After paying $2,000 for a ticket to Unleash the Power Within…
After the 3-hour flight out to California…
After fully committing, with a completely open heart…
I walked out of Tony Robbins’ seminar.
In this post, I will share why I went to Tony’s event, what it was like, and why I walked out. I will also show you what I did after I left, and what I learned from the whole experience.
If you’re skeptical of friends who say, “You have to go see Tony Robbins…”
If you’re on the fence about Unleash the Power Within ($2,000) or Date with Destiny ($5,000)…
This article is for you.
If you’d prefer to watch a video about it:
“But doesn’t everyone LOVE Tony Robbins’ events? Are you just a hater?”
I know the diehard fans — the self-proclaimed Cult of Robbins who “drink the Kool-Aid” — are already having doubts about this article.
“This guy wasn’t truly committed. He didn’t do the work, because he was afraid. Now he just wants to act like he’s more enlightened than everyone else.”
None of that is true.
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Here’s what you should know about me…
I have a ton of respect for Tony Robbins. I’ve read (or listened to) several of his books. I’m amazed by what he does (I recently shared how he gets 1 million visitors per month), and wanted to experience his coaching in person. A lot of my friends are big TR fans, and they all gave strong endorsements for UPW.
I’m not “better than you” for walking out. I’m not writing this because I’m a sophisticated aristocrat who turns his nose up at self-help groups. At many points in my life, I’ve been a total mess. I’ve written about depression and addiction. I wrote about the most embarrassing and painful period of my life (then I published a book about it).
I put in the work. I’ve had a ton of failures, and a few huge successes, because I’m constantly trying new things. Like how I built an 8-figure business. Or how I intentionally gained 40 pounds in 2015, then got into the best shape of my life in 2016. It wasn’t easy to eat so much food, or to go to the gym every week, but I put in the effort to reach my goals. (You can read more about my goals in 2020).
I’ve read hundreds of books and taken action, because I am 100% in on improving myself. (Here are 18 books that changed my life). I’ve also publicly documented my self-improvement journey for the last 15 YEARS. If that’s not “doing the homework,” I don’t know what is.
I’ve attended a lot of paid seminars before, and loved them. A few events that changed my life were Gayle Hendricks’ Big Leap event and David Deida’s workshop. Both were three days long, 5–8 hours per day. I didn’t even consider walking out of either. I’ve even hosted my own seminars! Last September, my company AppSumo hosted our second annual conference, with over 200 attendees. I’m astonished Tony hosts events for 10,000 people at a time.
SumoCon 2016
This article isn’t “fear-driven.” I committed to the event for seven hours. The only thing I was afraid of was wasting more time. Besides, I believe in helping people overcome their biggest fears — like talking to strangers, or starting a company. I now have had time to reflect on this experience.
Finally, Tony Robbins is one of my customers. In addition to Appsumo, I run a sister company called Sumo. Tony’s team uses our products. Do you really think I’m dumb enough to bash one of my highest profile customers? Hell no. This article is written with love.
In other words…
I’m not hating on Tony Robbins, or people who love his events.
I’m just defending a viewpoint few people ever bring up in public: the negative experience.
Most people are hesitant to talk about experiences that make us sound foolish. We diminish our losses, we downplay the bad stuff — especially if it goes against the crowd.
Think of Vegas.
Hardly anyone says, “I lost $2,000. It was a waste of time and money.”
We always say, “It was fun! Almost broke-even. Hashtag WORTH IT.”
For me, UPW wasn’t worth it.
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My Experience at “Unleash The Power Within”
In the days that lead up to the event, I felt nervous. The discomfort was reassuring.
I’m going in the right direction.
The two areas of my life I most wanted to tackle during the event were:
- How to better position myself to be in great relationships.
- How to create a work environment that continually motivates and excites me.
Before the seminar began, I had a chance to talk with my neighbors. One was a recovering Jehovah’s witness. The other was transitioning jobs in Los Angeles. We had a nice discussion about why we were there, what our struggles were, and what we hoped to get out of the seminar.
Then, Tony came out on stage.
Tony’s presentation skills were incredible. The guy has been doing this for 30 years, so I expected him to be good. He was great.
