Countdown - 2/22/19

When Netflix released the first streaming choose-your-own-adventure show called “Bandersnatch,” home viewers and media writers went crazy. The experience put the viewer in control of certain decisions that directly influence the outcome of the storylines. But remote control jockeys only had a few seconds to decide which one of the two choices to make. Some choices lead to the story’s demise and others to a suspenseful progression toward an unknown ending.

While I was a fan of “Bandersnatch” and similar Choose-Your-Own-Adventure books growing up, real life is the ultimate version of each. Just like a Ben Affleck movie, you are the writer, director, and the star.

<You are lying in bed and the alarm goes off. Do you…>

GET OUT OF BED

STAY IN BED AND SNOOZE FOR I DON’T CARE HOW LONG JUST LEAVE ME ALONE

5...4...3…2...1

How will you decide? Which one of the decisions will get you closer to your goals?

In the book, “The 5 Second Rule,” author Mel Robbins lists five elements that play out during these five seconds. All five elements are in this ONE sentence. “If you have an instinct to act on a goal, you must physically move within 5 seconds or your brain will kill it.”

Not minutes. SECONDS.

Here’s the breakdown:

1. Have an instinct. (See someone you are attracted to)

2. Decide and commit to act on the instinct. (Decide to go talk to them)

3. Physically move on the instinct. (Move your damn legs)

4. Within 5 seconds. (You’re only at 4 seconds, so good work!)

5. Or your brain will kill it. (You did nothing in 5 seconds, but no worries. We’ll get ‘em next time)

Five steps in five seconds. Friendships, relationships, and business deals have happened or not happened all because of a decision (or series of decisions) that was made or not made in five freaking seconds. But here’s the good news. These moments are everywhere. All the time. All around you. You have the mindset to make these opportunity windows appear like a wizard at a rave. You decide how many opportunities you have and where to unleash the beauty that is you.

Practicing on acting is more important than doing the right or wrong thing. Of the five steps, it’s number three (physically move) that most people get stuck on. If you still struggle with this “5 Second Rule,” rather than softening up to a seven or ten, I would encourage you to try the “FYF 3 Second Rule.”

Here’s the breakdown:

1. Fuck. (Someone catches your eye)

2. Yeah. (You’re already on the move!)

3. Friday! (Bring their life joy because you are amazing!)

This tactic isn’t for things you need to think about, ponder, and reflect upon (e.g. deciding what business to start). Ideally, you’ve figured that out already. If not, take a step back and do that first. This tactic is for things that you already KNOW you should do because it aligns with your goals and values. Things that you need to express. Things that you WANT to be able to do.

So get out of bed. Get that workout in. Talk to that person. Speak up during that meeting or interview. Say something when someone says or does something to hurt you. Say something when they bring you joy. Tell people what you need. Help those in need. All of these five second actions will bring you closer to the dimension where you are not afraid to be heard, not afraid to ask what you need, not afraid to accept what is being offered, not afraid of the greatness you will become for yourself and for others.

Not afraid to be you.

5...4...3...2..1.

What are you going to do?

Fuck.

Yeah.

Friday!

"Bandersnatch" (released on Netflix Dec 2018)