The 3 Seconds Rule

Have you heard of this 3 seconds test? I am not sure where I read this from - but if I'm not mistaken this is based on the book "Mind Gym" on relationships. The authors spoke of the 3 seconds rule for relationships - and I guess it applies to nearly everything.

Have you ever seen someone familiar or not have enough guts or feel shy to chat up someone whom you thought could be interesting or you are bored in the line and you are observing some people or children and wanted to say a friendly hi?

Well, I will advocate to the 3 seconds rule in the following instances - its quite practical - give the thought 3 seconds and just go do it, whatever the gut feels right at that moment. Don't think too long about it. A lot of times our "shyness" or mind barriers kick in after 3 seconds. Here's where I thought it worked for me or could work for me :

3 Seconds Rule to Sending a SMS
- This has got to be my most successful attempt to beat the fear of communicating. I applied the 3 seconds rule over the last few weeks to a couple of items. From my time spent in the philippines I've generally become a more keen texter - here was where I felt, if you have thoughts, just text, and since texting was already not a responsive type of communication, what harm could there be?

- I texted one of my staff who wanted to quit to ask her to chat - I've never been much of a chatter for people, but recently I've been a lot more approachable. It tired me to speak to people who wanted to leave in distress but I knew I needed to at least try. Why delay - I could easily talk or meet up with them - 3 seconds told me there was no harm of talking to them to convince them to stay. At worse, I would've another good ex-colleague friend and given them the "release" they would need before they leave.

- I texted someone I hardly know to meet up. What harm is there? I was bored and needed some new friends, it took me 3 seconds to say, what the heck, this is better than not even trying. Who cares about first moves what ever... does it help me get anything in return? 3 seconds, do it, send. What does it matter if it was a yes or no?

3 Seconds Rule to Smiling
- It is funny how one has to think for 3 seconds to smile. Well this is not as it is - I've been out of town for so many rounds that sometimes just culturally adapting has proven to be a bit tiring - so I've learnt the new Philippines communication tool. Good intents are usually expressed just by smiling. Why make the doorman, the taxi driver, the client, your colleague whoever stressed - we all have our demands but what harm is there to smile?

- Take the 3 seconds rule to smiling and one becomes more comfortable to smile and after a while it becomes 1 second and eventually, it becomes part of your internal composure. I found that smiling made my entire thinking mind more positive and less tension is created, even in a tough environment. Well if there is no one to smile at, smile internally!

3 Seconds Rule to Sending a Email
- This can sometimes work and sometimes not. I usually advocate people to think about the email they want to send, especially in distress or emotional state. But I've found the 3 seconds rule applies well to times when you want to respond or feel there is not enough info, hesitate, or try to over analyse non critical notes - this is when the 3 second rule works - send that email and respond! You do not need 200% information. Well, this applies only to those who are like me, getting 50-100 emails a day, and sometimes people wait for me, but I always want to do a full job even responding to a mail. To be treaded with care on this one....

3 Seconds Rule to Action
- Get to action on that thing you have been procrastinating on? Just think about it for 3 seconds and action it - your gut feel is the right decision. And taking action is always better than not taking any action!

PS - 3 Seconds Rule to Procrastination - The bad part of the story is that it takes 3 seconds to procrastinate as well.... oh well, you can't win them all!