One of the most effective methods of getting something unpopular done or doing what you don't feel like doing is the 5 minute rule.
A case in point is this article. I really don't have the time or the inspiration or the feeling or rush of creativity. There is no guarantee that this will be accepted, promoted, published or even read, but I agreed (with myself) to write a couple of articles every week. So, I just do it for 5 minutes.
5 minutes is usually spent doing what? Channel surfing? Waiting for a list of shows to go through? Waiting for a bus? Waiting in traffic at a light? Waiting for a tea? A grocery store checkout line up?
So, what about something productive, like exercise, reading a non-fiction book, cleaning out your desk, booking an appointment or spending some quality time with a family member. Even a few minutes of petting the family dog goes along way for improving the pet's trainability.
In the case of exercising, there are some days when I do it to clear my head, some days when I really enjoy it and some days I take it like bitter medicine. Most days I choked down the medicine.
A bit of reluctance to exercise is to be expected. You are going from slow to fast, so you need to warm up the engine. The best way, is just to start moving.
This is where the 5 minute rule comes in. Almost anyone alive can exercise for 5 minutes. If you really, really feel bad after 5 minutes of exercising, then it might not be your best day. Even then, you can often just push it for 15-20 minutes. If you still feel lethargic, then it is not one of those days for training.
The same goes for avoiding eating the wrong foods or drinking or smoking. You can usually last for 5 minutes without eating junk food, drinking alcohol, making sarcastic remarks or smoking. This delay tactic can often work for people who are trying break a habit. Often, it only takes that short period to overcome the craving.
The beauty about the 5 minute rule is that most of us can endure 5 minutes of just about anything boring. It is getting started that is the most important. So, stop reading this and do something useful for 5 minutes. It really works. Good luck.
Doug Setter, Bsc.
For more information on fitness, health and self-protection visit:
www.2ndwindbodyscience.com
and http://stores.lulu.com/dougsetter
