Detailed Summary of "How to Stop Doubting Yourself & Get Anything You Want in Life" – The Mel Robbins Podcast (July 17, 2025)

Host: Mel Robbins
Guest: Will Packer
Release Date: July 17, 2025

Introduction

Mel Robbins opens the episode with an empowering message aimed at listeners tired of self-doubt and ready to take actionable steps toward achieving their dreams. She emphasizes the importance of moving from mere talk to actual doing, setting the stage for a transformative conversation with her guest.

Meet Will Packer

Will Packer is introduced as an award-winning filmmaker and Hollywood producer with a remarkable track record, including 10 number one box office hits and films that have grossed over a billion dollars worldwide. Notably, Will shares that he did not come from money or have Hollywood connections, highlighting his journey as one built on unshakable self-belief and an unstoppable mindset.

"Who better than you?" – Will Packer [10:14]

Key Concepts

1. Healthy Arrogance vs. Toxic Arrogance

   • Healthy Arrogance: Belief in one's own worth and the unique value one brings to any room or situation.
   • Toxic Arrogance: The misguided belief that one is better than others, leading to negative interactions.

   "Healthy arrogance is the belief that no matter who's in that room, you belong there because you have something that you're bringing." – Will Packer [16:55]

2. Overcoming Self-Doubt

   • Reframing doubts by asking, "Who better than me?", which presumes self-worth and the ability to contribute meaningfully.
   • Developing a mindset where success is inevitable by believing it’s coming, even if the timeline is uncertain.

   "Deserve success. And that it's coming. Because a lot of times... You gotta believe it's coming." – Will Packer [11:19]

3. Execution Over Perfection

   • Emphasizing action and execution rather than waiting for the perfect moment or conditions.
   • Understanding that progress, no matter how small, is still progress.

   "Execution is the key. Go out and do it." – Will Packer [83:57]

4. Handling Rejection as Data

   • Viewing every "no" as valuable feedback that can guide improvements.
   • Persisting through rejection by iterating and refining one's approach.

   "Every no has value, but in order to find it, you got to get past the fact that you were told no." – Will Packer [50:47]

5. Community and Support Systems

   • Surrounding oneself with a supportive and positive community that augments energy rather than drains it.
   • Recognizing that success is often a collective effort reliant on the people around you.

   "I am only as successful as I am because of the people around me, because of that community of which you speak." – Will Packer [88:42]

In-Depth Discussions and Insights

Starting Where You Are

Will underscores the importance of beginning from one's current position, regardless of geographic or resource limitations. Using Atlanta's growth as a media hub, he illustrates that success isn't confined to traditional hotspots like Hollywood or New York.

"Start where you are. Period. Full stop. Start where you are." – Will Packer [89:33]

Pivoting After Rejection

A pivotal moment in their conversation recounts how Will adjusted his approach after facing multiple rejections from Oprah Winfrey regarding his first film. Instead of dwelling on the negatives, he pivoted by refining his project based on the feedback received, ultimately leading to greater success.

"Rejection is data. Take it as data. Be a computer. Right?" – Will Packer [51:15]

Producing Under Pressure

Mel prompts Will to share his experience during the 2022 Oscars, where an unexpected incident involving Will Smith and Chris Rock tested his ability to stay composed under immense pressure. Will illustrates the importance of focusing on controllable elements and maintaining the vision amidst chaos.

"What can I control? And I immediately went to a place of I need to finish the show." – Will Packer [74:21]

Do the Work When No One's Watching

Addressing the modern challenge of seeking immediate validation, Will emphasizes that true success stems from diligent work performed behind the scenes. He shares anecdotes from his early career where action—not just planning—led to tangible results.

"What you're actually doing is the work you put in when nobody is watching makes everybody pay attention." – Will Packer [78:43]

Notable Stories

• Chocolate City Premiere ([30:32]): Will narrates the story of his first film premiere, where he realized the value of building momentum and seeking validation from his immediate community rather than distant industry giants.

  "I'm not making my movies for the front row. I'm making it for everybody else who showed up." – Will Packer [34:08]

• Ride Along Incident ([61:45]): Recounting how Kevin Hart's unexpected commitment to a comedy show nearly derailed the production of Ride Along, Will demonstrates adaptability and crisis management.

• Running a Marathon ([81:28]): Will draws parallels between marathon training and life's challenges, highlighting that execution and perseverance are critical to overcoming obstacles.

  "A marathon is such an incredible metaphor for life because life is all about execution." – Will Packer [81:28]

Concluding Insights

Mel Robbins and Will Packer conclude the episode by reinforcing the core message: self-belief and consistent action are paramount to achieving success. Will urges listeners to:

• Define their own success rather than adhering to societal standards.
• Surround themselves with a supportive community that fuels their ambitions.
• Embrace rejection as a catalyst for growth and refinement.
• Prioritize their dreams amidst life's chaos by focusing on what truly matters.

"Adjust your mindset so that you realize there is not a person on this planet that is more deserving of success than you are." – Will Packer [90:46]

Final Thoughts

Mel Robbins wraps up the conversation with heartfelt praise for Will Packer, acknowledging his conviction, passion, and actionable insights. She reiterates her belief in the listeners' ability to "create a blockbuster life" by applying the lessons shared in this episode.

Key Takeaways:

• Self-Belief is Crucial: Cultivate a mindset that you deserve success and take actionable steps toward it.
• Action Over Perfection: Focus on executing your ideas rather than waiting for perfect conditions.
• Embrace Rejection: View rejection as valuable feedback that can guide your improvements.
• Build a Supportive Community: Surround yourself with people who uplift and support your ambitions.
• Consistency is Key: Do the work even when no one is watching; true success comes from persistent effort.

This episode serves as a masterclass in overcoming self-doubt, leveraging personal experiences, and building a resilient mindset to attain any desired goal in life.