“Yes…Yes…Yes.” I kept repeating it, along with a few thousand other strangers, as I pressed forward barefoot, toward the burning fire.
“Make your move!” As instructed, I put my mind and body into a state of readiness and absolute certainty.
Then I took that first step.
“Cool moss…cool moss…cool moss.” I repeated the mantra to myself walking calmly across the burning coals. I made it to the other side and joined the celebration.
I was officially a Firewalker, and I’d just finished day one of Tony Robbins’ Unleash the Power Within (UPW) event. It was just after midnight and my mind was already blown.
I have long been a fan of Tony’s work but I’d never experienced one of his live events. A very good friend attended recently and sent me a simple text from the seminar: “You absolutely have to go. Lock it in. You will not be disappointed.” That was all I needed to make the commitment.
I emphasize commitment. UPW is about fifty hours of seminar time delivered over the course of three and a half days. The pace is relentless and there are only a few breaks. Originally I had no intention of spending the entire time in the seminar, but like the vast majority of the 6,000 attendees, I accepted the challenge to “play full out” and I was hooked. The total event experience was unlike any other I’ve attended. My friend was right.
The CEO Whisperer
Tony Robbins isn’t a motivational speaker. The current cover story in Fortune Magazine labels him The CEO Whisperer — a description that’s a much better fit. The article is worth the read if you’re interested in learning more about Tony and his mission.
While the event certainly includes a healthy dose of inspiration, the content is focused on helping people confront the fear and limiting beliefs that hold them back from making meaningful change. Walking on fire isn’t the point. Change and transformation are.
After all, who doesn’t want to achieve growth or improvement in some area of their life?
While the event and the production quality created a world-class experience, what impressed me most was the depth of content. Fifty hours is no joke and the seminar spans a wide spectrum including business, relationships, finance and wellness.
The goal of the experience is to apply what you learn to your own life and walk away with important decisions and commitments about the future. You have a plan and process to create the change you’re looking for, and you’re supported by an abundance of tools and resources. That go-forward plan is why the experience works.
“There is always room in your life for thinking bigger, pushing limits and imagining the impossible.” – Tony Robbins
The 10-Day Challenge
During UPW, Tony defined optimal health in one word: ENERGY.
His intensity during the live events is incredible. At one point I estimate he went a solid six hours straight without a break. Finally, he hit pause for 10 minutes…then went right back into the seminar. He was as dialed-in at 10:30 p.m. as he was at 9:00 a.m. I was at my breaking point, and it seemed like he was just hitting his stride. The dude is 54 years old! I tried to get my mind around how he pulled it off.
On the final day of the seminar, I figured it out. We did a deep dive into his 12 Master Principles Of A Vital Life: The Power of Pure Energy.
Then, he issued a direct challenge. Follow the 12 principles for the next 10 days. You decide and commit in the room. Are you in or out? I accepted the challenge and so far:
- I’ve lost 5 pounds.
- I’ve slept a solid and sound 7 hours every night (insomnia cured) .
- I haven’t touched a cup of coffee (the hardest part).
- I haven’t consumed alcohol (easy).
- I haven’t consumed beef or chicken (a big change).
- I haven’t consumed any sugar (much harder than it seems).
- I’ve consumed half my body weight in water daily .
- I’ve practiced meditation and breathing.
Is this sustainable for me? No way. But will I go back to my pre-event lifestyle that included a ridiculous coffee habit? No way. I feel so much better and that small shift alone was worth the price of admission.
“The path to success is to take massive, determined action.” – Tony Robbins
MONEY Master The Game
During the seminar I was able to pick up an advance copy of his new book (the first one in 20 years), Money Master The Game: 7 Simple Steps to Financial Freedom. I am half way into it and already have a ton of notes and valuable lessons learned. I’d be surprised if the book doesn’t hit number one on the New York Times bestseller list. It’s worth the read and not just for the content but also for the cause.
Tony is donating all the profits of the book to feed families in need. Ever since Tony was 11 and someone helped his family on Thanksgiving, he’s been committed to giving back. And he’s actually doing it in advance of the book earning those profits.
He has already written a check to feed 50 million people. Others are partnering with him—in fact, he shows readers how they can join in—and combined they’re well on the way to reaching the goal of feeding at least 100 million people.
Learn more about the book and get a copy here.
“It is not what we get. But who we become, what we contribute… that gives meaning to our lives.” – Tony Robbins
Contribution
Perhaps the strongest underlying themes of the entire event were gratitude, appreciation and contribution. Tony argued that our biggest addiction is to our own problems. It’s hard to argue with that.
The antidote to fear is gratitude. I’ve started beginning each day with a dedicated focus on everything I have to be grateful for. Starting every day from a place of intentional thankfulness is a powerful practice. Give it a try.
Sending Thanks for an amazing event to 6,000 souls who joined me last week in Dallas for UPW Event! Keep Crushing it! pic.twitter.com/mW3gZ3a4op
— Tony Robbins (@TonyRobbins) October 29, 2014
Tony Robbins is a catalyst for change and contribution. His message is about self-awareness, disciplined process and committed practice.
My only regret around UPW was not bringing a group of people I care about to experience the event with me. So, I decided to share a part of my experience with you. I’ll be going back again soon. Next time I’ll be bringing friends with me!
Ryan Estis helps progressive companies embrace change, attack opportunity and achieve breakthrough performance. Delivering more than 75 live events annually, Ryan provides high-impact keynote presentations and professional development in partnership with the world’s best brands. Learn more about Ryan.
