You Have No Idea What You’re Capable of Until You Hear This | Mel Robbins and Wallo

This conversation between Mel Robbins and Wallo offers a powerful exploration of personal transformation, resilience, forgiveness, and self-empowerment. Wallo, having spent more than half of his 46 years incarcerated, shares intimate insights into his journey from prison to success. The dialogue covers generational incarceration, mental imprisonment, the power of clarity and intention, the importance of imagination, the challenge and freedom of saying no, the role of forgiveness, and the necessity of breaking free from limiting thoughts and environments.

Generational Incarceration and Mental Imprisonment

Wallo speaks candidly about growing up in a cycle of incarceration where multiple family members, including himself, his stepbrother, and brother, have been cellmates. He highlights the pervasive issue of mental incarceration in the "free world," where many people live trapped by fear, societal expectations, and a lack of independent thought. According to him, these mental prisons are often self-imposed due to worrying about others' opinions and conforming to groups without questioning why. This form of imprisonment keeps people stuck emotionally and mentally, unable to pursue their true desires or authentic selves.

The Mirror as a Tool for Self-Truth

Wallo underscores the importance of using a mirror beyond vanity—as a tool for brutal honesty and self-reflection. He explains that the mirror reflects the raw truth of who we are when no one else is watching. Most people avoid this truth due to fear and societal pressure, using the mirror instead to validate others' perceptions. He challenges listeners to start having real conversations with themselves, to recognize where they are living lies or denying their authentic selves, and to embrace discomfort as part of growth.

Cutting the "F- It" Button and Saying Yes to Yourself

A recurring theme is the necessity to activate the "F- it" button—an internal switch to stop caring about unhelpful judgments and criticisms from others. Wallo encourages a ruthless internal commitment to self-prioritization, saying yes to one's own values and dreams and no to the distractions and pressures that come from external influences. This discipline of saying no to others in favor of oneself creates space for freedom and personal growth, allowing individuals to remove themselves from negative influences that hold them back.

Forgiveness as Freedom and Breathing Space

Wallo shares a deeply personal story about forgiving the man who killed his brother. Forgiveness, for him, was not about the perpetrator but about freeing himself and his family from the burden of anger, pain, and the cycle of violence that permeated his community. He emphasizes that forgiveness helped him breathe, making space for love and joyful memories rather than being weighed down by hatred. This act of forgiveness became a form of living for his brother, turning immense pain into motivation for change and healing.

Imagination and "Being a Millionaire Before You Are One"

During his years in prison, Wallo fortified his imagination by immersing himself in stories, learning, and visualization. Inspired by figures like Anthony Bourdain, he transformed his limited environment into a "university," educating himself through books, television, and reflection. He practiced what he calls "living inside the life you want" before actually having it—imagining experiences like visiting luxury hotels or driving high-end cars to mentally prepare for the success he intended to claim. This mental preparation made him confident and ready to perform once he was released.

Overcoming Internal Resistance and Self-Sabotage

Wallo lays out a harsh truth: the greatest obstacle for most people is themselves. He explains that while external factors may seem to block progress, often the biggest enemy is internal resistance manifested in fear, doubt, and overthinking. Many individuals talk themselves out of opportunities or back down from pursuing their goals before even trying. He champions cutting through this self-sabotage with intentionality and boldness, stressing that nobody will stop you except you yourself.

The Reality of the 'Free World' and Capitalizing on Opportunity

Upon release, Wallo quickly recognized how accessible many tools for success are, such as starting a business, opening bank accounts, and leveraging social media, which require minimal barriers. He critiques the excuses people make about not being able to move forward, pointing out the ease of access in modern society, especially compared to when he was growing up. This awareness fueled his determination to succeed and destroyed the narrative that systemic barriers should be a permanent block.

Energy, Positive Influence, and the Role of Strangers

Energy management is another critical topic. Wallo divides energy into positive, negative, and inert, noting that many people lack the energy to pursue change. He also highlights the importance of interacting with new people rather than relying solely on familiar circles. Strangers, he says, are often the ones who can open doors to wealth and opportunity, not just close friends or family, urging listeners to expand their social reach and not worry about the support of their immediate networks.

Proof of Concept and Building from Free Work to Paid Opportunities

After release, Wallo leveraged his skills in marketing by offering free services to local businesses to build a portfolio, gain experience, and prove his concept. This strategy eventually led to paid work and larger opportunities, such as TEDx talks. This approach emphasizes starting with what one can do now, even without compensation, to create momentum and credibility that later generates income and impact.

The Power of Clarity and Intention

Wallo recounts how, before his release, he deliberately saved money, created a clear vision for his life, and declared unwavering confidence that nothing would stop him. This clarity gave him the psychological edge and motivation to pursue his goals with fierce tenacity. It was this clear vision combined with belief that made his transition successful, proving the critical role of setting intentions backed by self-trust.

Evidence of Transformation Through Public Speaking and Influence

Wallo's story includes his impactful TEDx talks, in which he shared messages about forgiveness and the power of saying "F- it" to negativity. These appearances not only amplified his voice but allowed him to translate personal transformation into societal influence. The feedback from audiences underscored the power of his narrative in inspiring real-world change.

Taking Responsibility and Rejecting Victimhood

Throughout the conversation, Wallo stresses the importance of accountability, rejecting victim mentality, and acknowledging personal role in both past struggles and future successes. He calls for listeners to stop negotiating with themselves or others about when to change and to act decisively. This approach ties directly into his mantra of choosing oneself consistently, embracing discomfort, and moving forward regardless of external circumstances.

Legacy and Living for Future Generations

Wallo speaks passionately about his motivation to build a better future not only for himself but for family members he will never meet. He views this as a responsibility, driven neither by resentment toward his family's past mistakes nor by ego but by a desire to break cycles and create lasting positive impact. This multigenerational vision fuels his purpose and informs his daily work.

Embracing Imperfection and the Journey Forward

Finally, Wallo acknowledges that he still doesn't have everything figured out but embraces the ongoing process of discovery and self-improvement. He encourages others to like, love, and choose themselves even amid uncertainty. The conversation ends on a note of empowerment, urging people to stop wasting time, let go of fear, and fully step into the life they are meant to live.