A Bit of Optimism Revisited: The First Steps To Reducing Your Anxiety with Author Mel Robbins
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Jan 6, 2026 
In this engaging discussion, Mel Robbins, a bestselling author and speaker known for her transformative Five Second Rule, shares her personal journey from financial struggle to empowerment. She emphasizes the importance of simple tools for overcoming anxiety and inactivity. Mel encourages listeners to act despite their emotions and to stop controlling others’ choices, thereby reducing stress. She also highlights the value of supportive relationships and co-writing her book with her daughter as a healing experience. Tune in for practical insights to live authentically!
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From Debt To A Viral Rule
- Mel Robbins described hitting rock bottom in 2011 with $800,000 in debt and using the five second rule to get out of bed and take action.
- A panic-filled TEDx talk accidentally launched the technique into global use after it was posted online.
Use The Five Second Countdown
- Use the five second rule: count 5-4-3-2-1 to move before your brain kills motivation.
- Repeat the countdown to launch yourself through hesitation and take the small actions that accumulate progress.
Simplicity Wins When Overwhelmed
- Simple, obvious solutions work best when people are overwhelmed because complex ideas require cognitive bandwidth they don't have.
- Mel emphasizes that simplicity increases useability under stress.
