How to get yourself to do what needs to be done

"Beep beep beep"

Your beauty sleep is rudely interrupted by the sound of your alarm clock. Instinctively, you press snooze before you even realize what happened. Deep inside you know you should get up right away. That you would live a better life if you got up right away and tackled the day.

But oh man the bed is just so comfortable. Just 5 more minutes I promise!

We don't really need to learn about what we should do to live a better life, because we already know the things that we need to do.

Wake up early.
Exercise.
Eat healthier.
Acquire new skills.
Get a higher-paying job.
Blah blah blah.

But we each have a part of our brains that pulls us back into comfort, safety, and laziness.

How can we combat this?

I stumbled upon a book called "The 5 Second Rule" by Mel Robbins.

It's a very simple trick that's super effective and I use it every single day.

When there's something that you need to do, you simply count backwards: 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.

Then you physically move in the direction of the task and get started.

That's it.

2 simple components

1. The countdown from 5 to 1
2. Physically moving your body.

You have to count down.
If you count up, it doesn't work.

Then you have to physically move your body. This movement changes your brain into "action mode" and you are able to work on the task.

It's so simple it just might work.

So why don't you give it a try.

I know there are things around the house that need to be done. Some incredibly mundane things.

Doing the laundry? Cleaning the kitchen counters? Taking out the trash?

You can think of one.

Close your eyes. Count "5, 4, 3, 2, 1". And move your body.

Use it well. Use it often.