Niranjan Maruthamuthu

How I Used the 5-Second Rule to Break My Snooze Button Habit I now realize my habit of hitting snooze was a form of procrastination. 👉 It gave me temporary relief from the bigger stresses in my life. 👉 But it also kept me stuck in a cycle of avoidance.

📌 How did I break it? I replaced the snooze habit with a new starting ritual: ✅ 5-4-3-2-1—stand up and start the day.

💡 Seven years later, I STILL use this every morning. That’s how powerful it is!

How to Use the 5-Second Rule to Beat Procrastination 1️⃣ Start small. Don’t try to tackle everything at once—just start.

2️⃣ Attack what you're avoiding for just 15 minutes. Set a timer and work for only 15 minutes. Once you start, you’ll likely keep going.

3️⃣ Take a break. It’s okay to watch a few cat videos or take a breather—but only after you’ve made progress.

4️⃣ Forgive yourself. Stop beating yourself up for past procrastination. You’re human. What matters is that you start today.

Final Takeaway ✔ Procrastination is fueled by emotions, not laziness. ✔ The 5-Second Rule helps you push past hesitation and start immediately. ✔ Once you start, your brain naturally wants to keep going. ✔ The secret to real change? Beat the emotions that trigger bad habits and take action—one step at a time.

🚀 Next time you feel like procrastinating? 5-4-3-2-1—GO! 🔥

How Scott Can Apply the Rule in His Lab Now that Scott understands: ✔ His procrastination is caused by financial stress ✔ He needs to forgive himself to break the guilt cycle ✔ Visualizing “Dr. Scott” helps him push through resistance

🚀 Here’s how he can take control using the 5-Second Rule: 1️⃣ Count down 5-4-3-2-1 when he feels himself hesitating. 2️⃣ Physically move to his desk—this movement forces the brain to shift gears. 3️⃣ Start working for just a short interval (e.g., 5-10 minutes).

👉 Why this works: Once he gets started, momentum will take over, making it easier to keep going.

How the 5-Second Rule Rewires Your Brain to Beat Procrastination Each time you exert effort using 5-4-3-2-1, it switches the gears in your brain, activating the prefrontal cortex—the part responsible for decision-making and focus.

🚀 The more you use it, the easier it becomes to stop procrastinating and start working.

The Power of Just Starting 📌 Sy’s Story: Sy discovered that the key to completing important tasks is to just start—even if you don’t feel like it.

✅ She tells herself: “Just make the call, reply to the email, finish the stupid job…” ✅ She takes action anyway, even when it’s uncomfortable. ✅ As a result, she finished a huge project and will “get what I want.”

💡 Moral of the story? You don’t have to like it—you just have to start.

How Scott Can Apply the Rule in His Lab Now that Scott understands: ✔ His procrastination is caused by financial stress ✔ He needs to forgive himself to break the guilt cycle ✔ Visualizing “Dr. Scott” helps him push through resistance

🚀 Here’s how he can take control using the 5-Second Rule: 1️⃣ Count down 5-4-3-2-1 when he feels himself hesitating. 2️⃣ Physically move to his desk—this movement forces the brain to shift gears. 3️⃣ Start working for just a short interval (e.g., 5-10 minutes).

👉 Why this works: Once he gets started, momentum will take over, making it easier to keep going.

Final Key Takeaway ✔ Procrastination is a habit, but it can be replaced with action. ✔ The 5-Second Rule trains your brain to stop overthinking and start moving. ✔ The more you use it, the stronger your ability to take action—even when you don’t feel like it.

🚀 So, next time you hesitate? 5-4-3-2-1 GO! 🔥

Take Back Control (Locus of Control Theory) The reason procrastination feels so awful is because it makes you feel out of control.

💡 Enter the concept of “Locus of Control.”

🚀 Locus of Control = How much control you feel over your life. ✅ People who feel in control are more successful and happier. ❌ People who feel powerless struggle with motivation and self-doubt.

