Do it NOW

If we wish to achieve something, we need to 'force' ourselves to take the first step in 5 seconds, or it will not happen. Let me explain why I say so!

Most of the time we are working on an 'autopilot' mode, which means that we are doing most of the activities out of sheer habit, without giving it much consideration. For example, we wake up in the morning, and do our daily rituals as we usually do. If we wish to change the routine, say go for a jog before going to office, our mind will find reason not to go, unless we take the decision and step out of our home within 5 seconds. This is because when the brain comes across new things, it applies 'handbrake', and to accomplish that new activity we need to remove that handbrake soon enough!

What is this 'handbrake'? Psychologists say that the handbrake is the little voice in our head that immediately starts whenever we think of doing some new activity. This little voice is usually negative and critical, like "How are you going to do that?" or "What if" type of questions. We listen to that internal negativity and start believing what it says and so never get started on working towards getting the things we want. Our thoughts and fears demotivate us enough that we don't feel like starting. 

So, what can we do about it?

One suggestion is that when we have something to do that we don't feel like doing and keep putting off, we need to recognize that 'handbrake' is working again and we want to remain in autopilot mode which will keep us in our comfort zone. To remove the handbrake, we have to act fast, say in 5 seconds, and 'force' ourselves to take the first step, which may just be writing it down in the diary and pick a date to start it. Then when that date comes, we keep our promise and start that thing. Once we have started, then only we will be able to realize how much we enjoy the process.

Remember that usually it is the thought of doing something which is far worse than actually doing it. So do it NOW!