Yes, I met Mel Robbins using the 5 Second Rule! If you’ve never heard about Mel Robbins, it’s about time you did. She is a bestselling author and one of the most-booked female speakers in the United States. Her latest book, The 5 Second Rule: Transform Your Life, Work, and Confidence with Everyday Courage is currently #4 on Audible and #7 overall on Amazon.

I’ve listened to her book multiple times and have used The 5 Second Rule to blast through my fear and procrastination to help me grow my business and move out of my comfort zone. So, it’s both cool and ironic that I met Mel Robbins using The 5 Second Rule.

Before I tell you the story, here is a brief explanation of how The 5 Second Rule works. When you feel the urge to do something positive and proactive for your business (or any area of your life), before the fear, procrastination, and resistance kick in, count down in your head, “5, 4, 3, 2, 1, Go!” and physically move. This short-circuits fear and the tendency for procrastination so you can take action.

How I Met Mel Robbins Using The 5 Second Rule:

About a month ago, while attending a committee meeting at the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, someone handed me a flier for a women’s event being held downtown Cincinnati the following week. I looked at the flier and did a double-take. “Holy crap!” The speaker being featured at this event was a bestselling author whose book has been a huge positive influence on me. That’s right, Mel Robbins!

As soon as the meeting wrapped up, I whipped out my phone and checked my calendar. Ugh, I had a conflicting lunch appointment that day! I am someone who honors my commitments so the thought of rescheduling left me feeling a little icky inside. Then my inner wisdom whispered, “What’s the harm in asking?” So, using The 5 Second Rule, I 5, 4, 3, 2, 1… and sent an email asking the woman if she minded rescheduling our meeting for the following Thursday. “Actually, that would work even better for me,” came the reply. Hurdle #1, cleared!

I went to the Chase Women in Business website to RSVP for the event. Cincinnati was NOT showing on the list of events. “Uh oh,” I thought. “Is registration for this event closed?? Mel Robbins is a big deal! The event is probably full!”  I notice an email address at the bottom of the page. Again, my inner wisdom whispered, “What’s the harm in asking?” So, using The 5 Second Rule, I 5, 4, 3, 2, 1… and shoot off a quick email asking if there is any possible way to still register for the event, hoping I don’t sound too desperate. I wait two agonizing days to get a cheery reply that of course I am welcome to come. Yay!

The event was being held in the city and I always stress out when I have to drive through downtown Cincinnati. “What if I can’t find anywhere to park? What if I get lost and end up in a bad part of town?” Traffic was particularly horrendous because of construction on one of the major bridges into the city, on top of a daytime Reds’ baseball game. I drove around the block twice, passing three parking garages marked “Full.” The little whiny voice in the back of my head says, “Maybe we should just go home.” So, I 5, 4, 3, 2, 1… and pull into the line for valet parking at the Westin.

As I’m getting out of my car, my inner wisdom whispers, “Take a copy of your book to give to Mel!” My inner critic replies, “Mel Robbins does NOT want a copy of your book.” I hesitate for a second, then I 5, 4, 3, 2, 1… and stuff a copy of Money is Emotional in my already bulging purse and hand the keys to the valet with a nervous smile.

As I’m walking through the Westin, trying to locate which huge ballroom this event is held in, because I’m sure there will be 500+ women in attendance, my mind is racing. “What if there are so many people there that I don’t get to talk to Mel Robbins? What if I actually do get to talk to Mel, one of my idol authors? What should I say? Will get completely tongue-tied and say something stupid? What if I give her my book and she doesn’t want it?”

I find the registration table and check in. I round the corner and a cheery voice says, “Hi, what’s your first name?” “Christine.” I look up and it’s Mel-freaking-Robbins, right in front of me, signing her book for me! Fortunately, I find my voice and say, “I’m so excited to meet you, Mel! I’m a huge fan of The 5 Second Rule. In fact, I have a gift for you. I almost didn’t bring it, but then I 5, 4, 3, 2, 1… and here you go.” And I handed her a copy of my book.

Not only did she graciously accept my book, Mel surprised me by insisting we get a selfie together!  In a word, it was awesome!  During the event which only had about 100 women in attendance, we had breakout sessions at our table to discuss the things that she was teaching us. After one such breakout, Mel asked for people to share a goal they were working on, so I 5, 4, 3, 2, 1… and raised my hand. She came over to me with the microphone and I explained how I was working on my second book which will be for self-employed creatives and professionals. Mel says, “Hold on.” She goes over to the stage and grabs her copy of Money is Emotional and holds it up so everyone can see it and says, “This is Christine’s first book. You guys should check it out!” I swear, I almost fainted!

And to think I almost didn’t go!  But I used The 5 Second Rule multiple times to push past my resistance and I did. The event itself was phenomenal and I can’t thank Chase Women in Business enough for putting it on. The whole thing was free and they even comped my valet parking!

The lesson here is this: listen to your inner wisdom! And using The 5 Second Rule definitely works to shut up your inner critic/ whiner. Of course, I highly recommend that you listen or read Mel Robbins’ book, The 5 Second Rule. In it, she explains the science behind why the countdown works and the many ways it can be applied to increase your confidence and productivity.

And that’s the story of how I met one of my author idols, Mel Robbins, by using The 5 Second Rule!