Every time you assert yourself and take action, you take back control.

📌 Example: Daniela’s Story Daniela started using the 5-Second Rule to beat procrastination. But something even bigger happened— ✔ She didn’t just become more productive. ✔ She felt more empowered, confident, and capable in life. ✔ She improved her relationship with herself.

💡 Key Takeaway: 👉 Procrastination makes you feel powerless. 👉 Taking action gives you back control. 👉 The 5-Second Rule is the ultimate starting ritual to shift from avoidance to action.

🚀 Final Thought: The moment you feel hesitation, 5-4-3-2-1 GO! The faster you act, the faster you take back control of your life. 🔥

How to Apply This to Scott (And Yourself!) Now that we understand why Scott is procrastinating, let’s walk through the three steps to break the cycle and take control.

Step 1: Stop the Cycle by Forgiving Yourself Scott needs to take five seconds—5-4-3-2-1—and forgive himself for: ✅ Falling behind ✅ Upsetting people ✅ Not living up to his full potential

💡 Why? Because beating yourself up only makes things worse. The stress about finances and deadlines is fueling his procrastination. By forgiving himself, Scott stops the guilt loop and gives himself a fresh start.

👉 Key Action: Next time you procrastinate, don’t waste time feeling bad about it. Instead, forgive yourself and refocus.

Step 2: What Would the Future You Do? 🔬 Dr. Pychyl’s research on our Present Self vs. Future Self shows something fascinating: 👉 When you can picture your Future Self, you’re more likely to take action today.

💡 Example: When researchers digitally aged people’s photos, they became more likely to save for retirement—because they could see how their future depended on their choices now.

📌 How to use this: Scott should visualize his Future Self—what his life will look like after grad school when he’s Professor Scott.

🚀 Key Action: Create a vision board or mental image of your ideal future. Then, when you feel like procrastinating, ask yourself: “What would Future Me do?”

🔹 Scott can ask: “What would Professor Scott do right now?” 🔹 You can ask: “What would Successful Me do right now?”

💡 This simple shift makes it easier to push past procrastination.

Step 3: Get Started with the #5SecondRule Dr. Pychyl’s best advice for breaking procrastination?

“Just get started.”

And that’s exactly where the 5-Second Rule comes in.

💡 The secret to beating procrastination is to start before your brain talks you out of it.

📌 How to use it: 1️⃣ The moment you feel yourself procrastinating, count 5-4-3-2-1. 2️⃣ Physically move—open the document, pick up the phone, or start writing. 3️⃣ Commit to just five minutes—once you start, it’s much easier to keep going.

🚀 Key Takeaway: ✔ Forgive yourself for past procrastination. ✔ Visualize your Future Self and use it as motivation. ✔ Use 5-4-3-2-1 to start immediately.

🎯 Remember: Win or lose, at least you’re doing something! 💪🔥

How to Break the Cycle for Good 💡 The 5-Second Rule helps you disrupt the pattern and take action before negative emotions take over.

3 Steps to Stop Procrastination Immediately: 1️⃣ Forgive yourself for past procrastination—let go of guilt. 2️⃣ Use the 5-Second Rule (5-4-3-2-1 GO!) to push through hesitation. 3️⃣ Focus on progress, not perfection—every small step counts.

The moment you catch yourself avoiding work, count down from 5 and start.

🚀 Why does this work? ✔ It interrupts the habit of overthinking. ✔ It tricks your brain into action before self-doubt kicks in. ✔ It builds momentum—one small action leads to another.

How to Use the 5-Second Rule to Overcome Fear and Take Action 1️⃣ The moment you catch yourself hesitating, count 5-4-3-2-1 in your head. 2️⃣ Physically move—open your laptop, pick up the phone, or start typing. 3️⃣ Start small—commit to just five minutes of focused work.

Why does this work? Because action kills fear. The moment you push yourself to start, your brain stops overthinking and starts doing.

