If you find yourself momentarily inspired to do something you’ve been putting off, you need to take action within five seconds. If you don’t, your brain will squash your impulse to do it. That’s because our brains really don’t like change. They like routine, the status quo. If you think, I should call so-and-so….I should sign up for…I should read….adopt the five-second rule. Don’t let your brain stand in your way.

For more ways to break out and be great:

• Stop Saying I’m Fine—When You Can Break Out and Be Great!
• How a Chronic Procrastinator Gets Things Done
• How to Break a Bad Habit for Good. Hint: Willpower won’t work

Wear your watch on the opposite wrist for a day. Just a simple change like this—having to look on the other arm every time you want to know the time—can wake you up and get your brain working in new ways. What other simple changes can you make to your daily routine that will help keep your mind activated?