Note: This video and post come from one of my private Inner Circle coaching sessions. It originally included a workbook, which you can Click Here To Download.
The Rule of 5: How to Build Your Dreams, One Small Step at a Time
Ever feel like you know what you should be doing—but you just can't seem to get yourself to actually do it?
You're not alone. I show people the step-by-step ways to make money all the time... their problem is not taking consistent action.
That's where the "Rule of 5" comes in. And honestly? It changed my life.
Today, I want to share how this idea works and how you can use it to totally change your results in any area of your life—your finances, your health, your happiness—starting right now.
Let's dive in.
Why We Stay Stuck
Overwhelmed At A Wall
Jack Canfield, the author of The Success Principles and co-creator of Chicken Soup for the Soul, puts it simply:
"Don't worry about failures. Worry about the chances you miss when you don't even try."
The truth is, most people aren't failing. They're just not even trying.
Maybe it's fear. Maybe it's past experiences. Maybe it's needing the right system. But deep down, we end up protecting ourselves from disappointment by holding back.
And we stay stuck.
The way out? It's not "doing more." It's doing the right small things, every day, without fail.
That's the Rule of 5.
What Is the Rule of 5?
The Rule of 5 is simple: Every day, take 5 specific actions that move you closer to your big goal.
Doesn't matter how small they are. Doesn't matter if you "feel" like it.
Just 5 actions, every day.
Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen used this exact strategy to launch Chicken Soup for the Soul, which went on to sell over 500 million copies. They didn't get lucky. They didn't have connections. They just swung the axe—five times a day—every day.
Their "five swings" included:
- 5 radio interviews
- 5 copies sent to editors
- 5 calls to networks
- 5 books sent to celebrities
- 5 seminars to groups of 5+ people
Every. Single. Day.
It wasn't glamorous. It wasn't always exciting. But it worked.
Eventually, that "impossible" goal became reality.
Why It Works
When you have a big goal, it’s easy to get overwhelmed.
There's so much information. And it take so long to go through it.
It's "analysis paralysis" at its finest. You don’t know where to start, so you never start at all.
Overwhelmed
But if you just commit to five actions a day, you bypass all that mental chaos. You focus on what you can do today. You build real momentum. You stay on purpose.
And just like chopping down a giant tree — five swings a day eventually bring it down.
It’s not about doing everything. It's about doing something, consistently.
Real Life Proof: Andrea's Story
This isn't just a "success tip." It's a real-life miracle maker.
After a devastating car accident, a woman named Andrea Fisher was left quadriplegic. Doctors told her she'd never walk again.
But Andrea set a huge goal: to walk out of the hospital on her own.
Every day, she took small, focused actions:
- She insisted on holistic nutrition.
- She got massages and chiropractic adjustments.
- She meditated and visualized herself walking.
- She worked through fear and frustration daily.
Seven years later, she walked out of that hospital on her own two feet.
Doctors called it a miracle. Andrea called it focused effort.
Imagine what you could do with that kind of daily commitment.
Maybe it won't take seven years. Maybe it’ll only take seven months. Or even seven weeks.
But it starts with today.
Building Your Own Rule of 5
Ready to get started?
Here’s how you can build your own Rule of 5 today:
- Pick a Clear Target.– What’s something you really want to do? More income? Better health? Start a side hustle?
- List Five Actions.– What are 5 things you can do today to move toward that goal? Make them simple and achievable.
- Write Them Down.– Use an index card, a sticky note, or your phone. Keep it visible.
- Check Them Off.– Every time you complete one, check it off. Feel that tiny surge of pride.
- Repeat Tomorrow.– Rinse and repeat. Five swings, every day.
That’s it.
Checklist
You don’t need to be perfect. You don’t need to do it all at once.
You just need to swing the axe five times a day.
A Personal Note
When I first started using the Rule of 5, I had no clue if it would work. I just knew I didn’t want to give up on my dream.
So I made a commitment:
- 5 contacts a day.
- 5 content ideas a day.
- 5 emails a day.
- 5 outreach attempts a day.
- 5 minutes of focused visualization a day.
Some days it felt pointless. Some days it felt powerful.
But day by day, my life started to change. The "miracles" started to happen. Connections formed. Opportunities popped up. Little wins turned into big wins.
And it all traced back to one simple rule:
Five actions a day.
Closing Thought
Here’s the real secret:
"You don't have to get it perfect. You just have to get it going."
Most people are so focused on getting it "right" that they never actually start.
Don't let that be you.
Start today. Write down your 5 actions. Take the swings.
Because everything you want is waiting for you.
And the only thing standing between you and it… is the small daily decision to try.
You ready?
Pick up your axe.
Let's get swinging.
I love the way you calmly deliver this information. It makes perfect sense, after reading “A Slight Edge” small consistent steps to keep you on track.
