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 We all know that dreams are wonderful things to have, whether we dream of returning to school to complete a degree, getting a promotion, changing careers, writing a screenplay, signing up for a class, learning a foreign language, redecorating a home or office, or taking up a sport or musical instrument.
But if we never pursue and realize any of our dreams, they can become more of a curse than a blessing. Unfulfilled dreams have the capacity to haunt us and to remind us of what we haven’t accomplished, experienced, or grown into. When we don’t pursue these dreams, our rationale for postponing them must get stronger and more “reasonable.” Ultimately, we can become so articulate and logical with our reasons for not pursuing our dreams that sometimes even we will buy into our rationalizations. Somewhere, however, deep down inside us, we know that our story is not true. The Power of 15 Seconds In this hectic world, we can conveniently rationalize that we were too busy on a given day to devote an hour, 30 minutes, or even 15 minutes to a dream project. Although this may or may not be true, what happens on any busy day is that we wind up doing nothing on it. Then the next day comes and once again we are too busy to devote these precious blocks of time to our project.
After a week, month, or year of this behavior, two things usually occur: First, nothing much has gotten accomplished. Second, stagnant inertia has set in. Habits breed habits. From not going to the gym to not practicing a sport or musical instrument, these non-actions become deeply ingrained in our system.
Committing to engage something new or abandoned for a minimum of 15-Seconds a day, however, can prevent stagnation from setting in. It is effective in the following ways:
1) Psychologically, 15 seconds is a tiny amount of time. Even if the experience turns out to be sheer hell, you can put up with the pain for at least 15 seconds. If it’s that uncomfortable an experience, your agreement states that you can stop this self-inflicted torture. This escape clause makes it easier for you to keep returning to your project for a minimum of 15 seconds each day.
2) It will encourage you to take charge of the project and experience it every day (even if it’s only for 15 seconds). This will prevent your fears and negative thoughts from growing too large and influential.
By momentarily taking the helm of your dream ship, you will have a visceral experience of what living your dream is all about.
3) You can never convince yourself or anyone else that you don’t have 15 seconds on a given day to do something. It’s too small a block of time to rationalize away. As a result, you have to face the truth: either you don’t really care about this thing, or you are scared to death of it. Suddenly, there are no gray ambivalent areas within which to hide.
4) Although you are only committing to 15 seconds, you will generally find that you will want to do more. It’s the fear of beginning rather than the actual doing of the project that is preventing you from spending more time pursuing your dreams.
The first 15 seconds of practicing or doing anything is psychologically the hardest. Once again, if 15 seconds pass and you are still having a miserable time, give yourself permission to stop. You have lived up to your agreement. If, on the other hand, if you are energized — just do a little more.
5) The earlier in the day that you can log in your 15 seconds, the easier it will become to return to this project during the day.
6) The 15-Second Principle will also allow you to stop and detach yourself from your usual mindset and behavior. This momentary intervention will help you break free from obsolete patterns and enable you to gain a clearer perspective and deeper awareness of your life and restricting habits.
7) On the surface, the 15- Second Principle appears to be simple and easy. You probably have no doubt that you can fulfill your daily obligation every day. “No problem. Any fool can commit to something for 15 seconds a day,” you will say. Think again. You will be shocked at how challenging this exercise is. This is especially true if you pick a cherished dream project. See also
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