College students are experiencing the age most covered by self-help and advice influencers: the early 20s. As a period marked by both highs and lows, it is difficult to navigate the nuances – and know what advice to resonate with.
Mel Robbins, author and podcast host, has a new audience on TikTok of young adults. Here, she is helping college students and others experiencing their early 20s explore ways to a better life – and all of her words stand above the noise of bombarding self-help influencers.
Robbins stands out for her ability to offer preventative advice – actions students can take before an issue arises. In a viral TikTok trend, young adults are following what they’ve labeled “the Mel Robbins morning routine.” This routine consists of getting out of bed within five seconds of the first alarm, drinking water, getting sunlight and finding time for physical movement – all before the rest of the morning proceeds.
This routine is practical, not time consuming and a holistic approach to the morning – in contrast with advice that is fully centered around one aspect of life such as physical health or mental health. It better caters to her audience who struggle to make time or motivate themselves in different areas of well-being.
Robbins also rises above the noise of useless self-help advice by reminiscing on her own life and what she wishes someone told her when she was in her 20s. In a podcast clip that ended up going viral, she said, “I wish somebody would have grabbed me by my shoulders and told me to take the biggest risks ever when I was in my 20s.”
Before that wish, she admitted that she messed up her 20s. Her regretful, yet simultaneously hopeful tone creates a relatable space for students and young adults to want to follow her advice. By challenging the conventions of being realistic and staying put, Robbins motivates students to take risks – and she does not tell them exactly how to do this, exemplifying her understanding of the nuances of the early 20s and that risks vary by person.
Robbins certainly has practical and futuristic advice, but she also is strong in her relationship and self-centered advice.
In one of her best sellers, "The Let Them Theory," Robbins says, “If your friends are not inviting you out to brunch this weekend, Let Them. If the person that you’re really attracted to is not interested in a commitment, Let Them.”
The interpersonal relationships developed during the early 20s are sometimes difficult to navigate, but Robbins meets viewers where they are at and offers advice on letting go of control.
She continues, “So much time and energy is wasted on forcing other people to match our expectations. And the truth is, if somebody else—a person you’re dating, a business partner, a family member—if they’re not showing up how you need them to show up, do not try to force them to change. Let Them be themselves because they are revealing who they are to you. Just Let Them and then you get to choose what you do next.”
Mel Robbins has successfully made space for herself in the heavily sought-out industry of self-help advice for students in their early 20s. Unlike vague and unrealistic influencers, Robbins offers practical advice that addresses the complexities of experiences students and young adults face everyday.
Layne Rey is a senior studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnist do not reflect those of The Post. What are your thoughts? Let Layne know by tweeting her @laynerey12.
