Don’t Wait. Start Within Five Seconds

If you haven’t read The 5 Second Rule by Mel Robbins, I just finished it and I’d highly recommend it. The core idea is simple: when you notice an impulse to act on something meaningful — speak up, ask a question, make a difficult call — you give yourself a five-second countdown (5-4-3-2-1) and then do it.

In leadership, we often wait for clarity, confidence, or perfect timing. But more often than not, the delay gives our brain time to talk us out of it. Instead, that five-second launch pad interrupts the hesitation and lets action lead.

Tuesday Tip:
The next time you know there’s something you should do but are hesitating, start a quick countdown: 5-4-3-2-1. Then act. It could be sending that follow-up email, asking a team member for feedback, or proposing a small idea in your next meeting. It doesn’t require boldness, it just requires movement.

This small shift helps build momentum, trains your brain to favor action over avoidance, and moves you and your team forward — especially when you don’t feel “ready.”