An alarm clock rang and woke Mel Robbins on a winter morning in Boston. She opened her eyes with sorrow rather than the usual joy. The night was over, and it was impossible to stay asleep, forgetting about all the problems of reality. Being unemployed, having no finances, and consoling herself with alcohol. That's how she could have described her life then.

That cold morning was a turning point in her life. Robbins didn't want to waste any more days of her existence. She decided to live and counted down from five. This five-second rule helps to resist harmful desires.

"Five, four, three, two, one!" is all you need to remember. The quick count distracts you from anxiety and focuses your attention on the goals. The short-term wishes are satisfying, but unfortunately, they don't have long-term results. By pronouncing these numbers, you can create better management and avoid negativity.

The five-second rule not only helps you get out of a soft, warm bed. It's also great for getting motivated in sports. Count it, and you go to the gym, count it, and you run along the park. If you get stuck with writing a resume, do as Robbins did. She was able to write it without waiting for encouragement or anyone's help. So can you, and good luck with getting a new job.

It isn’t very easy to understand the causes of certain behavior. Julian Rotter's 1954 study on locus of control can clarify this. He explains that managing feelings helps to feel more productive. That's why when everyone around you advises you to grab every opportunity, sometimes it's better not to listen. Paying attention to your feelings and strengths will bring you satisfaction and gratitude in the future.

The five-second rule was an impetus for Mel Robbins. It was the push that helped her come to life. Let’s look at other examples of the five-second rule.