If you haven’t heard of Mel Robbins’ podcast or super popular TED talk on the power of decision making, we’ve gotta say, we’re shocked. Her TED talk has captivated an audience worldwide, and it is all the rage on TikTok.
We were lucky enough to have Mel on the show to tell us all about her 5 second rule. This tiny rule seems so simple, but it can literally change your life. It’s responsible for getting thousands of people out of their comfort zone and growing.
If that sounds like something you want, stick around. We’re going to give you all the details on Mel Robbins’ 5 second rule and how you can use it to upgrade your life.
Wanna hear it straight from the source? We’ve got you covered there, too. Check out the episode here:
What is Mel Robbins’s 5 Second Rule?
Mel’s 5 second rule is simple: when you feel the urge to take action, start a five-second countdown and end it by taking at least one step toward your goal. This is especially helpful for tasks that you’re dreading.
Mel was in a deep depression when she came up with the 5-second rule. She’d been laying in bed ruminating day after day, and she was sick of it. So, she decided that the next morning, she was going to fix her problems.
At the same moment that she met her turning point, a rocket ship launched across the TV screen. And she thought to herself, “that’s it!” The next morning, she would launch herself out of bed before the anxiety hit, using the 5-second rule.
And, believe it or not, it worked. And, it kept working. Mel began using this rule for anything she needed to do. She found it made life so much easier. She couldn’t keep it to herself, so she shared this theory with the world in her TED talk.
Since then, many people have been inspired to take action and make lasting change in their own lives using this rule. But, how exactly does it work?
How Does The 5 Second Rule Work?
It leaves no time for anxiety.
Mel states that our brains default to safety or procrastination when faced with uncertainty. When it comes to activities we dread, anxiety is often the first response. Anxiety can stop you from taking any action, but the countdown leaves no room for anxiety.
Your brain shifts into an active state.
Counting down from five to one is in itself an action. Instead of staying wrapped up in your head, you’ve created an active task with a follow-up step. The countdown prepares your body to continue taking action in the follow-up step.
The prefrontal cortex is activated.
Counting backwards also requires focus, which activates the prefrontal cortex. This is the part of the brain that’s responsible for executive functioning and decision-making. When it’s online, it’s a lot easier to get things done.
How To Use The 5 Second Rule In Everyday Life
Recognize your impulses.
The first step in this process is to identify moments when you have a strong urge to do something, but you don’t do it. It may take some time to notice all the areas that you may be procrastinating.
If you can’t identify these moments, take some time to meditate on what you’re dreading or putting off. This may help you be more mindful when those impulses occur.
Count down.
As soon as you feel the impulse to do something, count down from 5.
Take action.
When you get to “1,” it’s time to launch. Immediately take the action you were going to take!
Mel Robbins’ 5 second rule can seriously upgrade your life.
Honestly, doing anything Mel Robbins recommends can probably give you a boost. We know her Let Them Theory really changed the way we thought about our lives! It even inspired Lauryn to make “Let Them” one of her simple habits for 2025.
Our episode with Mel is jam-packed with helpful tips & tricks to make your life better. You’ve gotta see it! Watch here.
What are you using the 5 second rule on? Let us know!