Struggling to switch tasks? You might just need a launch button.

That’s where Mel Robbins’ 5 Second Rule comes in. Here’s how it works:

1. When you know you need to take action, count down: 5–4–3–2–1… GO.

2. PHYSICALLY MOVE. Close the tab, stand up, pick up the phone, open the document.

It’s a mini launch sequence that cuts off hesitation and gets your body moving before your brain talks you out of it.

Task switching feels tough because your brain resists leaving the comfort zone. The 5 Second Rule helps you break that resistance and step into motion fast.

What’s one thing you could launch yourself into with a 5–4–3–2–1 today?

Download your free worksheet here: September 14th - Use Mel's 5 Second Rule

Go back to the September is for Starting homepage.

 Ever notice how some projects feel harder than they should, simply because you have to:

• dig around for supplies

• track down papers

• or gather tools every single time?

That’s where a support system comes in.

A support system is anything that makes it easier to start:

• folder or binder that holds all your paperwork in one place

• a zippered pouch for pens, chargers, or small tools

• a designated basket or box for all project-related supplies

When everything lives together, the setup is already done. All you have to do is open the folder, grab the pouch, or pull out the basket - and you’re ready to go.

Starting gets easier when your environment supports you.

What project could you make lighter today just by creating a simple support system for it?

Download your free worksheet here: September 13th - Design a support system

Go back to the September is for Starting homepage.

Having trouble getting started on that task you’ve been avoiding? Try turning it into a game: Race the clock.

Here’s how it works:

• Pick a task you’ve been putting off.

• Set a timer for 10, 15, or 20 minutes.

• Challenge yourself: “Can I finish this before the timer goes off?”

Suddenly, it’s not just about the task, it’s about beating the clock. That little dose of urgency can turn dread into energy, and the finish line feels a lot closer.

Even if you don’t finish everything, you’ll be amazed how much progress you can make once the race begins.

What could you race the clock on today?

Download your free worksheet here: September 12th - Race the clock

Go back to the September is for Starting homepage.

Have you been putting off a project because you don't know how long it will take?

Or the last time you did it, it felt like it took forever? Time yourself.

Human beings are, on average, terrible at estimating how long things take. We often misjudge how long common tasks will take, even if we’ve done them many times. This can easily throw of your entire schedule, despite your best efforts, and make it hard to get started. 

Lucky for you, there’s an easy solution.

Before you start a task, client session, project, or meeting, start a stopwatch or write down the time. When you’re done, mark the time again and record how long it took. Keep track of this for future reference.

It won’t always take the same amount of time for a similar project. Even a simple task can vary in the time it takes. But after a while, you’ll get a better idea of how much time to schedule and you’ll run long less often.

How does this help you get started? If you are waiting for a tow truck and you know (as much as you can) it will be here in 90 minutes, even though that's a long time to be stuck somewhere, there's a specific end time you can focus on. If you don't know how long it will be, for all your brain knows it could be six hours and starts to spiral. Confidence in timing, even when it's a long stretch, helps your brain self-regulate and focus. 

Having a hard time getting started or restarted? Knowing how long it takes could be your key to getting into action!

Download your free worksheet here: September 11th - Time yourself

Go back to the September is for Starting homepage.