The Updated 5 Second Rule
Many years ago, when I was learning how to be an adult, I found myself constantly exhausted, overwhelmed and frustrated with work. Back then, I just wanted to get things done, crossed off my list and moving forward. However, as much as I thought that I was doing well by getting it done, nothing was moving. If I was being honest with myself, I was half-assing everything in my life and it showed. Back then, I thought that when I grow up and pull my shit together, everything would just suck less.
Guess what, that never actually happens.
One day, around the start of my graduate education, I turned in my assignment an hour before the allotted time given. The instructor looked puzzled asked why I was turning in “such an ugly piece of shit.” (Back then, nobody batted an eyelash over this kind of commentary.) My reply to the instructor was that my project was functional per the assignment guidelines and therefore finished. I still had homework to take care of and had no interest in fidgeting with a finished project.
That’s when I learned about the new 5 second rule. My instructor walked back to my desk with me and said that she was going to show me something. I discreetly rolled my eyes and tried to make myself seem interested. She sat in my seat and actually made my project look nice. My eyes widened as my project went from looking okay to beautiful. It took her only a few seconds to make a dramatic change.
As I looked at my project, she said that the difference between okay and great is usually an additional 5 seconds of effort. Everyone has 5 seconds to spare and the decision to use it wisely or consistently makes all the difference.
The 5 second rule changed my life. It’s in those five tiny seconds where the richness of life happens.
Take 5 seconds to make yourself look better.
Take 5 seconds to eat a healthy snack.
Take 5 seconds to give a compliment.
Take 5 seconds to check your work.
Take 5 seconds to linger in a hug.
Take 5 seconds to give yourself the live you were meant to live.