Evolutionary biologists keep discovering new ways that our physiological development affects our everyday behavior. One of the fascinating things about our development is that brain function that developed over countless millennia may simply not have a good use for modern humans. In short, we may be almost controlled by instincts that were developed to help us survive but today may hinder us.

Podcaster and best-selling author Mel Robbins talks about a particular brain function in a YouTube video that has been viewed by 1.5 million people over the last eight years.

You may be interested in Robbins’ “5 Second Rule” if you’ve ever found yourself suddenly questioning yourself instead of taking action. This hesitation to act is actually your brain taking charge in order to stop you from trying something new, uncertain or outright scary. In ages past this hesitation may well have kept our ancestors alive. But today, with few predators stalking us down Main St., this hesitation may actually prevent us from taking the action necessary to change and grow.

What Robbins has discovered is that the brain’s power to stop us takes about five seconds to engage. On the flip side, if you act within five seconds you are overriding the neurological impulse and beginning to take control of your life. Does that sound like allowing yourself to give in to simple impulsiveness? Watch the video to hear Robbins explain why following the 5 Second Rule can change your life for the good.