A real decision is measured by the fact that you’ve taken new action. If there’s no action, you haven’t truly decided. — Tony Robbins
I had the pleasure of seeing world renowned life coach, business strategist and author Tony Robbins yesterday. In classic style, the initially quiet and reserved crowd was transformed to buzzing with energy by the end of the night.
Tony’s message had me critically re-evaluate my life, choices and perspective. Some of these messages reinforced prior values and beliefs, and some were completely new.
I left yesterday’s conference beaming and besides being able to gloat that I was 1 metre away and got to hi-5 Tony, I am super stoked to share his nuggets of wisdom. You too can revolutionise your life and reinvent for success.
Meaning = Emotion
Emotion = Life
What we want most in life isn’t fame, riches or success. It’s what money, fame and success makes us feel. We seek extraordinary emotions.
1. Peak States
Learning and achievement doesn’t happen in a passive state of mind.
Peak performance occurs at a peak or energy rich state.
New results are driven from new action where:
Results = Action / Behaviour
Right states = right action
How do we become energy rich? The source of energy is mindset. Not food, water or sleep.
Energy is a habit — our daily practices and who we spend time with drastically changes the way we move; our emotions. This statement is reinforced by Jim Rohn’s “You are the sum of the five people you spend the most time with”.
You can change your state by a radical change in your physiology. Get active, get moving!
We all have different triggers, and awareness and control of these triggers can generate different responses in our bodies.
2. Focus
Changes in our physiology influencing our state is determined by focus. Focus has to do with what our mind is honed in on in the current moment and our interpretation towards it.
Three decisions that control our life are:
What to focus on
- On what we have or what’s missing?
- What we can or what we can’t control?
- Are we looking at the past, present or future?
What is the meaning of that focus
- What is the trade off or evaluation what we give our attention?
- Have things become too familiar and taken for granted?
What am I going to do?
3. Conscious vs Unconscious Mind
Our reptilian brain exists to protect us, and as a result is conditioned to sustain limiting beliefs. One of the biggest reasons for inaction in life is fear. Consciously we strive not to fail, however our unconscious mind acts differently. This often results in stagnating or sabotaging behaviours.
We chose against change or the status quo because it is uncomfortable. It is painful. But as Tony said, “Pain either drives or destroys you. It is your choice“.
As Dr Lisa Feldman Barrett confirms, our brains use past experiences to predict and construct our emotions. Emotions are a product of our cultural surroundings.
4. Emotion is created by Motion
Information without emotion is not retained. The best memories are coupled events with emotions. It is why storytelling has become to vital in today’s relationships, business and marketing.
When things go wrong we should also understand that we are “response-able”; that is we have the ability to respond and choose our response. This will rid us from a victim or blaming state of mind.
5. Resources
Rather than “I didn’t have enough resources” it is the lack of ‘resourcefulness’ that drives inaction or fear. In reality, the ultimate resource is human emotion. Tony quotes the story of shoe retailer Zappos‘ and how emotion led to success because:
- They offered above and beyond value — they found a better way to meet someone’s needs. In Zappos’ case it was offering free shipping and returns when online purchasing was still in its infancy.
- They understood their customers’ psychology, wants and needs — generating fandom from loyal customers in that they want you irrespective of economic or political climates.
6. Influence
Influence is what great leaders require. To best influence, we need to understand what the other person is thinking and influence them from their perspective, not the way that we would be influenced.
7. Living an Extraordinary Life
Consists of 2 factors:
- State — that is our energy and emotions from moment to moment
- Blueprint — our long term values, expectations, beliefs that shape our long term outlook
We should also celebrate in the now. Celebrating in the current moment gives us energy to achieve. We shouldn’t need an excuse to feel good.
To master the skill of an extraordinary life we need to seek the art of fulfilment.
“Success without fulfilment is the ultimate failure”
Achievement alone is not fulfilment. Doing anything without fulfilment is extrinsically driven and will leave us empty.
4 Steps to Rid Suffering and Live in a Beautiful state
Make the decision that life is too short to suffer. Choose to live in a beautiful state NOW
- I feel so often caught up in this, and sweat the small stuff. When in reality, it doesn’t matter!
Understand what your type of emotional suffering is
- For me, my emotional suffering comes overthinking, fear, failure and judgement
Develop a curiosity and understanding of these thoughts
- Awareness is the first step to distancing yourself
Turn suffering into appreciation
- The three sources of suffering are loss, less and never. Fear that we’re going to lose something, fear that we will get less of something we deserve. Or fear that we will ‘never’ get or find something.
- Gratitude is the antidote of suffering. Appreciating and enjoying what we do have and what’s right, immersing ourselves in opportunities to learn and grow and love and give to others. Trade in expectation for appreciation.
If you’ve liked these pearls of wisdom that I’ve shared to you from Tony, please like, subscribe or share below. I’d really appreciate it.
(Special thanks to Francisco who shared his awesome photo of Tony with me for this post’s featured image)
