Desperate and Dateless? Try the 5-Second Rule

Do you have problems meeting new dating partners? The 5-second rule can help you.

I was recently searching on Amazon for some of the top-rating non-fiction books and stumbled across the book by author Mel Robbins called, The 5 Second Rule: Transform Your Life, Work, and Confidence with Everyday Courage.  I then watched Mel’s TEDx talk, which has views over 12 million, How to Stop Screwing Yourself Over.

While this was not the typical relationship advice and self-help information I’m interested in, I watched the video with curiosity and realised this was fantastic advice for anyone who was desperate and dateless and having problems meeting people.

You see, there’s a reason why her TEDx talk has been so wildly popular and why her book is at the top of the Amazon charts. In essence, Mel has a very simple tool for taking action in your life.  She calls it the 5-second rule.

What is the 5-second rule?

The 5-second rule works on the premise that if you want to create change in your life, and you know that behavioural changes will help you bring about what you want, you need to physically act within five seconds. Simple, isn’t it?

Well, this isn’t a “Just Do It” approach. The 5-second rule works like this: if you have an impulse to act on a goal, you must physically move within 5 seconds, or your brain will kill the idea because of self-doubt. This stops you from putting on your natural ‘handbrake’ or resisting taking action, which leads to you feeling stuck and NOT reaching your goals.

What if knowing how to push yourself is the key to having the confidence and everyday courage to enrich your everyday life and work? Mel Robbins, the New York Times bestselling author, discusses the power of a ‘push moment’ using riveting stories and facts from the most famous moments in history. In the book she wrote, you will read the inspiring and relatable story of how she invented the 5-second rule.

If you’re single and have trouble meeting people, there are endless tips, advice, strategies, and all sorts of free information online about how to meet new people and start dating. But in my experience, many people get stuck at the point of taking action. They will have a bad habit of negative self-talk, which is not good for personal development.

Taking positive action as a single might include:

• moving out of your comfort zone by going to events
• walking across a bar to introduce yourself to someone
•  joining a meetup group
• being extra friendly to someone you meet while shopping, or
• asking someone you already know on a first date.

When you’re using the 5-second rule, you’re not ruminating about the pros and cons of going to an event; you RSVP within 5 seconds. If you see an attractive stranger at a bar that keeps catching your eye, you take that first step towards them within 5-seconds of having the impulse to introduce yourself. Distilled down, you physically move within 5 seconds of your impulse to realise your goal.

It’s a simple strategy, and I love the fact it’s so easy to remember and something you can employ right now.

When it comes to meeting new people and improving your chances of meeting a potential partner, I believe the 5-second rule can make a difference in your life and your relationship status.

If you’re interested to find out more, watch the video below where Mel Robbins explains the theory and try out the 5-second rule for yourself.

Click the play button below to watch Mel Robbin’s TEDx talk.

Do you need relationship help?

If you need relationship help, contact Clinton Power + Associates for a FREE 15-minute phone inquiry call to discuss your situation and find out how we can help. Call us now on 0412 241 410 or book your free phone inquiry online.

Clinton Power is a relationship counsellor and Gestalt therapist. Since 2003 he has helped individuals and couples move out of relationship pain and create great relationships. Get Clinton’s FREE report: 10 Tips for Moving Out of Relationship Pain, by clicking the button below.

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