The High 5 Habit: A Simple Trick to Boost Your Confidence

Let’s be real, how often do you cheer other people on while secretly beating yourself up? You’ll high-five your friend after a win, hype up a coworker, or applaud a stranger on Instagram , but when was the last time you did that for yourself?

If your answer is “never” or “I don’t remember,” this one's for you.

This week in our Friday Series, we’re diving into The High 5 Habit by Mel Robbins. This deceptively simple yet scientifically grounded practice can literally rewire the way you see yourself.

What Is The High 5 Habit?

At its core, the High 5 Habit is simple:

Every morning, look at yourself in the mirror and give yourself a high five.

That’s it. No affirmations, no pep talk, no filters. Just a gesture of self-acknowledgment.

Why does it matter? Because the way you start your day matters. And most people begin their day already feeling behind, tired, self-critical, or invisible.

This habit interrupts that negative autopilot.

The Science Behind It

It might sound silly — even a little uncomfortable at first — but there’s real psychology and neuroscience at play here:

1. Positive Association

Your brain already associates high-fives with celebration, encouragement, and connection. When you apply that gesture to yourself, it triggers those same positive emotions — even if you don’t say a word.

2. Visual Feedback Loop

Looking into your own eyes in the mirror while doing this creates a moment of presence. You’re no longer avoiding yourself. You're acknowledging your existence, your effort, your worth.

3. Boosts Dopamine

Research shows that positive gestures (like smiling or physical affirmations) can spark dopamine release — the "feel good" neurotransmitter that boosts motivation and mood.

💬 Mel Robin Says:

“You’ve spent your whole life judging, criticizing, and rejecting yourself. It’s time to change that. It’s time to learn how to support, encourage, and celebrate yourself instead.”

How to Start the High 5 Habit in Your Own Life

Here’s how to make this part of your routine without overthinking it:

1. Do It First Thing in the Morning

After brushing your teeth, pause. Look yourself in the mirror. Don’t critique. Don’t analyze. Just high-five yourself. Literally raise your hand and connect.

2. No Words Needed

You don’t need to force affirmations or compliments. The gesture itself is enough. The subconscious brain gets the message: “I’ve got your back.”

3. Make It a 5-Day Challenge

Try it for 5 mornings in a row. You’ll likely feel awkward the first couple of days. That’s normal — and it means you’re breaking old patterns of self-rejection.

4. Track How You Feel

Keep a simple journal or note on your phone. Did you feel more energized? More hopeful? Did you catch yourself being kinder throughout the day?

Real Talk: Why It Feels Weird (and Why That’s Good)

If you feel resistance to this habit, you’re not alone. Many people avoid eye contact with themselves. They’re too used to being their own harshest critic.

But the discomfort is a sign that something deeper is shifting. You’re stepping out of self-judgment and into self-support. That’s growth.

Confidence doesn’t magically appear — it’s built through consistent, small actions that show your brain: I believe in myself.

Giving yourself a high five may feel small, but it sends a loud message to your subconscious:

“I see you. I’m proud of you. And I’m not giving up on you.”

So this Friday, before you rush into your day — pause. Look in the mirror. Raise your hand. And give yourself the love and encouragement you’ve been giving everyone else.

You deserve it.

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Lots of Love,

Clementine