Some of the things Tony did really well:
- He encouraged us to meet our neighbors and keep each other excited.
- He kept participation super high. He continually asked everyone to raise their hand and say “I” if they agreed. He also let the audience finish a lot of his sentences (“The truth will set you ____”).
- He challenged us: “I’ll deliver but you have to promise to commit. If you sit down during the dancing, then you aren’t committed, and you aren’t going to get what you came for. Play full out with me.”
- He repeated things over and over to drive points home and increase retention. He also backed up his claims with statistics.
- He told great stories and incorporated a lot of humor.
Of course, there were some things he did NOT do so well…
- At times, he was all over the place. “Let’s work on what you’re afraid of… Now let’s talk about how to get anything you want… Focus, mean it, do it!“
- There was conflict of interest. There’s a day where we talk about health and nutrition… and then he sells supplements. Tony also mentions his other events, and encourages you to sign up for more seminars during the middle of UPW.
- He name-dropped and bragged constantly. Credibility markers are essential for a presenter to be taken seriously — especially with an audience of 10,000 people. And we all know Tony has done some amazing things. But the number of times he mentioned his relationships with presidents, celebrities, and business people was overkill. We get it — you have a private jet.
- Finally, Tony has the weirdest clap I’ve ever seen.
In the first few hours of the seminar, we danced (a lot), massaged our neighbors, fanned our neighbors, did aerobic exercises, pumped our fists, watched Tony run through the audience like some idol, and other ra-ra tactics.
Still, these were minor annoyances. Those come with any event. None were deal-breakers.
But as the day unfolded, I began to question whether this seminar was a good use of my time.
Tony called on people in the front row and recited their names. Which made it seem like he knew everyone in the audience, though I’m sure they were his VIP ($75K per year) customers.
He called on John.
“What’s your issue, John?”
John wasn’t loved.
Here was Tony’s response:
- Everyone in the crowd faces that issue.
- John should come up with a new name. “Edward.”
- “Edward” walk towards Tony like a bad-ass.
- Tell Tony you are unleashed (basically).
- Everyone in the audience say “I love you, John.”
Problem solved.
Of course, no one expected Tony to solve John’s emotional issues with some light role-play and applause. The whole sequence was superficial (and entertaining).
Still, John clearly has deeper issues around his family. He wasn’t loved enough.
What then?
I wanted John and Tony to go deep.
I wanted to go deep.
I wanted to do the hard work we needed to do.
Then we had to massage our neighbors. Again.
Okay, I understand we need to break through social discomfort and energize ourselves, but I don’t enjoy random dudes touching me.
Hour 7…
I looked at the agenda for the next three days.
Nutrition. Interesting.
Then booklet work.
For two days.
I looked back over my notes.
Sure, there were some great takeaways, like…
Dedicate time every week to work on yourself. Reflect upon whether you are growing, and making progress.
What are you scared of right now? How can you move towards that? Discomfort is your growth!
Success without fulfillment is the ultimate failure.
Look at things from appreciation and gratitude. Instead of complaining about traffic, appreciate that we have cars to get us to places faster.
Modeling is valuable. Study and replicate the people that have already figured out what you want to do.
What’s a goal that excites you? What goal would genuinely energize you immediately?
What distractions are holding you back from your goals? Remove them.
These are his quotes I turned into instagram memes.
“No growth in comfort.”
“Success is how much uncertainty you can deal with.”
“Your worst day can be your best day”
“Complexity is the enemy of execution.”
“Have hunger that’s insatiable, always expanding.”
It finally hit me. Dread.
I was officially dreading the rest of the seminar.
To stay for three full days felt like a self-imposed prison, rather than an opportunity to genuinely grow.
I thought about what I most wanted to get out of my time, and whether this event was the best use of it. I decided it would be better for me to work on my specific issues, one-on-one with a friend.
So, I walked out.
Did I feel embarrassed? Yes.
Did I feel disappointed? Yes.
But what I really felt, more than anything else…
Empowered.
Empowered to make choices about what I want, and empowered to turn down the things I don’t.
