5-4-3-2-1 Pull the Trigger
5-4-3-2-1 Pull the Trigger
This morning, I went cycling wearing a long-sleeved jersey for the second time this year. I forgot to charge my bike light, but luckily, it still had enough power to see me through. Training in Cape Town during the winter requires more preparation and logistics – and definitely more motivation – than normal. The beautiful scenery is of no use when it’s pitch dark.
While riding, I listened to a podcast where Simon Sinek hosted author and speaker Mel Robbins. They spoke about her “5-second rule”, the principle that made her famous in a Ted Talk some 15 years ago (which I had never heard of before today). Robbins explained that she created this method during a particularly stressful and challenging period in her history when her family was going through a tough time and she was battling to keep things together. Feeling constantly overwhelmed, but having responsibilities she could not forego, she developed this method for getting out of bed in the morning: After waking up, she realized she had two options – either she could lie in bed and dread the day ahead and freak out or she could get up immediately and get on with things. Instead of waiting to feel ready and motivated (which given her situation was almost completely unlikely), she would count 5-4-3-2-1 and then get up. No questions asked. She started using this technique in other situations where she was reluctant to take the first step, to great positive effect.
Our typical response in these situations would be to come up with excuses (because we are naturally risk-averse), that become progressively louder and more convincing and then to turn to other activities or distractions that make us feel busy. All the while knowing that we are not doing what we are supposed to be doing. The result: constant frustration, a lack of motivation, anxiety and all other negative emotions keeping us company. The beauty of the 5-second rule is that it bypasses our emotions of having to feel ready by taking action.
A very important insight on motivation: We tend to think of it as something we need to pile up or scrape together before we can do something important, challenging or uncomfortable. But the opposite is actually true – we become more motivated after we start. Motivation is the result of action, not the cause. This is known as the Progress Principle: the biggest boost to emotions, motivation and perception is making progress towards a meaningful goal. The progress doesn’t even have to be big, it just needs to be there. The smallest positive action in the direction you want to go will boost the likelihood of you continuing. And the 5-second rule can be the push that triggers your initial move.
A number of years ago I did a Warrior Race with a good friend of mine. One of the obstacles entailed jumping off of a platform into a muddy pool of water. From below it didn’t seem that high, but when I got to the top and looked down I got a fright. He went straight ahead and jumped off without hesitation, but I “needed more time to think about it”. I knew there was no way I was walking back down the stairs – jumping was the only option. Like a small kid jumping into a pool, I did the 5-second countdown. And lept. It probably took two or three seconds to hit the water, but it felt like minutes! That is the only thing I remember about that day. I just HAD to do it. And I am still glad I did.
Next time you are hesitant to do what you know you need to do, use the 5-second rule and jump. Please let us know where you plan to use it.
If you are having a difficult time staying motivated toward your goals, get in touch. You can reach us at info@purposeworks.co.za.
At PurposeWorks we are all about Making You and Your Work Rock. Our focus is on Organisational Health and Design, Employee Centered Culture, Leadership Development and Performance Coaching. For more information on how we can help you create a work environment that rocks, develop a great team, become an inspiring leader or unlock your personal excellence talk to us at info@purposeworks.co.za.
