How 365 days of the Mel Robbins podcast has changed my life
Hearing ‘It’s your friend Mel… and welcome to the Mel Robbins Podcast!’ on my walk to class is pure comfort. Those 10 words always mean a great episode is about to begin, and I will walk away feeling all the wiser.
One of my 2025 New Year’s resolutions was to commit to a year of listening to Mel Robbins on my walks to class instead of doomscrolling on my way down Market Street. I didn’t expect this habit to do much, except keep me from walking and staring at my phone the entire time. However, I was happily surprised by the impact that such a seemingly small habit has had on my life.
Like many of us, I was first exposed to Mel Robbins by the trending “Let Them Theory” TikTok audio overwhelming my algorithm every time I opened the app. People making videos about how this podcaster helped reframe their outlook on life and what self-care really means; slowly, Mel Robbins began to implement a framework for how I now approach university, adversities, relationships, and myself.
Mel Robbins Rule #1: Action over Reaction
One of the biggest lessons I’ve first learned from Mel is that action comes before motivation, not the other way around. As a student, I have found it very easy to react to a situation and wait until I “feel ready” to take action: studying, writing my essays, or even trekking out to the Sport Centre, often in my life, were actions built on my reaction to my emotions rather than an intentional decision. Mel brings together doctors, psychologists,s and athletic professionals to discuss this mental shift from reaction to independent action, and how this small change can greatly impact your productivity and overall confidence.
In my own life, I have tried to make a conscientious decision to build daily habits that prevent me from falling into the pattern of overthinking and emotionally reacting to my situation, instead of building my environment. I am no longer dependent upon my reaction to a situation but trust the processes I have built to help me overcome these hurdles.
Mel Robbins Rule #2: Taking Responsibility for my Life
Nobody is coming to solve your problems. This was a harsh truth Mel Robbins coined. Growing into adulthood has made me realize that no one is coming to rescue me or force me to take action to reach my goals. It is up to my own conscious decisions and the efforts I make myself. Mel Robbins emphasizes that while this is an overwhelming idea, the need to empower and take accountability for yourself and no one else is actually such a beautiful mental shift. This mindset has helped me stop complaining and always searching for reassurance from those I love.
While I know they want what’s best for me, I’m ultimately learning the power of taking responsibility for my own actions. Since trying to implement her recommendations, I have noticed that rather than stressing, ruminating over issues, and constantly looking for permission from others, I focus more on action and problem-solving. This shift not only feels like a major step into adulthood, but it also makes me infinitely prouder of my actions because I know I was in control of their outcome.
Mel Robbins Rule #3: Reframing Anxieties
While I have learned so much academically during my time at St. Andrews, my four years here have also taught me that university is stressful. Pressures from marks, future career ambitions, student societies, and financial stress can really add an extra layer to an already difficult degree. Sometimes, these pressures can feel very isolating, especially when I fall into the trap of equating pressure with failure.
Hearing Mel speak with world-renowned academics, professionals, and inspiring individuals has given me a glimpse of what these pressures can do over the long term, particularly in building mental resilience and achieving long-term professional goals. While I will not claim that hearing these stories has completely eliminated my anxieties, having real-life testimonies from people who are also under great pressure, explaining how they channelled their stress into intentional action, has been a valuable practice I am trying to implement. St Andrews can be rigorous, and often it can feel like you are always sinking, no matter how much catch-up you play. Taking Mel’s advice and using pressure not as something against me but as something that motivates me has immensely helped me deal with it from day to day.
I know one thing for certain, Mel’s words have deeply impacted my 2025, and are definitely coming into 2026 with me. I cannot wait to see how I continue to apply the lessons I have already learned, and how I can grow alongside her podcast. I am ever-changing, learning how to turn the challenges of adulthood into a path to growth and strength. Mel has helped me put words to what I was feeling and shown me how deeply impactful it is to have someone affirm the normalcy of what we are all going through. Adulthood is not something I am aiming for, but something I am building day by day, and I cannot wait to see the kind of person I grow to be with the help of my friend Mel.