were with me through everything. But the majority of the class hated me. I didn’t know the cause though. Later on, I found out how my best friend since kindergarten had betrayed me and spread lies about me. Cliche, but it did happen.

So I wanted to get out of the school. The only way out was to pass the Ordinary Level exams so I could transfer to a better school. So I studied. Like I was obsessed with it at the time. Now looking back, I can’t believe I studied that much. And I passed O/L’s with flying colors and transferred to a better school.

That’s when procrastinating started. I started procrastinating like crazy. I didn’t get the expected results for my Advanced Level exams. I did get into university though. But the procrastination never stopped.

So I did some research about procrastination last week and found out about the 5-second rule. I was skeptical at first. But tried it and it actually worked.

I know a lot of us have this issue. That’s why I thought of writing this newsletter.

Sorry for the long rant. Now let’s get to information.

What is the 5-Second Rule?

The 5-Second Rule was developed by Mel Robbins, a motivational speaker and author.

It's based on a simple idea: if you have an instinct to act on a goal, you need to physically move within 5 seconds or your brain will kill the idea.

This tiny window of time is crucial. After five seconds, your mind starts to overthink and fill up with excuses, stopping you from taking action.

(If you are an overthinker like me, this definitely happens!)

How Does It Work?

Imagine you're sitting on the couch, knowing you need to get up and exercise. You think, "I should go for a run."

Now, instead of just thinking about it and waiting for motivation, you count down:

5-4-3-2-1, and then you move.

Stand up, put on your running shoes, and head out the door. This countdown shifts your focus from your thoughts to taking action.

May sound a bit fake, but trust me guys, this worked for me for the past few days. There is a psychology behind this.

Why It Works

Interrupts Hesitation: Your brain is wired to protect you from discomfort and effort. By counting down and then moving, you interrupt the process of hesitation and trick your brain into action before it can stop you. Simply, you gotta trick your brain.
Builds Momentum: Taking that first step creates momentum. Once you're up and moving, it's easier to keep going. The hardest part is often just getting started.
Simple and Universal: The 5-Second Rule is easy to remember and apply in any situation. Whether it's getting out of bed, starting a project, or speaking up in a meeting, this rule can help.

Using the 5-Second Rule in Everyday Life

Waking Up: Don't hit the snooze button when your alarm goes off. Count down: 5-4-3-2-1, and get out of bed. You'll feel more awake and start your day with a win.
Working Out: Struggling to exercise? When you think about it, count down and move. Changing into your workout clothes or stepping out the door is half the battle won.
Starting Work: Need to start a task but keep putting it off? Count down and take the first step. Open your computer, write the first sentence, or make that phone call.
Social Situations: Nervous about talking to someone or speaking up in a meeting? Use the countdown to push through the fear and take action.

My two brain cells after I count down and confuse them

Overcoming Procrastination

Procrastination often stems from overthinking and fear of failure. The 5-Second Rule helps you bypass these barriers. It's not about being fearless; it's about acting despite fear. This tiny act of courage can have a huge impact on your productivity and confidence.

Me pushing away procrastination these days (I’m the orange cat if you need clarification)

Final Thoughts

The 5-Second Rule is a powerful tool for overcoming procrastination and taking control of your actions. It’s simple, effective, and easy to implement in any part of your life. Next time you feel the urge to act on a goal or idea, don't wait. Count down: 5-4-3-2-1, and move. You’ll be surprised at how much you can achieve with just five seconds of bravery.

Give it a try and watch how this little rule can make a big difference in your life.

Now, what do you think? Would you try this out?

Before we go,