Is your fire burning out now that we are one month deep into the new year? Or is it still burning and you are actually feeling refueled since it is the start of a brand new month?!? It’s all about perspective, right? I think it can go both ways, it all depends on the type of person you are. You either see the glass half empty or half full. About two years ago, as I was listening to one of my favorite podcasts (at the time), I was introduced to a tool that changed my life for the best. To date, this tool keeps me going and continues to push me even harder, especially on the days I do not feel energized to do anything.

The life-changing tool is called The 5 Second Rule and it was created by Mel Robbins. She is a well-known CNN commentator, author, and speaker. The tool is simply used by counting down from the number five, literally 5…4…3…2…1, and action! The major point is to do whatever it is you are dreading to do in that very moment when you get to number “1”.

Robbins discovered this tool on the day she decided to get out of the slump she was in. At the time, she was dealing with major anxiety, her marriage was on the rocks, she was also on the verge of bankruptcy, the list goes on and on. She began taking control of her life once she started taking action on every instinct she felt called to do. As a result, she launched a business, became a better mom, stopped relying on alcohol, got in shape, cured her anxiety, made money, and took risks. You can learn more about her here.

“The Five Second Rule is simple. If you have an instinct to act on a goal, you must physically move within five seconds or your brain will kill it.” – Mel Robbins

Who knew such tool had so much power? I love the fact that it is backed by science too. Robbins studied why this tool actually works and she discovered it activates your prefrontal cortex, which is the area in the brain associated with orchestrating thoughts and actions in accordance with internal goals. She further explains how it relates to science in this article.

By implementing The 5 Second rule, I was able to regain control of my emotions, and most importantly, my life. It is no exaggeration when I say it continues to play a huge role in my daily life. I apply it when I am struggling to get up at 4:30a to get my butt to the gym. I apply it when it comes to choosing a healthy snack over the usual crackers and cheese. I apply it when it comes to taking notes on my phone whenever an idea pops up because I know it’s an idea I want to expand on later. I apply it when it comes to our weekly grocery list. I apply it when it comes to taking a few minutes to read my book for the month. It is safe to say I apply it when it comes to accomplishing even the tiniest tasks. And guess what? It works every single time – I stay productive and on track to reaching my goals.

If you are on fire and there is nothing in your way of achieving your goals then good for you! Please share what keeps your fire burning. However, if you are struggling, and could use a little push, tune in to Mel Robbin’s episode on the Success Talks podcast (screenshot of the episode below). You will learn more about her story and how exactly she created The 5 Second Rule.

Cheers to a new week and not letting our fire burn out! Let this month be a productive one.