Greatness in 5 seconds

We all had new year resolutions when the year began, we all had that desire to achieve something that will better our lives. But it's almost the end of the year and yet most of us have achieved nothing. Did nothing but speak of kuomoka, ipo siku, and saying God when? every time someone posts your dream job, your dream partner, or even your dream car. We are dying to be great, we want to change our lives, we want to do more, and we want to be happier but why is it so hard to do any of these things???.. Well, the problem is in your head, your thinking. Yes, you heard that right! The brain can be your worst enemy or even your best friend depending on how you relate to it. 

Well, the thing with our brain is that it is designed to protect us from doing anything that hurts us. It is designed to stop you at any cost from uncomfortable, scary, and difficult situations. The brain always tries to keep you alive. But to execute our incredible ideas and be the best we have to take risks and that's what the brain doesn't want you to do; hurt yourself. Imagine yourself in a meeting or class, you have this great idea that you want to share but you hesitate, that small hesitation wakes your brain instantly and your brain senses the hesitation as danger and it stops you. You end up not sharing and decide to do it during the next class and the same thing happens next time and you end up not doing it. Now, that's procrastination!

We all have the knowledge-action gap, where you know what to do but you can't make yourself do it. You know you're supposed to look for a job but you can't look for one, you choose to stay at home. You know that you're supposed to wash your clothes but you don't do it, you choose to sit down and chat with your friends. You'll never feel like it, so just do it! The decision not to share your ideas, not to wake up, not to eat right, not to look for a job, all because you're afraid and you constantly doubt yourself will be your nemesis. Your life comes down to your decisions. 

As much as the brain is complex, you can outsmart your brain. Mel Robbins, an American lawyer, author, and motivational speaker realized that it would only take her 5 seconds to talk herself out of bad decisions and bad habits. She then came up with the 5-second rule, the rule says that whenever you feel the instinct to work on a goal, idea, or commitment, you should physically move in 5 seconds before the brain convinces you otherwise. If you hesitate the brain will stop you. Start by counting backward 5 4 3 2 1 and as soon as you reach 1, move! The rule works every time you use it. Make it a habit such that when you silently count down from five, your brain knows something needs to happen after one. When you get that exciting idea don't wait for motivation, act and create your motivation.

       

 

If you have the urge of drinking alcohol and you notice yourself going for the bottle of wine, silently say to yourself “five, four, three, two, one,” and put the bottle back on the counter. If you have anxiety and you're always nervous before any performance, silently count 5 4 3 2 1, "I can do this!". In the morning, when the alarm goes off before your brain convinces you to snooze it, count 5 4 3 2 1 then jump out of bed. For any other thing that you're struggling with, the 5-second rule will destroy the whole system and create a new one.

 As you constantly use the rule over time, you’ll experience a shift inside yourself that is much deeper, a transformation that brings about confidence and inner strength. You will also be able to see the excuses, habits, insecurities, and fears that have haunted you for years.

You're only 5 seconds away from greatness and the decision lies with you. Don't prepare, Begin!