Have you ever been in a situation where you get a very brilliant idea that you are certain would elevate you mentally/financially/physically and within a minute of not acting on it, the idea evaporates, leaving you feeling unaccomplished even though you never started working on it anyway? Well, you are not alone.
Many times, I have found myself having these little bursts of ideas. Sometimes it is a story idea. Sometimes it is something else that might be beneficial to others. But without acting on it, the ideas get buried in the tomb of never-have-i-ever.
But there is something else you can do…
The 5-second rule
The 5-second rule states that “if you have the instinct to act on a goal, you must physically move within 5 seconds or your brain will kill it.” This sounds laboured and difficult, right?
Well, executing the rule is simpler than that. We live in easier and simpler times. Almost all the things we need are right here on our mobile devices. So, unlike in the past, when working on anything would cost you extra physical space, you have your mobile phone with a note app.
The next time you have a burst of a brilliant idea, count 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 and move immediately to work on it by creating a brief concept note on your phone. By immediately registering the idea, you will have trapped down that novel thing flying in your head and you can develop it in the future.
Just count… and take action.
TEA
Between June and July, I spent a great deal of time facing one of my biggest fears; Lagos. I jumped from Danfo to Bolt, to Okada, to keke, through Lagos’s streets. I walked through fierce eyes and talked to meek smiles. To what end, you ask. Well, I was shooting my very first documentary series for HumAngle, and while I dreaded the location at first, I soon settled into it.
On August 20, the documentary will start showing on YouTube and other HumAngle channels, one episode at a time. You can watch the trailer here:
Please watch, share, like, and subscribe. For those whose preference is Twitter, you can see the trailer here too:
Follow HumAngle on Twitter and turn on post notifications.
I spent this weekend in Ilorin and I had quite a time. Grateful to all the people I met in Ilorin, particularly those who told me outrightly how much NAN has been useful to them. Hoping to see your beautiful faces soon.
To everyone, have a great week. Remember; 5, 4, 3, 2, 1!
Is this your first time reading (Not a) Newsletter? I have a little gift for you here. If you enjoyed this email, be sure to share it with your friends. You should follow the (Not a) Newsletter community on Twitter. Finally, please check out my website to enjoy more of my writing for free — and for writing jobs and consultations.
Be nice to other people, smile as much as you can, and live freely. Have a great week.