What I Did After I Left
Rather than fly home, I planned a “Personal Development Day.” Here’s what I did the following day:
- Drank coffee
- Went on a 3-hour hike to discuss personal and professional growth with a friend
- 90-minute personal development discussion (recorded on video)
- Ate a healthy lunch
- Reviewed some of Tony’s other materials
- Read a book
- 60-minute discussion with my mastermind group, where I shared some of my biggest issues
- Got a massage
- Sushi dinner
| Get my Personal Development Day checklist |
This may have been the best part about Tony’s personal development seminar — it forced me to create my own.
Final Thoughts
Tony has great intentions, a strong presence, and it’s clear most of his attendees feel the event is worth the investment. I am in the minority, who asked for a refund.
A quick Google search shows his net worth in the several hundreds of millions. So luckily my refund request didn’t break the bank.
For many of his attendees, it seems there are deep-seated issues with a lack of love, and the belief that they are not enough.
If you struggle with those issues, then Tony’s seminars might change your life.
For a few days, you will feel loved.
For a few days, you will feel like you are enough.
That’s intoxicating, and many attendees (understandably) go back for more.
For my friends, the seminar was overwhelmingly positive and deeply moving. For me, it felt superficial and cheesy.
I don’t plan on attending another Tony Robbins’ event. But I would, if his team made a few big changes:
- More time to talk with the people around us. The most valuable time, for me, was when we shared our lives with each other. We all attended for personal development, and we all faced similar challenges. Bonding over common ground was great, and I wish there was more time dedicated to it.
- Shorten the seminar to just ONE day. Less dancing, less hoopla, less fluff… Just get to the meat. We wouldn’t need to be “awakened” every 20 minutes if the event didn’t take so long. (Then again, maybe it’s dragged out to create the sense that we got our money’s worth.)
- Focus. The seminar felt too general. I know it’s impossible to custom-tailor an event for 10,000 people, but more specific topics would have helped.
My good friend Tynan said it best:
“If you never quit, you probably aren’t trying enough new things.”
I don’t regret attending Tony’s seminar.
Nor do I regret walking out.
1,937 responses to “Why I Walked Out on Tony Robbins”
Spot on assessment!
I just finished Business Mastery… best word to describe it was dread … I went with son-in-law buy one get one .. so no money out of my pocket
He kept the conference center freezing .. we are in west palm beach and need arctic clothing to survive … every speaker had a pitch but this from me….many folks I spoke with were very disappointed in the business side … no secret sauce … sell more control cost increase profits …
Bravo! Bravo! I am soo glad that you posted your truth! How refreshing! I had been contemplating his seminars for a few years now but something inside me keeps holding back. Your fearlessness to tell your experience is what my soul needed to hear because without even being in an actual live event, the dread of going with the flow, fake smiles and dance party hot potato all day would drive this USMC lt. Col daughters totally craaaaazzyy.
It’s like Tony has an unspoken associations with the mafia and if you disagreeing they will make sure you and your opinion are lost forever. My kind of guy!!
2 of either responses you will read here. 1. From a pessimist or 2. An optimist
Thank you…. Everything or better yet every experience is good or bad because of the attitude/ or meaning you attach to it.
Talk is cheap.
Motivational speakers are just a bunch of shit talkers.
Good on you for speaking out, I share a lot of your opinions as well. Like why all the name dropping. If youre truly comfortable in what youre preaching, then roll up your sleeves and get to work! Don’t SELL your credits to everyone over and over again. Like how many people he’s fed so far. Did mother Tareesa ever tell anyone how many people she fed? Anyway. Good on you for speaking up and good luck on your journey to personal fulfilment.
I couldn’t take your article seriously or you for that matter. They way you constantly, constantly peddled your links during the article was dreadfully dismal (read my article about how not to come across as a snake oil salesman here: http:something).
There’s nothing personal about the whole thing, it’s just a sales pitch with veneer of authenticity. I think marketing would be right up your alley: studying every chink and potential exploitable aspect of human psychology for your own personal gain (you can read more about marketing in my article here: http something).
Gotta get the views man, gotta make the big bucks. Who cares about the rest.
