Learning to Let Go with The Let Them Theory

⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)

Mel Robbins’ The Let Them Theory is like getting a permission slip to stop caring so much about things we can’t control. The big idea? Let people do whatever they’re going to do, and don’t waste your energy trying to change them. Sounds simple, right? Well, easier said than done!

One of the biggest lessons I took from this book is that trying to control everything is like trying to untangle a pair of wired earphones that have been in your bag for five minutes—it’s just not happening. I’ve had plenty of moments where I got worked up over what other people did or didn’t do. Like when I pour my heart into my Etsy store, researching keywords, making great designs, and then... crickets. Or when a hiring manager ghosts me after an interview where I nailed every answer. Instead of stewing over it, Robbins suggests shrugging and saying, Let them. Honestly, it’s kind of freeing (and saves a lot of stress eating).

The book really hit home when Robbins talked about how most of our stress comes from wanting people to behave the way we think they should. It made me realize how much time I’ve wasted being annoyed at things beyond my control—like algorithms, customers who add my product to their cart but never check out (seriously, why?!), or even people who chew too loudly. Instead of getting frustrated, she suggests just accepting that people are going to do their thing, and I should focus on my own.

That said, I did have a few hmm moments. There were parts where the advice felt a little too relaxed. Like, sure, I can let a stranger cut in front of me at Starbucks without losing my cool, but if a coworker keeps taking credit for my ideas, I’m not just going to “let them.” Sometimes, you’ve got to speak up! I wish she had talked more about when to not let things slide.

All in all, The Let Them Theory is like that wise (and slightly sassy) friend who tells you to stop stressing over things you can’t change. It’s a fun, quick read that left me feeling lighter, even if I’m not fully on board with every idea. If you ever find yourself fuming over things you can’t control—this book might just be your new best friend.