Cheer Yourself Forward with the High 5 Habit
“You can’t change from a place of hate. You must start from a place of love.” – Mel Robbins
Giving someone a “high five” is a universal way for people to connect, celebrate achievements, show support and encouragement, and express enthusiasm. You’ve probably given many people “high fives” during your lifetime, but have you ever given yourself one?
In her book The High 5 Habit, Mel Robbins, a renowned speaker and best-selling author, shares how and why you should give yourself a high five.
To do this, simply stand in front of the bathroom mirror right after you wake up. Take a moment to be present, then raise your hand and touch the mirror with your whole palm.
This simple action communicates confidence (I believe in you), celebration (You are amazing), validation (I see you), optimism (You can do this), and action (You got this, keep going). Your body already understands the significance of a high five – it’s a familiar signal. However, high fiving yourself in the mirror is something a little unusual, so your brain takes notice. By making this a daily ritual, your brain starts associating the positive messages of the high five with your own image. This helps to replace feelings of self-doubt and self-criticism with feelings of self-love and self-acceptance. Such a simple habit can boost your productivity and influence how you show up all day. Mel provides an easy way to get started by taking her High 5 Challenge. Sign up for free on her website.
Mel also offers a method for a high five morning by creating a series of wins as soon as you wake up:
Get up when the alarm rings: Demonstrate that you do what you say you are going to do by getting up when you said you wanted to (no snooze button!). Go to bed early if that’s what it takes.
Tell yourself what you need to hear: Put your hand over your heart to calm your nervous system and say “I’m okay. I’m safe. I’m loved.”
Give yourself a gift: Strengthen your discipline and commitment by making your bed.
Celebrate yourself: Look at yourself in the mirror and give yourself a high five.
Take care of yourself: Put your exercise clothes on. This makes it easier to complete your goal of moving your body.
Train your RAS (the brain’s filter for focus): Spend a few minutes journaling to clear your mind, define what you want, and visualize yourself doing what it takes to reach those goals. You can try Mel’s High 5 Journal for free.
Learn more from Mel Robbins by reading The High 5 Habit or The 5 Second Rule and listening to The Mel Robbins Podcast.
Remember to cheer yourself on every day - you’ve got this!