Felt the exact same way
Agreed. This guy is completely self righteous
Yep I could barely make it through the first couple paragraphs… I’m not a Tony Robbins fan but you lost credibility with all this self-promotion.
I hope you’re speaking about tony not the person who wrote the article bc that would make no sense just like pro scam cult leader tony
You had me at the “taco” – shaped bullet points. Confession: I never liked tony Robbins. Why? Because at a time in my life I was depressed and needed help, answers, I read one of his books and he claimed to cure a couple from depression instantly. Oh, it’s our choice to be chemically messed up in the brain! I’m glad u walked out. He’s a big phony imo.
I’m at a dream builders conference. My first ever conference of this kind. Ot starts with the long music and dance and hugging and high tens. But I find it manufactured. The family are cheerleading the crowd, pumping them up. I’ve never been to one of these things so I’m not sure what to expect, but I don’t like it. So at the start I just step out, wait for the hugging to end and go back in. I love the meat and potatoes that are being taught, but I can live without the rest.
Loved your authentic article. One can perceive your determined and kind nature here. Sometimes the highest value comes from not acting as you are expected too. This deeply resonates with me despite the fact that I am the total friendly, people pleaser phenotype. Thanks for inspiring and all the best for your professional and personal growth journey.
Please share what you mean by having a discussion with your mastermind group. Thanks!
What seminar would you suggest to go to for a decent price that I’ll get the most out of it ?
Go do the Landmark Forum. http://Www.landmarkworldwide.com . Go with an open mind and stay till the end and it will truly be a life changing experience. It is transformational education and your life will never be the same again. I did this 15 years ago after losing my youngest son to a drug overdose and I have learned so much about myself and life. I had done Tony Robbins and a whole lot of other seminars but Landmark tops them all. It will stay with you for life.
I bought the KBB programme in May 2019 and I haven’t finished it. Pretty much gave it up. However I don’t believe it is a loss as I have passed it on to friends who are getting lots out of it. Just not a fit for me.
Attending UPW did appeal to me for a week or so but I can see I would also dread the time there. I have watched the Netflix documentary a few times and loved it. I am still a TR fan, though I am not a diehard one.
Thank you for this post.
10k attendees x 2k ticket (I’m sure some paid more) = $20,000,000.00. WTF!
Sounds like in around about way Tony did teach something! Why would you ask for a refund? You left with insight to make decisions on what is helpful, and not helpful, which implies you did not know that before, sounds like a great lesson you learned from the seminar. Just so you know I’m not a TR groupie, the only thing I really know him from is his roll in Shallow Hal, and I just watched part of his Nerflix show, stopped half way through to web search if he was a former athlete because he is huge. Then ran into this, which seems like you did a lot of shameless plugs, and attaboy for your own achievements, which is all good! You did learn something.
“Why would you ask for a refund?”
Because it was a $2,000 seminar that didn’t really do anything for him. The money can be better spent on many other useful things. Sure, the experience had a cathartic effect on him and allowed him to realize that he can create his own personal development plan, but I don’t think that’s worth $2,000 and I doubt that he wouldn’t have eventually figured out other, more practical and effective ways for self-improvement.
@Edward, you’re assuming he had the ability, skills and knowledge as well as education and experience to help himself, on his own.
It maybe simply he found his own business plan and niche idea from the TR event and said “I can do this on my own too!” Which it seems he did and he even asked for his 2k back. Which he probably used to help launch his own product.
A person who goes to an event and doesn’t gain anything out of it positive, never had an open mind and or the ability to learn anyways. Why? Because they were busy looking for blimishes in the product/him, instead of being open and paying attention to the opportunities.
Which is easier for most in today’s times, specifically when we have a ego driven and an instant, self gratification mindset, and everything for free attitude.
Your perception is just that, your own. If Tony motivates you for whatever reason that is great. If he doesn’t you need to find someone that does. One thing is Tony came from nothing and now has everything. That is what I want. Mentors are there to inspire and give a path. Inspiration also gives us hope, direction, motivation. Sucks you spent 2K but it sounds like you made that back off one of your seminars.
Did you actually forward this feedback to Tony/his staff?
