THE 5-SECOND RULE — MEL ROBBIN

Iqra Tariq
3 min readAug 21, 2023

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EVERY THING IS A TRIAL AND ERROR

Just a short while ago, I found myself at a crossroads. The job I had landed only two months prior had slipped through my fingers, leaving me with a stark realization: I needed to transform my life. The reasons for my dismissal were clear — it wasn’t just my boss’s decision, but my actions that led me there. It was time for a change, and that’s when I picked up Mel Robbins’ book— the 5-Second Rule which was on my shelf for over a year and didn’t get the chance to read.

Curiously, books had often served as my refuge, guiding me away from the mire of overthinking and helping me regain focus on my life’s course. This consistent practice had never failed to yield insights, and this time, I hoped it would light the way to a new chapter.

Waking Up to New Beginnings:

Mornings used to be and still are a battleground between my desire to hit the snooze button and my need to get out of bed. The 5-Second Rule does empower me to take control of my mornings but sometimes you still choose not to do things you have to do. No more snooze button battles. With a simple countdown, I found the courage to rise with purpose. But I’m still in trial and error of the process.

Embracing Action without Hesitation:

Hesitation had always held me back, be it in my career decisions or personal pursuits. The 5-Second Rule taught me that action thrives in the absence of overthinking. I took steps without waiting for the right moment, and that made all the difference. For instance, instead of procrastinating on starting my podcast channel, I immediately began laying its foundations but to be real the self-doubt is still there.

Breaking Free from Fear and Doubt:

Fear of failure had kept me from seizing opportunities. Mel Robbins’ rule urged me to stop wasting time in fear of losing everything and start building my dreams now. Take affiliate marketing, for instance. Despite uncertainties, I dove in, and that initial leap was liberating.

Empowering Planning and Execution:

Planning my days allowed me to harness the 5-Second Rule more effectively. With a clear outline, I could jump into tasks without second-guessing. It’s like a mental switch — I counted down, and I was off to conquer my tasks.

A Shift from Mind to Action:

We often find ourselves slipping into negative thought spirals. The 5-Second Rule pulled me out of this dark place. Instead of dwelling on doubts, I trained myself to take action. One memorable instance was when I reached out to potential clients, fueling my freelancing endeavors.

The Unwavering Belief in Possibilities:

By embracing the 5-Second Rule, I internalized a powerful truth: I can create the life I envision. No matter the obstacles, the rule taught me to relentlessly pursue my aspirations. For example, my journey to improve my English language skills is marked by a simple countdown: 5–4–3–2–1-GO.

Lastly:

As I reflect on my journey with the 5-Second Rule, I’m reminded that change begins with a decision. Through the countdown, I’ve found the courage to transform my mornings, conquer hesitation, conquer fear, and embrace action. Each 5-second countdown isn’t just a countdown — it’s a leap toward a life filled with purpose and possibility and the process has always been the journey of trial and error.

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Iqra Tariq
Iqra Tariq

Written by Iqra Tariq

Blending media savvy with poetic flair. Discover more at https://iqratariq.com/. Let's amplify your brand together.

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