My Time with Tony Robbins This Weekend

Duane Rollins -

I did it.

I was finally sucked in and attended (virtually) a Tony Robbins seminar. Am I just a sucker for positivity? Did I drink the cool-aid? Did Oprah mind-trick me into attending?

Who knows... but I decided now was a good time to attend to see what the guy about. I also wanted to study how he runs and sets up his seminars for research purposes (I have a few things brewing).

Aside from the business research, here's what I really wanted to know:

  1. What's all of the fuss about Tony Robbins?
  2. Given the other options they have access to, why do very capable people use him as a coach?
  3. Exactly, what is he selling?
🧑‍💻
Catch the replays of the Time to Rise Summit here:
Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3

My Notes From the Summit

..

  • Tony Robbins' process is grounded in science and the science of coaching. He is a coach through and through, and a master practitioner of neuro-linguistic programming (NLP). Simply put, NLP is a behavioral method that uses the power of reframing to help people overcome their limiting beliefs. You can read more about it here.
  • Given his background in NLP, he emphasizes three key points: 1) Anyone can change, 2) change starts with a shift in mindset, and 3) a shift in mindset begins with a shift in your state (your feelings and willingness to take action at any given moment).
  • The goal is not just action; it's massive action. Instead of taking a small step, take a big one first. By taking a significant first step, you'll be closer to your goals sooner and less likely to regress.
  • Massive action accomplishes two things: it changes how you see yourself in the moment and builds forward momentum.
  • Sustaining massive action requires rituals. Rituals are habits formed over time, done as an offering to the universe. In another sense, habits are about willpower (your commitment to yourself), and rituals are about devotion (your commitment to a higher power).
  • The main obstacle to massive action is limiting beliefs. Limiting beliefs are those thoughts you have about yourself that prevent you from taking action. Overcoming these beliefs can change your life.
  • The best way to overcome limiting beliefs is to change the meaning of your past and reinforce the new you through community. Be the hero of your own story, and surround yourself with people who celebrate you and from whom you can learn.

Quotes

  • The path of least resistance will never make you proud (or strong or happy).
  • No long-term behavior changes without a change in beliefs.
  • The philosophy of stretching - if I can't then I must.
  • Beliefs are the ideas you feel most certain about.
  • If you change what you do, you'll change your identity.
  • Is your story a warning or an example?
  • When you're going through hell, keep going. (e.g. don't stay there)
  • Desire is what creates your life.
  • Life is all about giving. You get in a relationship to give. You go to work to give. What you get is what you become because of your giving.
  • One of the most important things you do is decide what things mean.
  • Change is easy. You can do nothing and get change. Progress is hard.

My Answers to the Three Questions

So now that I've spent the weekend with Uncle Tony, here's my take on those initial questions.

  1. What's all the fuss about Tony Robbins? He's not just a great coach; he's genuinely into helping people make the most out of life. It's his true desire to assist people, and that sincerity and earnestness? They're rare, so he stands out to millions. Plus, he's got success under his belt, which naturally draws people who want a piece of that success.
  2. Why would highly capable people choose him as a coach, considering all the other options out there? Well, because he's not only an ace coach and salesman but also a master practitioner who's been in the game for a long time. The guy is a walking, talking trove of stories. His discipline shows in his physique, and his life's achievements speak volumes about his approach. Plus, there's a certain 'star factor' in being coached by someone who's worked with the who's who.
  3. So, what's he actually selling? It's his rock-solid belief in your power to transform your life. He believes in you more than you do yourself. The fee? That's for the experience, one that aims to pivot you in the right direction for real change. The man's devoured every self-help, psychology, spiritual, and business book he could lay his hands on. He knows his stuff and helps you sidestep the nonsense, all while fostering a sense of accountability (like, declaring your new self and goals in front of a huge crowd - talk about being held accountable!).

Closing Thoughts

I get why people are hyped about Tony. The man's a coach's coach. He's got this knack for making you feel good about being you, and he doesn't let you drown in your own self-doubt.

As for his methods? They're rooted in a ton of psychological theory and the rich experiences he's gathered (his own and from the millions he's interacted with).

Also, it's hit me - I really need to start selling more.

#TimeToRise