I may become if the very few who questions the very premise of the seminars themselves……..that happiness is derived through such a concerted effort at goal attainment and the notion about success being the highest good in one’s life. But I’m more spiritually inclined anyway, with a focus on meditative Self Inquiry so I would question the value of seminars like this to begin with.
I walked out on him too. Never saw him personally, but watched a lot of videos, and only because I was in a very dark place at the time looking for whatever could help me. Yes he enticed and enthralled me and considered attended one of his seminars. But the more I listened and observed, what he said and how he said them, started to make me feel sick to my stomach. Everything in me felt what he was saying was not true (truth), it was just a tactic to make weak souls feel stronger. And when our spirit is weak we become desperate and that makes us blind. This realization made me trust my intuition again, trust myself, have faith in myself. Though it takes a lot of work, I continue to honor an nurture that because it is true and it is Love. I will trust that forever along with trusting my friends to help me thru. I vow never to let my vulnerability fall into the hands of someone who claims they can ‘help me’.
Yeah – a few of my rellatives have gone into the NLP stuff and self development life coaching – at the end of the day – I’ve seen zero change at all – just an increased level of self righteousness
your article confirms what I really felt deep down was the case and I feel disappointed to learn that is the case
Thanks!
I relate completely. The guy is just too much for me – overly friendly, cheesy, and in your face and way too “look at me!”.
A very well written, and impartial piece. I agree with most things you said. However, I believe that you are this critical because you already have such massive control And discipline in your life. Actually, this wouldn’t make much of an impact or improvement in your already inspiring life. Yet, most of us don’t have what you have. Hell, you are inspiring. I wished I was you. Yet, I’m not. We have weaknesses and we don’t have the support around us, the right upbringing or “mastermind” groups to keep us on track and push forward. It’s hard to even find these people. And that’s why a lot of us need to come to something like this. Grace is most abundant where sin is. It’s why people have a religion. Go to church. They need to rely on something other themselves. And they are looking for that community for support. To sustain. To grow. Not everyone has that self discipline you have. Or that courage you have. I respect you for that. But life is tough. And it does take all that time – all 6 days to pull us out of it. To get into the momentum. 1 day honestly, won’t cut it. I dread the cold, and I complain everyday why it has to end at 2am Everyday. If I can take something out, it’s all the sales pitches. And all the playing on “fear” to sell or market something. I really hate being sold to. But otherwise, I don’t think I’m a fan or worship tony Robbins. I just thank him for making a positive impact to so many lives. I just wished more people could experience it. (Not everyone can fork out 2-5K to transform their life) But I met someone who saved up for 10 years to attend his conference when he came to our country. Guess who’s life changed more? I, like you own companies, built if from scratch, am self-made. Yet, my life is far from perfect and this is part of the process I need to heal and grow. Thank you and I wish you greater success and thank you for making a positive impact in your own way. Blessings.
I’ve never heard Tony speak or read his writings. I have friends who practically worship the guy. That’s actually Red Flag #1 in my book. I just don’t get it. Clearly he’s no different than any other televangelist making millions off the backs of the hard-working middle class who are looking for more than their mundane lives, which he feeds to them. His followers spend ridiculous amounts of money to attend his events–where thousands of people gather to feast on endorphins and get emotionally intoxicated together. As an observer, his motivations are clear. His net worth is over $500 million, that’s over half a billion dollars, and presumably increasing steadily based on the crowd numbers I see. Fake. All fake. Sorry, when I meet someone in need, I don’t charge them when they listen to me speak and encourage them. I simply love them, provide whatever I can for them and encourage them to get whatever professional help they need, all for the low cost of…free. From what it seems, there are people who have experienced extreme trauma and are desperate for emotional healing. If he gave two flying flips about those people, he’d dip into his coffers and assist them with getting the professional mental health treatment they need. Instead, he gives a Benny Hinn performance and charges them a year’s worth of professional treatment in a single seminar. And people, en masse, fall for this scam. Some even walk across burning coals to prove it.
I just finished Date with Destiny – and I agree on almost every point! I also want to add that the fact he blasts the room with Air Conditioning at like 40 degrees is brutal, and all the girls I was with got sick so we literally couldn’t attend the full program.
Thanks for that! I will save up for DWD.
