“Just Do It!”
By Jennifer Kelleher
Many start a new year with grand intentions to begin fresh routines and habits that will support them in reaching set goals. But how many people actually stick to their plans? What happens when that initial burst of motivation runs out? Or when you wake up and just don’t ‘feel’ like it? I recently listened to a podcast interview with bestselling author Mel Robbins and found her to have an interesting perspective on success and creating a better life.
Mel urges, “Don’t let how you feel dictate what you do.” We may not always be able to control our feelings, but we can control how we respond to them in the moment. To walk her talk, Mel uses something she calls the “5 Second Rule.” To practice the “5 Second Rule,” count down from five and when you get to one, just do the thing– no matter how you’re feeling! This tool helps you to avoid overthinking and getting caught up in negative emotions that could hold you back from taking the next step forward. What’s more? Science tells us that taking action overrides a feeling. So, you can feel discomfort, for example, but choose to do the uncomfortable thing anyway, which in turn helps the discomfort to dissipate. Using the “5 Second Rule,” Mel assures that you can take action no matter how you feel.
Mel also speaks about how she disagrees with the idea that 21 days of doing something consistently builds it into a habit. She says that in order to be motivated to do something, you have to enjoy it. We won’t always want to do the things that we know will make us better, but we have to figure out ways to get ourselves to do them anyway.
Furthermore, Mel discusses the studies that show how day 19 of starting a new habit is considered “Quitter’s Day.” On the 19th day of beginning a new habit, it can start to feel mundane and you’re not yet seeing any major results. Both of these realities make it a tempting time to fall off track. Again, instead of counting on drive and inspiration to get you to do the thing, build the skill of just doing it– taking the action, with consistency. As Mel says, if you want to be successful, just “do the reps.” Genius comes from never giving up.
Another thing I find interesting is when Mel says, “You cannot break a habit, you can only replace it.” This resonated a lot with me. When I look back to times that I successfully stopped a negative habit, it was a result of swapping it with something else. I crowded it out, instead of cutting it out.
Finally, I love what Mel says about manifestation. As I often mention, the mind works like a magnifying glass, increasing whatever it focuses on. Mel explains that you are always manifesting for your future– either negatively by worrying, or positively through optimistic views. If you are stressed, stuck, and isolated in your thoughts, you will continue to see a world that reflects all of those things. However, when you practice the “5 Second Rule” and take action, you start to see yourself in a different light, not because of how you think, but because of what you do. Mel believes that taking action is the quickest way to increase your confidence and be proud of yourself.
A lot of little steps get us where we want to go! I invite you to make yoga and Pilates part of your routine this new year. Join me and the other instructors at Ocean Bliss Yoga. We offer classes and workshops for a range of levels. View our schedule and sign up at www.oceanblissyoga.net. Additionally, for those looking for a deep dive this season, Ocean Bliss Yoga is offering a 200-Hour Yoga Alliance-Certified Yoga Teacher Training. Coursework begins on February 21, 2025. Sign up by January 15 to take advantage of the Early Bird Special and save $500. Learn more at www.oceanblissyoga.net/workshops. Call me with any questions at 917-318-1168.
