Book Review: The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins and Sawyer Robbins By Crystal Petry

I purchased The Let Them Theory on September 11, 2025, and I didn’t finish it until April 20, 2026. That alone should tell you something—this is not a “read it and move on” kind of book. It took me months because I kept stopping… not because I lost interest, but because I was actively implementing what Mel was teaching.

This book is direct. It’s in your face. And if you’re being honest with yourself, it will make you uncomfortable in the best—and worst—ways.

It Made Me Face Myself

There were moments reading this book where I felt like Mel Robbins was yelling at me through the pages, telling my story in her words. She forces you to confront insecurities you may not even realize you’re still carrying as an adult.

One example that hit me hard was her story about not posting her business on her personal Facebook page. Why? Because of what people might say. What they might think. Whether they would “LIKE” or “SHARE” her posts.

That was me.

I had every excuse in the book:

• I don’t have enough time

• What will people say?

• What if no one engages?

• What if people judge me?

But reading that Mel had the exact same thoughts I was having shifted something in me. She started telling herself:

“Let them talk.”“Let them not like my posts.”“Let them ignore my business.”

And she posted anyway.

So I did the same thing.

I started my company Facebook page. Here is the link Crystal Petry Consulting Facebook Page And not only do I love it—I’m having fun. I’m learning. I’m growing in a way I hadn’t allowed myself to before. That alone made this book worth it for me.

The Part I Loved… and the Part I Didn’t

Let me be real—I loved this book, and I greatly disliked it at the same time.

I loved it because it’s empowering.

I disliked it because it held up a mirror I wasn’t expecting to look into.

It made me realize that I still cared—way more than I wanted to admit—about what people think. And not about the things that actually matter. I’m talking about the small, unnecessary things that keep you stuck.

That’s a hard truth to sit with.

A Real-Life Test: The Christmas Party

This book didn’t just stay on the page—it showed up in my real life.

During the holiday season, I was invited to a Christmas party. And deep down in my soul, I did not want to go. I knew there would be people there whose energy I didn’t want to be around.

But I had already said yes.

Why? Because I didn’t want people to talk about me. I didn’t want to deal with what they might say if I didn’t show up.

Old me would have gone anyway. Smiled the whole time. Had a terrible experience—and pretended everything was fine.

But after reading this book—and after weeks of going back and forth with myself—I picked up the phone and said:“I changed my mind. I’m not going to the Christmas party.”

That wasn’t easy.

Even after I said it, I still had the thoughts:

• What will they say?

• Will people judge me?

• Will they not like me?

But then I remembered:

“Let them.”

And more importantly:

“Let me be okay with it.”

And I was.

I was at peace. I was happy with my decision. And now? The next time I’m faced with something like that, it won’t be nearly as hard to say, “No, thank you.”

The Biggest Lesson

Toward the end of the book, on page 297, Mel writes:

“Nobody owes you anything, but you owe yourself everything.”

That line stayed with me.

Because she’s right.

I owe myself:

• Peace

• Joy

• Challenges

• Risks

• Fun

• Laughter

And if I’m constantly filtering my life through other people’s opinions, I’m not giving myself any of that.

Final Thoughts

This isn’t a book you read once and check off your list.

This is a book you live.

It’s something you start—and continue working on for years. There are still lessons in this book I haven’t fully tapped into, which is why I’ll probably read it again.

If you’re ready to get out of your head, challenge your thinking, and actually start doing the things you’ve been holding back on—this book will push you there.

But only if you’re willing to be honest with yourself.

Let’s Grow Together

Have you read The Let Them Theory? What was your biggest takeaway?

Let’s learn together. Let’s grow together.

Let’s practice saying:“Let them.”And even more importantly:“Let me.”

And if Mel Robbins ever happens to read this—just know, I’d love to interview you on The Crystal Petry Podcastsomeday.