Spring Forward: Embracing Change with the "Let Them" Theory

Embrace the "let them" mindset and leap forward with confidence into new opportunities.

On March 9th, many of us experienced the “spring forward” time change for Daylight Saving Time. While this is certainly an interesting and highly debated topic, instead of focusing on Daylight Saving Time specifically, let’s explore together this intriguing idea of springing forward. Spring is right around the corner and this change in season often brings about many positive associations. Take a minute for yourself and just pause and close your eyes. What comes to your mind when you think of spring? Allow yourself to daydream about this for a little while. Do certain images come up that make you smile? Sit with that moment if you can and bask in what you are feeling. Are there other thoughts and emotions that come to mind that maybe are not so cheerful? Be curious about these too. Even though it’s challenging, try not to brush those off. Instead, you can use this visualization exercise where you picture your thoughts and emotions as clouds and then imagine that they are floating by you in the sky. While you are acknowledging what comes up, you are striving to not pass judgement and just allow them to pass you by, which in turn helps you to feel calmer. 

We can also view the season of spring as a time of growth and new beginnings. Is there something that you want to take action on or spring forward with? Whether it’s creating more time for yourself, incorporating healthy habits in your routine, changing how you interact with others, or anything else in between, what is speaking to you right now? What can be important to remind ourselves is that when we spring forward, it does not have to be a significant change that we undertake. Saying “no” to someone to set a boundary, drinking a glass of water instead of an energy drink, taking a deep breath instead of yelling during a heated argument. There are countless examples. These acts are powerful because they are contributing to overarching goals you may have, such as standing up for yourself, nourishing your body, and helping regulate your emotions more effectively. 

You may have these ideas of how you want to live more authentically by honoring what is important to you. However, often what happens is that we let roadblocks get in the way. One of the biggest factors that keeps us from springing forward is the opinion of others. We are letting how we think people are going to respond dictate our own actions. While there are many techniques that can help us with combatting this very real and challenging force of the fear of rejection, we want to focus in this blog on the “The Let Them Theory” created by Mel Robbins, who is a well known and award winning author, motivational speaker, entrepreneur, and podcast host. You may have already heard of this book or are currently reading it. Given all of the buzz, this was an easy choice to select for Think Happy Live Healthy’s book club last month. We had a great discussion and encourage you to read this book for yourself if you have not had the opportunity yet. Mel talks about how using the words “let them” will set you free.  Let them disagree. Let them judge. Let them not invite you to something. Let them. By saying “let them” you are releasing yourself from the responsibility of trying to change someone else, something that you have absolutely no control over. Then comes the very important “let me” part. Let me choose how I am going to respond. Let me take time to think about what I want. Let me decide my next steps. Let me walk away. Now think of how you can apply “let me” to an important decision you have in your life right now. Mel has done significant research and interviewed many experts in their fields to come up with “The Let Them Theory” and her book gives several practical ways to apply this theory in your daily life. 

So just to recap. Start by thinking of one thing you want to do today to help yourself spring forward to become a happier and healthier human. It does not have to be a significant change. As you reflect on what that may be, listen to yourself. Notice the thoughts and feelings that are coming up and practice a visualization exercise, such as picturing them as clouds floating past you. Are the factors that are stopping you from taking that first step related to how other people are going to respond? If that is the case, it’s time to say “let them.” Then focus your energy on what you can do and empower yourself by saying “let me.” Focus on these words and know that it is completely understandable and expected if you need to continuously repeat these words as you work through each decision. Therapy can help you process these complex factors that you are experiencing and provide support as you strive to say “let them” and “let me.” In her book, Mel frequently expresses her excitement for her readers that they have this powerful tool and the opportunities that lie ahead of them. At Think Happy Live Healthy, we are excited for you too. Let’s spring forward together.