I have relatives who are into the Robbins cult. What I am seeing is they have lost all sense of humanity. It seems the most important thing is money not humanity. They are so wrapped up in the cult that is all they talk about. Tony says this tony says that. During the curren th crisis they are more concerned about the business then the health of the people who work for them. I have lost respect. Good thing u walked out.
UPW is VERY general and more of an intro into Tony’s philosophy and how he does things. For anyone reading this, skip UPW and go to Date With Destiny. You will get you money’s worth in the first 2 days (it’s a 6 day event) I cannot recommend it enough. I’ve been to both, and I can say with confidence that every single person would benefit tremendously by going to DWD. It’s transformational in every way. Every con the author of this article mentions about UPW, is not the case at DWD. You spend more time talking to people, you even have a “buddy” that you sit next to everyday to get to know even deeper. It’s less cheesy and more raw and real. The don’t hold anything back.
Kuddos!
The messenger does not hold reign over the message. Why do we thirst for a master, instead of seeking the master in us?
Too many people rely on who’s speaking vs what they’re saying, in addition, never question, is what he’s saying apply to me?
Kudos to the writer of the article for recognizing when it was time to exit. No dis to Tony Robbins, he drops jewels, but seminars and speakers are only a guide to self discover. I hope anyone who attends any seminar, leaves realizing the power they have over their life.
Tony Robbins reminds me of some kind of evangelical preacher – heavy on emotion low on knowledge base – this kind of thing though is horses for courses – i believe many people have benefited from his self help philosophy and methodology
Please forgive my stream of consciousness & lack of writing skill. After reading the article and all the comments I was pretty fired up and therefore I talked to text message this so it’s full of errors. 🙁
Agreed. It’s the same tactics as Evangelists & Scientologit’s. … fueled by the always present machine of spending/giving away ridiculous sums of $$. I believe if you are earnest & sincere about helping people GROW out of the construct of FEAR; don’t exclude a majority of the population who will never have 5K- 10K + to incite self love.
TR has de-evolved. Clearly- EGO is running the show. To me he is now a full fledged SCAMMER/ “legit” grifter. It’s not that I don’t believe he has talents – Nor that working hard should go unrewarded/ have no salary ; however; it seems literally INSANE that money is needed to hear what almost everyone has access to w/in themselves.
He isn’t any different than you or I. Except, he realized how hungry people are to hear someone else speak about how “they feel” because it validates everything WE are afraid to say out loud & own up to. In a sea/stadium of thousands- it becomes a mob (OR) Cult mentality: We are all in this together” . It’s psych 101. You no longer have to be in hiding . It’s a coming out of sorts – as in – IM NOT ALONE – We are all similar. Essentially; $$ should not be the spearhead or go hand-in-hand with Thank psychological or spiritual health. IMO – and of course I recognize that opinions are not facts. The library is free. Read and don’t stick to just one author there are several things that you can do to uncover all of your fears , resentments and all the things that keep you tied to your lower self. Yes some people lack discipline. I am def one of those people … so I practice…. starting w/ small things. I stay accountable to more than just myself. If he has that KIND of money; I’d hope that he is being charitable. Case & point: Joel Osteen . That continually breaks my heart. He too is yet another CON artist. We eagerly listen to someone who talks in Short quips & phrases – like bumper stickers quotes. We need to hear our own thoughts/ fears that come to us in the middle of the night – spoken by others who APPEAR to have broken FREE. Do not be fooled. The Dalai Lama DOES NOT CHARGE. I know I sound preachy & negative- but that is not my msg. By all means if listening to Tony Robbins has changed your life for the better and you’re a better person for it and you feel better about yourself then congratulations I think that’s freaking awesome. All I’m saying is for a huge amount of the population that is not even an option; aside from reading his books I would not even suggest that to people anymore.I mean by all means if listening to Tony Robbins has changed your life for the better and you’re a better person for it ….. congratulations! . All I’m saying is for a huge amount of the population that is not even an option except to read his books . In which case I would suggest other authors.
