Have a child who procrastinates, gets sidetracked, loses track of time? Inspired by Mel Robbins’, The 5 Second Rule, I tried implementing the ‘countdown to action.’

When my son heads to his room to tidy up, he gets waylaid…Where does he start? How does he fit the clothes in his drawers? What does he toss? He winds up pacing around his room not able to even begin. Know the feeling?! Hence, the countdown to action was implemented! He counts down from 5 and then just acts! He doesn’t think, analyze, or compromise…he simply moves and starts completing one task. It’s the first action of movement that propels him to get started and consequently, keep going.

I find it helps with my own procrastination tendencies. Since I am home, there’s always laundry to do, dishes to load, leaves to rake, lists to be made and meals to prep. I put off my writing or easily get distracted, then get frustrated. Yet, the little act of counting down refocuses me, prioritizes the moment, and actually makes me much more productive.

Mel calls these these everyday acts of courage and they build up so that you can change your future. Sounds simple, right? What a powerful example for our children! Immediately acting gives you strength for the little things which leads to jumping into the bigger moments when in the past we may have run away.

5,4,3,2,1 Try it!

*Have your kids try it for starting homework

*Use it for organizing the garage

*Start a new cleanup routine after dinner where each family member takes on a task

*Write that email of forgiveness

*Apply for a job

*Make conversation with someone new

*Create an art project

*Enroll in grad school

“One moment of courage can change your day. One day can change your life. And your life can change the world.” -Mel Robbins