How ‘let them’ theory touched millions of social media icon Mel Robbins’ followers; what it is, and how applying it could change your life

Why parents and partners want to be controlling, and how to let go as a parent, explained – we deep-dive into podcast host Mel Robbins’ ‘let them’ theory

What Robbins is telling us is to let go of control over situations and the behaviour of others – for our own peace of mind and to avoid frustration

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When popular American podcaster, author and motivational speaker Mel Robbins (above) posted an Instagram reel about the “let them” theory in May 2023, it attracted more than 14 million views in a week. We explain her theory. Photo: mel.robbins.com

Published: 4:15am, 23 Jan 2024Updated: 5:45am, 23 Jan 2024

When American podcast host, author and motivational speaker Mel Robbins posted an Instagram reel about the “let them” theory in May 2023, it attracted more than 14 million views in a week, and thousands of comments.

“If your friends are not inviting you out to brunch this weekend, let them. If the person that you’re attracted to is not interested in a commitment, let them. If your kids do not want to get up and go to that thing with you this week, let them,” says Robbins at the start of the clip.

“Stop wasting energy on trying to get other people to meet your expectations.”

She then did a more detailed podcast on the theory: The “Let Them Theory”: A Life-Changing Mindset Hack That 15 Million People Can’t Stop Talking About.

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“I can bottom line this in one sentence,” she writes in the introduction.