Personally I would not suggest that to anyone. I am a big believer in live and let live. So if TR helps you in anyway by all means: do what you do… I’m just saying; that there are other alternatives that do not require MONEY.
lI am not a religious fanatic nor do I subscribe to organized religion : I TOO am a big believer that all the answers are within us”. It’s removing the fear to get to your higher self.+ popping that ever present EGO. It holds us back. . And those that are asleep – seem to stay asleep dishing out 10 grand to hear someone speak due to the message resonating w/ in those who are ACTIVELY SEEKING or pursuing. It’s the law of things if you seek you will find. In all of the above comments – TR is appealing to y’all’s lower self as he stands on a stage. It’s obvious and sad and people are desperate . I get it. I don’t doubt that he’s helped people – but the caveat is you have to think that someone knows better than you do (at the very least) to change your perspective or to hear yourself in the clapping & cheers. Gratitude is a life-changing perspective as long as it’s action which basically is the key to everything . Love is a VERB – it’s a doing word. As is every virtue. Thanks for the opportunity to throw in my 2 cents whether anyone reads it or not.
I could start a blog which would be written completely different on all the current people who our into empowering self while holding out their hands for money and no one seems to have issue with that or call them out!!!??? It truly blows my mind.
Watch the Tony Robbins Ted Talk. That’s the fastest and best way to get the synthesized version of the 3 day workshop.
Agreed. Thank you.
Found your page through a random person online who said her family didn’t support her involvement in Tony Robbins, so I was curious to hear your opinion on them. Instead I enjoyed reading some of the tips you’ve used to grow and strengthen your business/interests! It was reassuring to know I’ve been moving in the right direction in some areas for my painting/creative design business as a wantrepreneur, and you’ve given me some new ideas to experiment with moving forward. Good luck with your company and journey of constant iteration!
I never been in him seminars and will never be. I studied him book, nothing original, him IQ should not be higher than 100. Tony is average psychologist. Yes he is maybe is good for the group for people who are completely messed up, for strong people who want to be stronger, tony is empty, he is just showman.
This is a man who got rich running his shtick as a lead-in to infomercials for bald spray. Anyone who takes him seriously is well…challenged.
Sell your car and come to hear ME! I am better than Anthony Robbins and can even teach you how to spell.
The guy was downright abusive when he coached me in a seminar, like he was angry at women, and was using his Godlike power to get his revenge on women, me being the proxy at that moment. I’m glad it was only a one-day event and I never went to another of his events. He’s a total power-addled jerk who says vague cliched crap but has the energy and charisma to pull it off anyway. He bores you to death if you just look at the words and not the show.
Today I’d shut him down in front of everyone, but back then he could sense I was vulnerable and he laid the abuse on heavy. It actually damaged my self esteem, but I kept thinking he was going to fix it and give me some surprise positive result, but he never did–he just left me with this negative crap he had handed me.
I’ve been to tons of helpful seminars and have no problem being challenged or looking deep within myself. I’ve done the real work in the decades since that bad experience with Tony, so to all of his Kool Aid drinkers who will say I was closed, NO, I wasn’t. It’s not us… it’s him.
Good, bold and respectful feedback. However you have also dragged too much before you made your point. You don’t need to be too defensive from the on set
I really appreciate your article and it was a very fascinating read. 🙂 I know a few other people who have been to Tony Robbins his events as well and they came back with stories very different from what they were expecting as well.. That is they were amazed by how great it was for them! And I am not just talking about the things they told me, I could really see and feel how they had changed myself. It’s been a couple of years since they’ve come back from the event now and both of them are doing better than ever. They’ve both lost a lot of wait, one of them found a way better job and the other completely quit her job altogether to follow her creative passion of painting. (which she did successfully)
This one event is what they credit is the primary source of all this new found love, happiness and growth.
Do yourself a favour and go to this event so you can at least judge for yourself. Do you have a car? Great! Sell your car and go to this event because I can promise you that it will take you much further in life. Or keep the car and just buy a ticket.
If you want to miss out on this for now and live in stagnation and insecurity that’s fine too. Just know that the choice is yours.