1.Listen to one tape a day
2. Clear one bay in the polytunnel
3. Smile as soon as I wake up
4. Write the list
5. Read the emails and delete
Sounds great I’ll definitely do it
I learned from you Not to go in debt. My resources going down due to added expenses going home, needs at home, due to injury. Please don’t go away.
Several years ago I came upon one of your messages and purchased several hypnosis for different life stages. My self image began to shift & I ended up finding a job that I struggled with for 4 1/2 years but through it was offered a dream job (dream job for me anyway), & have been with the same tiny company since. As I grow as a person & age as we do, I continue to apply the techniques & principles that I have learned from you to improve my living situation & now my health. Although I’m not there yet, I appreciate & have much gratitude for the growth I have gained & will continue to acquire throughout the remainder of my days. Although I still struggle with past inner turmoils, they are less and less frequent. I am still working on financial freedom but coming from a life long mentality of “life is hard, & the world will end at any moment”, I think your programs have made some defining pathways for success in my mind for a life worth living. Thank you for all you do.
Good stuff jake I do have the shiny object syndrome
Hi Jake, I’m from Croatia. I’ve been following your posts on YouTube for a long time. One thing amazes me about you. Your positivity. It inspires me every day and with your help I started to organize my
life in the right way.
I thank you from the bottom of my heart for that.
Thank you!
Hi, this Christian. I am from Los Angeles, California. Jake I have been watching your YouTube videos for over 6 years. I love your positive energy and your teaching how to watch Reprogram your mind. I listen to your Success Hypnosis MP3 twice a daily. I attracted money and many good things in my life.
Thank you, Christian
Thanks Jake,
I was feeling depessed and tired when we started.
Started building my own rule of 5. I feel excited
to start working on my Objectives and associated Activities tomorrow. Needed a kickstart. Please send me a link to find a copy of your work book if possible.
I am from South Africa. Appreciate what you are doing. I am 72 years old and need a new beginning in life. I worked my ass off all my life and now need to generate real money easily so I can start enjoying my life for a change.
It was great to revisit the Circle days. I used to be a member of it a few years ago. So thank you for posting the video. And thank you for helping me to get through some obstacles I faced several years ago. Long story short: I stumbled on your video (back in 2018). Started watching it. Then watched another one, and another one. I dowloaded the hypnosis (it used to be the longer, original one, which I LOVED!!!). I would go for walks and listen to it; over and over. I would go to the beach, sit there and listen to it. And things started happening. Opportunities would show up, out of the blue. As you say: “miracles are normal”. Most definitely! Thanks again Jake. You may not realize it, but you do help a lot of people on daily basis. You and your team are appreciated!
Thank you Jake for sending me this blog about the 5 actions and yes, it does get overwhelming to start on something. Or there is so much content out there. I have started out watching your videos for years on Youtube as I work in Healthcare and wanted something positive to work in my day instead of the negative. I also have courses that you have offered and I’ve used your Success Hypnosis and I listen to the one in the library from Tom Silver. I want to thank you because I have wanted to change the negative talk about money that was put in my head from when I was younger, no fault of my parents. I have read The Secret, have watched the movie a number of times and have read The Magic. I have shifted my ideas of money into something positive and I will keep this up. Thank you again and to this community. I always try to maintain gratitude even in sad or negative situations. I lost a dear coworker in December of 2024, and attended her funeral on April 11th. I miss seeing her at work and her laughter. If her death has taught me anything, I know I am meant for something more in this life. I am wanting to better my financial circumstances and am grateful everyday for life. Take care Jake and yes, miracles are normal.
So, this really seems like something I will try and commit to. It’s sounds simple and doable. Thank you and stay tuned for my success in whatever my Rule of 5 turns out to be.
Hi Jake, you are such an inspiration. I’ve watched some of your videos years back, and was surprised when I stumbled upon you again… Well done!
The Power of 5 — thank you for explaining that! I’m going to implement it as I’m feeling so overwhelmed at a project, that I haven’t been able to start for 2 months. I’m so embarrassed to even say that! Thank you for this blogpost, Jake!
It is really worth Jake, Thank you so much
Hi Jake you are awesome by motivating the world, Thank you so much. I am warrior Venkat from India. By listening your affirmation every day I am attaching some extra money 🤑💰 and good relations with everyone, like a friend of you best family and good carrier. Thank you so much for all.
Hello Jakes, I am greating you today out of sunny South Africa. Today I would like to complement you on your consistency over the years. I first listened to one of your YouTube videos in 2020 and immediately knew that your inspiration will change my life.
For the past year I kind of got side tract by life, focusing on working 12 hours a day, pleasing other people and neglecting my “Spiritual journey, growth and own happiness”.
