The High 5 Habit Book Summary - The High 5 Habit Book explained in key points
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The High 5 Habit summary

Mel Robbins

It's Time to Cheer for Yourself

4.4 (1331 ratings)
18 mins

Brief summary

The High 5 Habit by Mel Robbins is a self-improvement book that introduces a five-second habit to increase confidence, decrease anxiety, and improve daily performance, leading to a better life.

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    The High 5 Habit
    Summary of 6 key ideas

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    Key idea 1 of 6

    Start the day by high-fiving your reflection.

    When you stand in front of the mirror each morning, brushing your teeth, what thoughts do you have about the person staring back at you? Do you congratulate yourself on the person you’ve become? Do you think about how great you look, or marvel at all the wonderful things your body can do?

    Or do you, like most of us, spend those morning minutes criticizing yourself and finding fault with your body?

    The author, Mel Robbins, used to do that, too. First thing each day, she would stand before the mirror and pick apart her appearance – criticizing her chin, hating her neck, loathing her stomach. This self-flagellation would continue until she moved on to the second routine of her morning: fretting about the day’s many pressing tasks.

    But then something unexpected happened. One day, things went differently.

    The key message here is: Start the day by high-fiving your reflection.

    On that morning, Robbins didn’t criticize or fret. Instead, she raised her hand toward her reflection in a kind of salute. Then she stuck it out and high-fived herself in the mirror.

    Why? It wasn’t an easy question to answer. She was stressed and tired and dissatisfied with herself. She needed some support. But she knew the support had to come from within. In a way, the high five was a demonstration of self-belief.

    It seemed corny, sure – but it felt good. She made the high fives a habit, and every morning she came away from the mirror feeling a little bit better about herself.

    In fact, there was something about the act of high-fiving her reflection that made Robbins pause and reevaluate some important things. Wouldn't life be better, she thought, if she cheered for herself a little bit more? If, instead of voicing self-criticism, she showered herself with words of love, praise, and encouragement?

    When you look in the mirror tomorrow morning, you’ll face a choice. You can spend the time mulling over your failings and lingering on life’s problems – or you can take a minute to congratulate and encourage yourself. 

    Choose wisely, and high-five your reflection.

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    What is The High 5 Habit about?

    The High 5 Habit (2021) offers a startling proposition: A single change to your morning routine can help upend your outmoded, self-limiting attitudes and kick your life into top gear. Interwoven with personal anecdotes and scientific research, this blueprint for life transformation makes self-improvement seem easier than ever.

    The High 5 Habit Review

    The High 5 Habit by Mel Robbins (2021) introduces a powerful strategy for transforming our mindset and achieving our goals. Here are three reasons why this book is worth reading:

    • Packed with practical techniques, it provides readers with a step-by-step blueprint to implement the High 5 Habit and create positive change in their lives.
    • By sharing compelling stories and personal experiences, Robbins brings the concept to life, making it relatable and inspiring.
    • The book goes beyond motivation and offers actionable strategies to overcome self-doubt, boost confidence, and foster a winning mindset.

    Who should read The High 5 Habit?

    • Self-improvement and personal-development fanatics 
    • Anyone who wants to change but needs a strong dose of pep and energy
    • Armchair psychologists interested in the workings of emotional growth

    About the Author

    Mel Robbins is a best-selling author and personal-development pundit who lives in New England with her husband and three kids. She’s the creator of the number-one podcast on Audible, Start Here: Pep Talks for Life. Her other books include The 5 Second Rule.

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    The High 5 Habit FAQs 

    What is the main message of The High 5 Habit?

    The main message of The High 5 Habit is to start your day with gratitude and positivity to improve your mindset and performance.

    How long does it take to read The High 5 Habit?

    The reading time for The High 5 Habit varies depending on the reader, but it typically takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in 15 minutes.

    Is The High 5 Habit a good book? Is it worth reading?

    The High 5 Habit is worth reading as it provides practical strategies to enhance your mindset and daily routines for greater success and happiness.

    Who is the author of The High 5 Habit?

    The author of The High 5 Habit is Mel Robbins.

    What to read after The High 5 Habit?

    If you're wondering what to read next after The High 5 Habit, here are some recommendations we suggest:
    • The 5 Second Rule by Mel Robbins
    • The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
    • A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle
    • The 10X Rule by Grant Cardone
    • The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz & Janet Mills
    • The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg
    • Perfectly Confident by Don A. Moore
    • The 80/20 Principle by Richard Koch
    • Be Obsessed or Be Average by Grant Cardone
    • The Courage Habit by Kate Swoboda