Page 168 - The 5 Second Rule: Transform Your Life, Work, and Confidence with Everyday Courage

About four years ago, I started to wonder if I could use the #5SecondRule to
change more than my physical behavior. I wondered if I could change my thoughts.
I had seen the effects it had on other habits—so why not try to break the mental
habit of anxiety, panic, and fear? They are patterns that we repeat after all. They are
just habits.

I started using the Rule to change the way that my mind worked. I began by
using the Rule to break the habit of worrying. As I mastered that skill, I used the
Rule to control my anxiety and beat my fear of flying. It worked.

As I write this sentence, I can tell you—I have cured myself of anxiety. I
haven’t taken Zoloft in years and am panic attack-free. I no longer have a habit of
worrying. And my fear of flying? Gone. Learning to take control of my mind,
direct my thoughts, and dismantle fear has been the single greatest thing I have ever
done to improve the quality of my life. I almost never feel worried. And the rare
times that I do, I just, 5- 4- 3- 2- 1 and direct my mind towards the solutions rather
than worrying about the problems. I have transformed my mind using the Rule and
I am the happiest and most optimistic that I have ever been. My mind is working
for me instead of against me.

Now, it’s your turn.

First, you’ll learn how to break the addiction to worrying and negative self-talk
using the #5SecondRule, the science of habits, and the power of gratitude.

Second, you’ll dive into the subject of anxiety and panic. You’ll learn what it is
and what it isn’t. And I will give you the step-by-step method for how you can
interrupt, reframe, and eventually eliminate anxiety from your own life.

Finally, you’ll learn a proven strategy for how you can beat any fear. Using my
fear of flying as an example, you’ll learn how to use the Rule with “anchor
thoughts” to prevent fear from taking over your mind.