This “Rule of 5” email shook me out of my rat race and gave me hope, realising that all is not lost and by consistently making small changes every day I will achieve my wellness, and spiritual goal. Stepping out of my comfort zone, daily.
“Miracle do happen to me today!!”
Thank you for your inspiring work!!
Jake Ducey’s hypnosis CD has had a profound impact on my life. I’ve always been open to the power of hypnosis, and this experience confirmed just how transformative it can be. Listening daily strengthened my decision making and gave me a deep, natural sense of confidence. Old doubts and hesitation faded away, and I began trusting myself on a whole new level. It’s helped me step into the life I truly want with clarity and conviction. This CD isn’t just helpful — it’s a catalyst for real, lasting change. Thank you, Jake, for creating something so powerful.
Hi Jake,
😊 oh, what a surprise probably to get a gift more…
I’m Petra from Essen, NRW, Germany and greatful already got input from you…
🙏❤️ just looking for my “real” vocation, looking for “pure ” signs to be able
😃 to realize finally for happyness for me and others, living lucky, healthy, mentally, financially free…
☀️Wishing a rich day in any case,
🎶swinging and singing,
Petra 🎶✨️
Hello I’ve started watching you several years ago and Bob Proctor. I’m living in my vehicle with my dog I’m 60 years old And you and me Proctor lit a fire under me about this law of attraction and I must say it’s so real and if you apply what you and Bob talk about you will see results. I’ve been slowly increasing my manifestations as I’m increasingy knowledge of it all. I finally realize some of the early stuff You spoke about now as if seen the results. For the first time in my life I feel at peace with the world and Universe and one with God and I now live in the wish fulfilled . And I am not kidding I have wonderful things coming to me now all the time and I’m am absolutely grateful for it. I wish I would of learned of this years and years ago. But I decide to participate cuz like you said it takes an action with an intention and so I’m throwing hat into the ring on this. Cuz I believe it’s already done And I’m just waiting to align with your Email telling me so. I am a money magnet and it flows toe easily and often. I’m increasing amounts from various sources of which I’m grateful for … Thank you for reading this Jake I appreciate what I’ve learned from you. I’m always looking for more content from you and others who understand the universal connection . Peace ,prosperity and happiness are my power words and I try to live in them always .So have a wonderful day and keep em coming I love it ..
Hi Jake, my name is Nishi and my “husband” is Jimmy. When we started listening to your free hypnosis back in Oct. 2023, my husband and I rekindled our relationship so much that we were both so in love all over again after 16 yrs. We didn’t even realize it had dipped that low. When we started acting like giddy teenagers, we became so happy and healthy and energetic, it seemed like we were living a fantasy, to this day. Our love was so energized that within 3 months, a tornado hit our house head on! We were so happy that we, and our pets, survived even though our roof got blown off. We had no insurance because the insurance companies would not offer coverage until we chopped all our trees down around the house. Well, the tornado knocked down the trees and miraculously, they all fell away from the house by inches! We still felt such a strong sense of love for each other and have been living under a tarped roof since. We climb up on the roof often to fix it when the strong winds and hurricanes come. But we are still madly in love and still listen to your hypnosis tapes. Jimmy is 69 with constant horrible shoulder and back pain, and I am 64 and have an “incurable” autoimmune disorder called myasthenia gravis. We only have a social security income and now have been developing our internet businesses. We journal everyday being so happy and grateful now that we make avalanches of money flowing to us everyday! Our list is endless with what to do with the money. When the tornado encircled our house and ripped off the roof, all the inside walls and furnishings were destroyed, so we have a long list just for the house remodeling. Once we make our fist $15,000, we will get a new roof. I am so excited to study your program and be financially successful. I am a retired optometrist and lost $5 million dollars in a divorce, lost custody of my daughter because my ex paid off the judge and then he tried to kill me. Then my son died. Jimmy rescued me and we both started our relationship empty-handed, other than our social security income, which is pennies. So we are busy! Love all your videos and programs. I’ve meditated all my life. I am so happy to be around like-minded people like you! Thank you Jake for all you offer. We appreciate your enthusiasm to teach others what you have learned through your own experiences.
I have learnt that repetition is a way out because the 5 rule consists of repeating the task over and over again until it becomes a reality. I am on the journey of manifesting big things because next month I am actually graduating since I obtained my degree. I am going to practice this technique until I find my teaching job this year. Wish me luck please.
I look forward to using the Rule of 5 and enjoying the amazing results myself. Thank you for this important
information that will transform my life.
Hey, Jake! I’m 1 of yours, lol!! This is awesome stuff – Thank You! Finished the blog and saw the words only (not the video, yet) ‘win cash and prizes’ so I decided to comment 1st and then maybe watch the details. I can’t convey how much your work has added to my life! Thank you, again!!