Mel Robbins: This One Hack Will Unlock Your Happier Life
Nov 29, 2021
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Mel Robbins, renowned author and motivational speaker, shares her journey from a dull life to becoming a self-improvement sensation. She discusses the powerful 'five-second rule' to combat negative thoughts and how reframing anxiety as excitement can enhance performance. Mel emphasizes the 'high five habit' as a transformative tool for self-acceptance, and highlights the importance of actionable steps beyond mere affirmations for real change. Her honest reflections on trauma and resilience inspire listeners to embrace their worth and navigate personal growth.
The five-second rule disrupts negative thought patterns and empowers individuals to take immediate action.
The High Five Habit cultivates self-love and gratitude, breaking destructive patterns of self-criticism.
Reframing anxiety as excitement can improve focus and performance by tricking the brain.
Healing from trauma involves open communication, therapy, and replacing destructive thoughts with positive beliefs.
Deep dives
The Power of the Five Second Rule
The five-second rule, developed by the speaker, is a technique to disrupt negative thought patterns and take immediate action. By counting backwards from five to one, individuals can interrupt hesitation and activate the prefrontal cortex for more focused decision-making. This rule has been proven effective in managing anxiety, overcoming procrastination, and changing behavior patterns. It empowers individuals to take action and make positive changes in their lives.
The High Five Habit: Cultivating Self-Love and Gratitude
The High Five Habit involves high-fiving oneself in the mirror every morning after brushing teeth to cultivate self-love and gratitude. By expressing support, encouragement, and acceptance to oneself, this habit aims to break destructive patterns of self-criticism and judgment. The speaker believes that many people struggle with self-esteem and negative self-talk despite outward success, and the High Five Habit provides a simple but powerful tool to shift their mindset and develop self-compassion.
Transforming Anxiety through Excitement
The podcast episode discusses reframing anxiety as excitement by understanding the connection between physiologic responses. When experiencing anxiety or nervousness, individuals can reframe their thoughts by saying, 'I'm excited.' This tactic tricks the brain and prevents the release of cortisol, leading to better focus and performance. The speaker shares personal experiences of using this technique to overcome fear of flying and manage anxiety in various situations. The ability to transform anxiety into excitement can positively impact personal and professional lives.
Breaking Free from Trauma and Negative Patterns
The podcast delves into the speaker's personal journey of healing from trauma, including childhood sexual abuse. The speaker emphasizes the importance of open communication and seeking therapy to process traumatic experiences. Understanding the impact of trauma on the nervous system and recognizing triggers are vital steps towards healing. By breaking negative patterns of behavior, individuals can replace destructive thoughts with positive and empowering beliefs, ultimately transforming their lives.
Embracing Self-Acceptance: The Power of the High Five Habit
The podcast episode explores the concept of self-rejection and self-criticism that many people experience every morning. The speaker shares their personal experience of negativity when looking in the mirror and reveals how they discovered a simple practice called the High Five Habit. By giving oneself a high five in the mirror, they found that the physical action creates a partnership with oneself, promoting self-acceptance and self-love. This practice creates a deep sense of connection and validation, allowing individuals to honor themselves and feel excited to see their own reflection. The High Five Habit helps overcome the habit of self-rejection and promotes a powerful shift in mindset.
The Impact of Self-Criticism and Building Self-Worth
The podcast delves into the detrimental effects of self-criticism and how it hinders personal growth and well-being. It highlights the common trait of individuals not feeling worthy of love or respect, evidenced by the difficulty in looking at oneself in the mirror. The speaker emphasizes that self-criticism and self-hatred are not casual actions but acts of self-rejection. The episode mentions how society tends to focus on improving external appearances or achievements, such as physical appearance or career success, leading to a lack of self-acceptance. By practicing the High Five Habit and intentionally acting like the person they want to become, individuals can shift their relationship with themselves, embracing self-compassion, and promoting self-worth.
The Power of High Fives and Building Trust in Oneself
The podcast episode highlights the significance of the physical action of giving oneself a high five in boosting mood and triggering dopamine release. It explains the celebratory nature of high fives and how they communicate acceptance, congratulations, and collaboration. The speaker emphasizes the absence of negative thoughts while performing this action, as it does not align with the brain's positive programming. It further explores how the High Five Habit helps individuals build trust and connection with themselves, fostering a sense of safety and emotional well-being. By practicing self-validation and seeing oneself with love and support consistently, individuals can transform their lives and develop a profound trust in their ability to overcome challenges.
Mel Robbins is the author of The Five Second Rule, a business woman, a life coach, and a sensation in the world of self improvement. Her new book is The High Five Habit, it offers simple techniques to feel more confident in yourself and to recognise your true self worth. Mel also runs a seven figure business which provides courses in self-improvement and life coaching. One of the most sought after motivational speakers in the world, Mel managed to turn around her boring, grey life into one that takes her all over the world meeting all types of inspiring people. Today she tells you how you can do this too.
Speaking to Mel, and reading her new book, what jumps out is her incredible honesty. Mel never pretends that it has all been plain sailing for her, or that she’s always had an easy time validating herself. But through it all, Mel’s managed to work things out. We were very excited to hear how she did it.
