Just five minutes can change everything!

Recently former Miss America, Cheslie Kryst, took her own life. After hearing a speech yesterday themed around having five more minutes, I wonder what her family and friends would have said to her if they could go back in time and have five more minutes with her. Maybe instead of hearing about the tragic end to her young life, we'd hear an impactful narrative on beginning again. Imagine the impact she could have had continuing the dialogue of her depression or sharing how she healed from emotional trauma. Maybe she could have written a book for young people on dealing with online trolling or stalking. She certainly had the potential to continue to use her voice and platform in amazingly significant ways. If we could only have five more minutes with her.

Just five minutes at the right time could change everything.

Consider the following:

• Having a potentially life saving health screening could take less than five minutes
• The highest percentage of goals in soccer matches are scored either in the first or last five minutes of the game
• Abraham Lincoln delivered The Gettysburg Address in less than two minutes, and the entire speech was fewer than 275 words long
• Finding and scheduling an appointment with a grief counselor, therapist, or mental health specialist can be accomplished in a few minutes
• Hearing a live voice on the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline takes about one minute (I called just to see how long it took!)

Five minutes is both the shortest amount of time and the most critical amount of time when it comes to helping others. Taking five minutes to really listen, five minutes to console, or five minutes to offer help may be the most important thing you do this week.

Start each day with at least five minutes of quiet time. If you are in an office, take a five-minute walk around the office at least 2-3 times per day. Look around. Listen. Initiate a conversation with someone. If you manage or lead remotely, pick up the phone, schedule a Zoom call, or send a text or email. If you are in sales, make a five minute call to a customer to see how you could better serve them. Take five minutes at the start or end of every meeting you have to thank someone for their contributions. Call just to check-in with a colleague, friend or family member. It's just five minutes.

I know things are a bit stressful right now. What are your thoughts on our workload, the project you are working on, how we can better manage our team, customers, suppliers, etc.?

While I know we have strong divergent opinions on _____________, I'd like to hear your thoughts so I can understand your rationale. Is this a good time for a quick conversation?

I don't think I did a good job conveying the important points of my presentation. I wondered if you might share where I could have improved?

We obviously didn't live up to our normal standards Mr. or Ms. customer. How can we make it right?

What can I take off your plate today?

Do you have five minutes? I just wanted to check on you and how things are going for you today.

You don't seem like yourself? What can I do to help?

How are you ... really?

What else can you do in under five minutes that makes a difference to yourself or others?

• Stop “doing.” Close your eyes, take ten deep breaths and just be
• Unplug. Turn off all electronic devices (for way longer than five minutes!)
• Go outside and listen to nature. Pay attention to what you see and hear
• Make a list of five things for which you are grateful
• Delegate a project that is weighing on you
• Do 10 pushups and 50 sit-ups
• Listen to your favorite song?
• Give someone a hug
• Read an inspirational verse, start a chapter of a book, or write a short letter
• Play the piano or your favorite instrument
• Start a conversation for which you have been procrastinating
• Tidy your desk
• Make someone laugh

In just five minutes - or maybe even longer - you could totally change an outcome for yourself or others. You might even save a life.