Reel Script: Morning Walk (1 Hour):

🎥 Clip: Your feet walking on a path, sunlight streaming through trees, or a shot of your surroundings (park, street, etc.). 🖋 On-screen text: “Starting the day with a 1-hour walk to refresh the mind 🌞🚶‍♂️.” Study Session (3 Hours x 2):

🎥 Clip 1: A close-up of your notes, books, or laptop as you start studying. 🎥 Clip 2: A timelapse of your workspace with books, pens, and highlights being used. 🖋 On-screen text: “Focused study sessions: 3 hours in the morning 📚.” 🎥 Clip 3: A short break (e.g., coffee/tea, journaling). 🖋 On-screen text: “Break time ☕ to recharge for the next session!” 🎥 Clip 4: Your workspace again, showing progress or a neat desk setup. 🖋 On-screen text: “Another 3-hour session done ✅!” 20 MCQs (2 Subjects):

🎥 Clip: A shot of your hands solving MCQs on paper or a digital platform. 🖋 On-screen text: “Practicing 20 MCQs for 2 subjects to sharpen skills ✍️📖.” 8 Hours of Sleep:

🎥 Clip: Dim lighting, cozy bed, a clock showing your sleep time (e.g., 10 PM). 🖋 On-screen text: “Ending the day with 8 hours of sleep 😴 for recovery.” Background Music: Use an upbeat yet calming instrumental or motivational audio. Transitions and Effects: Smooth transitions between clips (fade-ins, zooms). Add timestamps for each activity to structure the day. Let me know if you'd like specific hashtags or help editing this reel! 😊

