Not so long ago, Mel Robbins was on the verge of financial ruin, struggling in her marriage, and too depressed to even get out of bed in the morning to help her children get to the bus stop on time. Then something happened that changed everything. She saw a rocket launch on TV and marveled at how such an impressive and important feat could take place after just a simple 5-4-3-2-1 countdown. She thought to herself, “If a rocket can liftoff into outer space as a result of a countdown, maybe I can use that same idea to lift myself up and out of this bed.” So, she did. And the rest, as they say, is history.
Drawing upon research-based science, Robbins uses her book to explain why such a simple concept – counting backwards from five to zero – works as a motivator. As it turns out, with any decision, you have five seconds to either talk yourself in – or out – of acting on it. By giving yourself the extra push of counting down, you are forcing your mind into action, rather than letting the moment pass by. According to Robbins, this works for any act, big or small. Anything, from getting out of bed in the morning, to talking to your boss about a raise, can be accomplished with the 5-Second Rule. Robbins points to herself as proof of its effectiveness as, in just a few short years, she has repaired her marriage, become a better and more present mom, and no longer has any financial worries due to being an author and one of the most sought-after motivational speakers in the country. However, the book is also filled with anecdotes and testimonials from everyday people who have used the 5-Second Rule to jumpstart their action and change their lives. Can it work for you, too?
OPTION 1: 5-4-3-2-1
At the risk of stepping on the toes of other challenges, this first option is going to be easy. As Mel counts down for her motivation, we are going to count down our page embellishments. Simply include 5 of one element on your page, 4 of another, 3 of another, and then 2 and then 1. For example: 5 hearts, 4 photos, a 3-word title, 2 patterned papers, and 1 die cut border. It can really be anything, but please make a list when you submit your layout, so I can be sure I know where all your different elements are. Thanks!
OPTION 2: CHANGING YOUR HABITS
To me, the 5-Second Rule is less about making a huge life change (although it can certainly be used for that, according to Robbins), and more about convincing yourself to do the little things every day that add up to changed habits. Waking up on time. Exercising. Getting up off the couch so you don’t fall asleep on it and have to be woken up at midnight to go to bed. Oh wait, maybe that last one is just me… SO, for Option 2, make a page about a habit(s) you or someone you know want(s) to work on developing for the new year.
The Fine Print:
1. HAVE FUN MAKING YOUR PROJECT!
2. Entries open to new projects - paper, digital, & card making.
3. May be combined with one other challenge that allows it.
4. Due January 31st, at 11:59 PM.
5. One lucky winner, chosen at random, will receive a $5 ACOT gift card from me!
6. Up to 3 entries permitted per month.
7. If there are more than 15 unique entries (not including bonuses) during the month, a second name will be drawn and that person will get an automatic entry for the following month.
Kristin 
