The 5 Second Rule That Can Change Your Life

You know that moment when you’re lying in bed and think, “I should get up now…” but then you don’t? Or when you’re staring at your phone thinking, “I really should call that client…” but your thumb mysteriously scrolls to Facebook instead?

You’re not lazy. You’re just human.

But there’s a tool to outsmart that hesitation—and it only takes five seconds.

It’s called the 5 Second Rule, and no, I’m not talking about dropping food on the floor. I’m talking about Mel Robbins’ game-changing, science-backed strategy for beating procrastination and getting unstuck.

Here’s the magic:

The moment you have an instinct to act on a goal, count down:

5… 4… 3… 2… 1… GO.

Then move. Physically move. Stand up. Dial the number. Open the laptop. Step out the door. Whatever the next right step is—take it.

Why does this work?

Because hesitation is the death of action. The second you start overthinking, your brain throws up every reason to avoid discomfort. But that countdown? It interrupts the pattern and activates your prefrontal cortex—the part of your brain that’s in charge of decision-making.

It’s not about motivation. It’s about momentum.

Want to drink more water? 5-4-3-2-1, fill the glass.

Need to go for that walk? 5-4-3-2-1, put on your shoes.

Have an email that’s been sitting in your drafts all week? 5-4-3-2-1, hit send.

You don’t need to feel ready. You just need to move.

Action first. Confidence comes later.

And because I believe everything works better when rooted in purpose, let’s ground it in this reminder:

“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” – Proverbs 16:3

So as you step into this week, don’t wait to feel ready.

Just count it down and GO.

You’ve got this—one bold, five-second decision at a time.

—Vickie