The 5 Second Rule

Next up in my summaries of books you should read that I summarize so you don't technically have to read is.....

The 5 Second Rule by Mel Robbins

Most problems that we have come from our inability to have confidence in ourselves to be better.
Overthinking makes things worse because you focus on the negatives, and your mind talks you out of it.
The 5–second rule works because it tricks your mind into “not overthinking things,” which will block any room for excuses.
“Sadly, many of us wait for validation from others before pursuing our dreams or career, forgetting that YOU validate your ideas by PURSUING them.”
“Most people think they make decisions based on logic, but that’s not true. We feel before we think and act.”
To maximize your full potential, you must learn to separate your feelings from your actions.
There will always be someone who can’t see your worth. Don't let it be you.

To become productive, you need to

Overcoming Procrastination

“Focus on what’s important to you, so you don’t waste your day on unnecessary stuff”
“Make it a routine to get up at the sound of the alarm. Count 5–4–3–2–1 and get up without pressing the snooze button.”
People do not procrastinate because they don’t want to work, but rather to avoid stress or feel stressed.
Many people are stuck in the habit of procrastination, not due to outright laziness, but due to fear, excessive perfectionism, low energy levels, and a lack of focus.
“Use the rule to start small, attack what you’re avoiding, and take a break. Keep this loop going, and you’ll replace your bad habit of procrastinating with a good one.”

Overcoming fear

Most of these things we imagine that will happen usually don’t happen, and even if they do by accident, worrying doesn’t prevent the inevitable. When you feel your inner voice being an enemy, take five seconds to stop yourself from worrying and focus on the positives. Be grateful and focus on the bright side of every situation.”
You have to learn to beat fear so that you can enjoy life to the fullest.
“To beat your fear, you have to create an anchor thought. Your anchor thought can be the good things that’ll happen after. If you’re with Mel Robbins in her fear of flights, count 5–4–3–2–1 backward and start thinking of the beautiful places you will visit―the lovely people or the series of events that will take place. This anchor thought will distract your mind and replace the feeling of fear with beautiful images. Anything is possible when you master your mind.”
The more you practice acts of courage, the more you will believe you are in control of your life, and thus, the more confident you’ll become.

Improving Relationships

“A tip to improve your relationships is to “speak up.” Silence is what kills relationships. It is always the problem. Deciding not to say what you feel creates what researchers call “cognitive dissonance” between what you truly believe in your heart and what you do in the moment. The problem builds up, and over time, they can break your relationship.”

So when to use the 5 second rule?

When procrastinating. Count 5,4,3,2,1 and just do it
When waking up. Count 5,4,3,2,1 and get out of bed!
When you're afraid. Breathe and count 5,4,3,2,1 and start thinking about positive things.

Hi, my name is...Bitter?