Getting Over Procrastination Is This Simple

Summary

Mel Robbins explains her "5 Second Rule" technique for overcoming procrastination by counting down from 5 to 1 and taking action.

Abstract

Mel Robbins, a motivational speaker, shares her simple technique for overcoming procrastination, which she calls the "5 Second Rule." This rule involves counting down from 5 to 1 in your head to activate the pre-frontal cortex and get your logical brain in charge, and then taking the smallest first step to get started. Robbins discovered this technique while struggling to motivate herself to do things she didn't feel like doing, and she has found it to be highly effective. The author of the article, Lewis Howes, has been using the technique since learning about it from Robbins and has found it to be life-changing.

Opinions

Mel Robbins is a highly successful motivational speaker who has struggled with procrastination like everyone else.
The "5 Second Rule" is a simple but powerful technique for overcoming procrastination and getting started on tasks.
Activating the pre-frontal cortex and getting the logical brain in charge is key to overcoming procrastination.
Taking the smallest first step can be enough to get started and build momentum.
The "5 Second Rule" has been effective for both Mel Robbins and Lewis Howes, and it could change your life too.

Getting Over Procrastination Is This Simple

I met a new best friend the other week: a woman I had no idea was a fan of the School of Greatness podcast.

I’d seen clips of her recent interview with my friend Tom Bilyeu blowing up Facebook and I knew I had to meet her.

When we made it happen and Mel Robbins and I were sitting across from each other in my studio recording a podcast, I couldn’t stop smiling.

She was fan-girling about being on the show, and I was amazed that I hadn’t heard of her before now since what she was telling me was brilliant.

Mel is the most booked female speaker in the world with a seven figure speaking business. But she’s been working the corporate keynote circuit for years and is just now breaking into the online space. And man am I glad she is.

Mel told me, in a matter of minutes, the simplest explanation I have ever heard for busting through procrastination on a daily basis.

She told me about her discovery of this technique, what she calls her “5 Second Rule,” in such a relatable way that I knew it would work for me too.

In a nutshell, whenever Mel needs to motivate herself to do something she doesn’t “feel” like doing, she simply counts down from 5 to 1 in her head to activate her pre-frontal cortex and get her logical brain in charge.

And then boom, she takes action.

Just the smallest first step to get started.

I’ve been using her technique since she told me about it and I love it.

Beware: this technique could change your life.

I hope it does.

If you want to watch one of the best interviews I’ve done to date, don’t miss Mel’s full episode on the School of Greatness here.