Day 1–10: Starting Strong “The secret to getting ahead is getting started.” – Mark Twain “Consistency is more important than perfection.” “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” – Arthur Ashe “It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.” – Confucius “Dream big, start small, but most of all, start.” “You don’t have to be extreme, just consistent.” “Small daily improvements are the key to staggering long-term results.” “Motivation gets you going, but discipline keeps you growing.” “Today’s actions are tomorrow’s results.” “Your future self will thank you for what you do today.” Day 11–20: Building Momentum “Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.” – Jim Rohn “Consistency compounds.” – John Maxwell “Do something today that your future self will thank you for.” “Success doesn’t come from what you do occasionally; it comes from what you do consistently.” “Focus on the process, not the outcome.” “A little progress each day adds up to big results.” “What you do every day matters more than what you do once in a while.” – Gretchen Rubin “Stay committed to your decisions but flexible in your approach.” – Tony Robbins “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” – Lao Tzu “Success is the sum of small efforts repeated day in and day out.” – Robert Collier Day 21–30: Overcoming Obstacles “Don’t let yesterday take up too much of today.” – Will Rogers “Success doesn’t happen overnight. Keep going.” “Fall seven times, stand up eight.” – Japanese Proverb “Strength grows in the moments when you think you can’t go on but keep going anyway.” “Every great achievement was once considered impossible.” “When you feel like quitting, remember why you started.” “Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal.” – Henry Ford “The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, but a lack of will.” – Vince Lombardi “Keep going. Everything you need will come to you at the perfect time.” “The harder the battle, the sweeter the victory.” Day 31–40: Strengthening Discipline “Discipline is choosing between what you want now and what you want most.” – Abraham Lincoln “Don’t stop when you’re tired; stop when you’re done.” “Habits are the compound interest of self-improvement.” – James Clear “You are what you repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.” – Aristotle “Don’t wish for it. Work for it.” “Success is nothing more than a few simple disciplines practiced every day.” – Jim Rohn “Great things never come from comfort zones.” “It’s not what we do once in a while that shapes our lives, but what we do consistently.” – Tony Robbins “Commitment means staying loyal to what you said you would do long after the mood you said it in has left.” “Be stubborn about your goals and flexible about your methods.” Day 41–50: Staying Focused “Focus on the step in front of you, not the whole staircase.” “What consumes your mind controls your life.” “Don’t watch the clock; do what it does. Keep going.” – Sam Levenson “Distractions destroy action. Stay focused.” “Where focus goes, energy flows.” – Tony Robbins “The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra.” “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill “Keep your eyes on the prize, and don’t look back.” “The key to success is to focus our conscious mind on things we desire, not things we fear.” – Brian Tracy “Success is focusing the full power of all you are on what you have a burning desire to achieve.” – Wilfred Peterson Day 51–60: Pushing Through “Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try.” “It’s not about having time; it’s about making time.” “Keep showing up, even when it’s hard.” “Challenges are what make life interesting. Overcoming them is what makes life meaningful.” – Joshua Marine “Pain is temporary. Quitting lasts forever.” – Lance Armstrong “The struggle you’re in today is developing the strength you need for tomorrow.” “There is no substitute for hard work.” – Thomas Edison “Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after the other.” – Walter Elliot “Progress, not perfection.” “Hard days are the best because that’s when champions are made.” Day 61–70: Midpoint Motivation “The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt “What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson “Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes it’s the quiet voice saying, ‘I will try again tomorrow.’” “You didn’t come this far to only come this far.” “Success is getting what you want. Happiness is wanting what you get.” – Dale Carnegie “Small steps lead to big achievements.” “Consistency creates confidence.” “The best way to predict the future is to create it.” – Abraham Lincoln “The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” – Steve Jobs “Don’t be pushed by your problems; be led by your dreams.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson Day 71–80: Power of Persistence “Persistence guarantees that results are inevitable.” – Paramahansa Yogananda “Stay consistent. Stay patient. The results will come.” “A goal without a plan is just a wish.” – Antoine de Saint-Exupéry “Your breakthrough is on the other side of your consistency.” “Never give up on a dream just because of the time it will take to accomplish it. The time will pass anyway.” – Earl Nightingale “What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals.” – Zig Ziglar “It’s always too early to quit.” – Norman Vincent Peale “You are closer than you think; just don’t stop.” “Every small victory is progress.” “The only bad workout (or effort) is the one you didn’t do.” Day 81–90: Nearing the Finish Line “The last mile is always the hardest.” “Finish what you started.” “Focus on how far you’ve come, not how far you still have to go.” “The harder you work, the luckier you get.” – Gary Player “Good things come to those who hustle.” “Even the greatest were beginners once.” “Don’t stop now. You’re closer than you’ve ever been.” “Be proud of your progress.” “Keep climbing. The view from the top is worth it.” “Success is inevitable when you don’t quit.” Day 91–100: Celebrating Consistency “You’re unstoppable because you’re consistent.” “Success is earned, not given.” “Celebrate the small wins; they lead to big victories.” “Your hard work will pay off; just stay the course.” “Consistency isn’t glamorous, but it works.” “The best reward is knowing you never gave up.” “You’ve proven to yourself that you can do hard things.” “Consistency turns dreams into reality.” “Be proud of what you’ve achieved in these 100 days.” “You’re not the same person who started this journey. You’ve grown stronger, more disciplined, and unstoppable.”

y WCM Sums Capital Budgeting Sums Activity Plan Day 1 4 sums 5 sums Morning: 2 WCM + Afternoon: 3 CB + Evening: 2 CB Day 2 4 sums 5 sums Morning: 2 WCM + Afternoon: 3 CB + Evening: 2 CB Day 3 4 sums 6 sums Morning: 2 WCM + Afternoon: 4 CB Day 4 4 sums 6 sums Morning: 2 WCM + Afternoon: 4 CB Day 5 5 sums 5 sums Morning: 2 WCM + Afternoon: 3 CB + Evening: 3 CB Day 6 5 sums 5 sums Morning: 2 WCM + Afternoon: 3 CB + Evening: Flag and revise tricky sums from WCM and CB (Day 1–3 topics). Day 7 Revision Revision Morning: Revise remaining WCM sums + Afternoon: Revise remaining CB sums (Day 4–5 topics).