There’s a story that sticks with me. One of my first bosses, Kevin Kramich, used to say, “Everyone should carry a small mirror in their pocket.” At first, I didn’t get it. I mean, it’s kind of an odd thing to suggest, right? But then he explained:
• Want a different life? Take out the mirror.
• Want to get in better shape? Take out the mirror.
• Want to make more money? Take out the mirror.
• Want a better relationship? Take out the mirror.
The mirror, he argued, is the ultimate tool for accountability. You can’t point fingers at the reflection staring back at you. You can only face it.
I’ve been carrying around a small mirror for years now, and while it’s always been a meaningful symbol, it wasn’t until I stumbled upon Mel Robbins’ Let Them theory that I really grasped its full power.
Who Is Mel Robbins?
If you don’t already know Mel Robbins, let me catch you up. She’s one of the most sought-after speakers in the world, the author of The 5 Second Rule and The High 5 Habit, and a master of blending science with practical advice. What I love about Mel is her no-nonsense approach to breaking through mental roadblocks. She’s not about fluff. She’s about action—and her work is a call to take ownership of your life.
In The 5 Second Rule, Mel teaches us that hesitation is the enemy of progress. The rule is simple: when you feel the urge to do something that matters—whether it’s speaking up in a meeting, starting that workout, or having a tough conversation—count backward from five (5-4-3-2-1), and then physically move. It interrupts your brain’s default mode and pushes you into action before fear or doubt can creep in.
The “Let Them” Theory Meets the Mirror
The Let Them theory adds another layer to this. Fundamentally, it has two parts:
1. Let Them – This is about letting go of control over others. Let them be who they are. Let them make their choices. Let them say what they want to say. You can’t control them.
2. Let Me - This is about personal accountability. Let me focus on what I can control, step up, and take ownership of my life.
This second piece — the Let Me part — is what The Mirror in My Pocket is all about. When you take out that mirror and look at yourself, it’s a stark reminder: The only person responsible for your life, your success, and your happiness is staring right back at you.
And here’s where Mel Robbins’ 5 Second Rule comes into play. Looking in that mirror might make you realize you’ve been avoiding something:
• You’ve been telling yourself you’ll start that fitness routine “next week.”
• You’ve been avoiding the tough conversation with your partner.
• You’ve been putting off applying for that dream job because “you’re not ready.”
But guess what? You are ready. You just need to act.
So, here’s what you do:
1. Take out the mirror.
2. Look at yourself and own the situation.
3. Decide what you need to do.
4. Count backward: 5-4-3-2-1.
5. Move. Take action. Do the thing.
A Tool for Every Day
The beauty of carrying a mirror—and of embracing personal accountability—is that it’s simple, but it’s not easy. Looking at yourself and owning your choices can be hard. It’s easier to blame circumstances or other people. But the mirror doesn’t lie. It reflects your reality, your effort, and your potential.
Mel Robbins often recommends high-fiving yourself in the mirror to celebrate your progress and build confidence. I’d argue that the mirror in your pocket is just as powerful—it’s a daily reminder to check in with yourself, take ownership, and take action.
If you’ve been feeling stuck, start carrying a mirror. When you catch yourself hesitating, feeling overwhelmed, or waiting for the “right time,” remember Mel’s 5-Second Rule. Look yourself in the eye, count down, and move.
Your life won’t change because of a mirror, but it will change when you start holding yourself accountable to the person in it. And that, my friends, is the first step toward the life you’ve been dreaming of.
Now, let’s go. 5-4-3-2-1. The mirror’s waiting.
