Book Review: The High 5 Habit by Mel Robbins

Mel Robbins is no stranger to shaking up the self-help scene with simple yet transformative ideas. After the global success of The 5 Second Rule, she returns with The High 5 Habit, a book that blends neuroscience, storytelling, and practical psychology to deliver another empowering, life-altering message: start every day by giving yourself a high five in the mirror.

What Is The High 5 Habit About?

At its core, The High 5 Habit is about learning to support yourself the way you cheer on others. It tackles a key issue so many people face in silence: low self-worth and negative self-talk. Mel Robbins argues that most of us are kind to others but cruel to ourselves. Her solution? Start the day by making eye contact with yourself in the mirror and giving a literal high five.

Yes — it feels awkward. That’s the point.

The book explores:

• Why most of us don’t have our own backs (and how that affects our mental health)
• How to rewire your brain’s reticular activating system (RAS) to focus on positivity and progress
• The psychological and neurological reasons why high fives trigger a feeling of celebration, motivation, and trust
• Real-life stories from people whose lives have changed after adopting this habit

Key Takeaways

1. You Need to Like the Person in the Mirror

Robbins insists you can’t achieve true success or happiness if you’re constantly criticizing yourself. The High 5 Habit helps you interrupt negative thought loops by associating your reflection with encouragement.

2. Celebration Builds Confidence

Just like athletes high-five to celebrate small wins, giving yourself a high five tells your brain: I believe in you. This simple act builds emotional resilience and a deep sense of self-trust.

3. Change Starts with Self-Awareness

The book includes exercises to help identify negative self-beliefs and turn them into supportive, constructive thoughts — a recurring theme in Robbins’ work.

4. Your Morning Routine Shapes Your Identity

How you start your day impacts everything. Instead of doom-scrolling or criticizing your appearance, Robbins teaches you to build a habit loop of self-validation.

Strengths of the Book

• Backed by science: Robbins references solid psychological and neurological research that supports her claims about self-talk, habit formation, and behavior change.
• Relatable stories: From audience members to Robbins herself, the book is packed with moving testimonials that show the real-world impact of this small daily gesture.
• Simple but not shallow: While the concept is easy to grasp, the depth of reflection Robbins encourages makes it truly transformative.
• Motivational but practical: Robbins doesn’t just hype you up — she gives actionable steps and journaling prompts to implement the habit.

Potential Drawbacks

• Repetitive at times: The book could have been more concise. Robbins reiterates the core idea a lot, which may feel redundant after the halfway point.
• Skeptics may roll their eyes: If you’re deeply cynical or allergic to anything remotely “self-helpy,” this book might be a tough sell at first. However, Robbins anticipates this and addresses it with humor and evidence.

Who Should Read This Book?

• Anyone struggling with self-doubt, low self-esteem, or burnout
• Entrepreneurs and leaders who are motivated but emotionally drained
• People who love habit-forming books like Atomic Habits or The Power of Now, but want something more emotionally focused
• Fans of Mel Robbins who appreciated The 5 Second Rule and want the next step

Favorite Quote

“You have spent your whole life cheering for everyone else. Isn’t it time you started cheering for yourself?”

This single line captures the heart of The High 5 Habit — a simple invitation to treat yourself like someone worth rooting for.

Final Verdict

⭐ Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

The High 5 Habit isn’t about vanity, and it’s not about toxic positivity. It’s about forming a small, daily ritual of self-connection and encouragement — one that can shift your mindset, your confidence, and eventually your life.

If you’re stuck in a cycle of self-criticism, or just want a low-friction way to reset your mornings, this book is absolutely worth your time. Mel Robbins once again proves that the biggest changes start with the smallest decisions — in this case, a high five in the mirror.

FAQ

Q: Is this book similar to The 5 Second Rule?
A: Yes, both books offer quick, actionable habits rooted in psychology. But The High 5 Habit goes deeper into emotional healing and self-trust.

Q: Does the habit really work?
A: According to many readers and scientific studies cited by Robbins, yes — it activates positive neural pathways and helps disrupt negative self-talk.

Q: Is it just for women?
A: Not at all. While Robbins’ audience often includes women, the habit and message are universal and relevant to all genders.

Q: Do I need a mirror?
A: The mirror is part of the ritual’s impact, but the deeper lesson is about self-acknowledgment, which can happen in other forms too.

Q: Can I implement it even if I don’t feel confident?
A: Absolutely — Robbins argues the best time to start is when you don’t feel confident. The habit helps rebuild it over time.

Conclusion

The High 5 Habit by Mel Robbins offers a refreshing take on personal growth — one that starts not with goal-setting or grinding harder, but with an act of self-kindness. In a world where we constantly battle burnout and self-doubt, this mirror high five might be exactly the habit we need to reset how we see ourselves — and what we believe we’re capable of.

Try it tomorrow morning. You might be surprised who you see looking back.