Book Review: The 5 Second Rule by Andrew Downing

Book Review: The 5 Second Rule

“Anytime there’s something you know you should do, but you feel uncertain, afraid, or overwhelmed…just take control by counting backwards 5- 4- 3- 2- 1. That’ll quiet your mind. Then, move when you get to 1.” - Mel Robins

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Book Review: The 5 Second Rule

By Andrew Downing

Mel Robbins knows what she’s talking about! She’s a successful author, a CNN contributor, a renowned motivational speaker, and her TEDx Talk, with over 25 million views, was so popular she made it into a book. The 5 Second Rule explains the power of a simple technique: “Anytime there’s something you know you should do, but you feel uncertain, afraid, or overwhelmed…just take control by counting backwards 5- 4- 3- 2- 1. That’ll quiet your mind. Then, move when you get to 1.”

I will admit that I was skeptical when I started this book, but I kept going because the recommendation came from someone I trust. At first, the idea of the “5 Second Rule” seemed like a gimmick and a little hokey. But as I continued to read, I started to see the value in what Robbins was saying. The more I read, the more it made sense. Sometimes the simplest idea can move you. 

The 5 Second Rule is an important book because it talks about an underrated subject – action. There are tons of leadership books about what you need to do, how to do it, and why, but books about the moment you actually take action are rare. It’s easy to make plans and talk about taking the next step – but it’s very difficult to just do it. And hesitation makes it worse. The 5 Second Rule is designed to get you past that hesitation and get you going.

You may be skeptical like I was, but do yourself a favor. Read this book, and take action!

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