Here are a few situations where I have used that method:
- before starting my consulting firm
- dealing with the immediate aftermath of being hit and almost killed by a hit and run driver
- helping a crying child who was living 5 hours from home
- figuring out how to handle a husband near death in the intensive care unit of the hospital
Each of these situations was rough, hard and almost too much to handle. But, in each case, I stepped back, sometimes literally, and panicked, cried and went a little crazy, but, not forever. I could not wallow forever, so I counted to five, took a deep breath and got moving. No matter how rough, scary and daunting the road before you may be, take action now to move forward.
You Must Take Action Now, Even if it is Hard.
It is not easy to take action now when things are rough. In fact, it is hard, extremely hard and even scary. However, that does not matter. It does not matter how scared you are, even when things are rough, you must take action now. You must always remember, you are a human being, not an ostrich. in other words, when things are rough, get your head out of the sand and take action now.
There are people who take action now and get things done and there are people who cannot or do not take action now for one reason or another.The people who can not or do not take action now always those who do take action now – “How do you do it, how are you able to take action now and get things done when life is hard and things seem to be crumbling all around you.” They are looking for a quick answer, a magic bullet or special trick. The fact of the matter is that there is no magic quick answer, magic bullet or secret potion. If you want to take action now when things are rough, you must simply take action now. In other words, if you need to take action now, take action now and get things done. Don’t spend time worrying, wondering and making excuses.
[Tweet “Yes, life is hard sometimes, really hard, so what, take action now and move.”]
There is always an excuse or a reason not to take action now. There is always more research that needs to be done. There is always another job that needs to be done. There is always an outcome that should be feared. None of that matters, so put it out of your mind. Each time something comes along and blocks your ability to take action now and get something done do the following:
- Shake your head, literally shake your head as if you are shaking off the bad thoughts, ideas and problems
- Start thinking about the good that will happen if you take action now
- Take action now and get things done
Repeat this process as many times as needed to get things done. I have been in situations where I had to follow these three steps over and over again almost constantly as I worked to get something done. Be encouraged, stand strong and know that you can make it, you can succeed, put in the work and get it done.
If you are interested in reading more about how to take action now and get things done, click here to checkout my e-book and journal – Take Action Now and Get Things Done.
Take action now…I am so writing this down for days I need inspiration!
Very good post. Always helps to take a break.
If only it were that simple. The 5 second rule may help with day to day struggles but it doesn’t work when one has a diagnosed mental illness. Those who suffer from depression, anxiety, etc., definitely need more than 5 seconds. It’s the nature of the disease.
Great advice for those who tend to dwell though…
This is very helpful! Sometimes even grown-ups need a little time out 🙂
Breathing and taking a step back puts things into perspective.
I feel like I have to make lists to really bring me back to reality sometimes. Then take action on what needs to be done!
Sounds like great advice to me! It will keep your mind off things!
Perfect timing for your post. I could definitely amp up the action. I’ve been paralyzed with fear since the end of May. Fear of what, I don’t know, but it’s time to cast that aside and get moving back to solid ground.
I suffered depression for many years and always overcame whatever I needed to because I took immediate action. The 5 second rule is something I’ll definitely need to try though.
Sometimes I think taking action is making things tougher. I seem to put too much on my plate.
I so agree and I usually do 15 seconds or go hug my dog – great advice
I think this is so important. The best way to heal and be happy is to take action. The “doing” makes all the difference.
I always have to vent about it before I can move on. You definitely have to move or you’ll always be stuck on the rough part.
There is no time like the present to take action. You are so right … the 5 seconds rule really does work
totally love this and often in the job that I do we have to do just that reaction is very important and thus you have no time but I love it take a breath suck it up and move on
The 5 second rule seems like a smart idea. It’s all about not dwelling!
Great ideas. If I need sometime to regoup I usually have a hot bubble bath, or sit back in my room with a nice cup of tea
Great post and ideas. I usually listen to music, go for a walk, and vent for about minutes or so. I guess I am venting too long and should reduce it to 5 seconds and move on.
this is a great tip and I often find myself venting for a little bit longer than five minutes but I do allow myself to experience emotions and then bring them back in check .
I love these ideas! And I love the show LOST so I’m loving the 5 second rule.
Love these ideas… I normally have to sneak off to clear my head then I can go back to happy me 🙂
I might have to try this! Sometimes I get such bad anxiety I don’t act until later (procrastinate) and this creates an even bigger problem. I guess it’s a bad habit I formed in college because I performed well under stress.
This is very good advice. I find it helps me to get through tough times by taking action and not just dwelling on the issue.
I love this idea. Sometimes a step back to breathe is enough.
That’s brilliant. I’ve never heard of the 5 second rule. Must try that (although I’ll prob. have to be discreet in public, lol).
Thanks for posting