Lots of love to all of you, with whatever choice you make <3
Reading your analysis, which was excellent, it struck me that you might have a “roadblock” like the one I’ve recently discovered in myself (I’ve also become an aficionado of “self mastery”). I’ve spent most of my life analyzing the living shit out of everything, as part of what I can rightly say has been an obsession, even if not always completely consciously. When I’m not sharing my analysis of things with others, I’m doing it in my own head, then voraciously reading new things so that I can do more of it. But, I’ve more recently discovered tremendous power in “quieting” that (i.e., just listening, appreciating, and giving without words). Analysis, i.e., “words” are powerful but I realized that I’ve clung to them — i.e., when I fear, I analyze. And that, I’ve discovered, has held me back. Thank you for the post. Just food for …. Just food.
Well said!
Why do you give this , obvious, uneducated, con-artist any credit at all? Seriously..
Interesting. But here’s the real takeaway from this seminar. I didn’t act on it because I’m a broke coward who literally has no friends, but:
This seminar basically teaches you how to have a hugely happy time. I mean really feel deservedly pumped up. And you don’t need Tony for that. You could organize that yourself and simply repeat the stuff that actually makes sense.
The Dickens Pattern done right can be pretty amazing.
What if people felt that great once a month? And I think that can be done at a fraction of the cost.
I have been to UPW twice. First one made me feel great and did nothing. Second one worked worse and both changed nothing because feeling great doesn’t change my behavior. It wasn’t what I needed which was an actual breakthrough.
Still, I wonder what would have happened if I had found people to feel great with one a month…
My brain is not really designed to be a lone soldier.
Try using the Meetup app to create a group of people with similar interests.
I had a friend recently attend UPW, and didn’t get what all the fuss was about. I know a lot of folks are into the Tony Robbins kool-aid and all his pageantry, but it’s incredibly refreshing to hear about someone who went with an open mind, found it wasn’t for them, but MOST IMPORTANTLY used the experience to build and grow. Kudos to you, and thank you for sharing this.
Searching for a good motivational seminar
Mind dynamics but you have to get in a time machine and go back to 1972
Although I have never attended a TR event but have seen videos and read some of his material. Nevertheless, i have experienced similar events in different fields of interest and paid big money to attend. Based on your description and my experience, it seems most big events follow the same antics – the ra-ra, the other pitches to buy more and most frustrating, the “general” information with “no meat”. And the presenters disappearance immediately or shortly following, which does not make them available to participants.
I would agree I do walk away with notes written in haste during presentations so I can delve deeper into things myself. One would thing for the amount of money spent, I should not have such a long list of things to figure out on my own. I agree interactions with other participants to share stories and ask questions would have been very valuable.
Soooo— you didn’t walk on hot coals? You didn’t get to feel what it was like to picture everything you ever wanted to vividly that when you imagined being back to where you were it felt like you’d been kicked in the stomach? You didn’t fast forward to the present at everything you could lose or not become because you haven’t broken through your BS? And then scream and sob so hard in a room full of strangers who were all doing the same thing? Then hug people with so much love?
All the lead up was priming. Yeah the dancing and shoulder rubs and shit was awkward at times but it wasn’t the whole event.
I feel bad for you because you were definitely robbed, unfortunately not by Tony but by yourself. I’m sorry you walked out because you truly missed out.
Did you het your refund?
The money only ever flows one way…!
Thank you. I did the same yesterday, on the second day of Unleash the Power in Miami. Nothing against Tony Robbins or his teachings….but it was the format that simply did not work for me. I agree that motivation can come without all the rah, rah, boom, boom and massages. I did not go to be entertained and after a while of it…I unleashed my own power to say, “No. I don’t like this and am leaving”. No regrets.
I was also in Miami ; sorry to hear this , but you missed out. Amazing event. Not sure what you were expecting as most people have a feel for what they are getting into when spending the money needed to attend. Also , keep in mind that you can come and go as you please at UPW. Is it recommended , NO but my goodness. Try his podcasts out, may be more your style
And I am reading this during the UPW 2019 Miami while walking out as well.
Discribed perfectly! II am here in Miami as well for the UPW. Im a long time seeker of knowledge so a lot of the information is to general and even outdated. However, the information is phenomenal for people just now getting around to making a change. Please understand 50 hours of hype is not enough to make a difference. you have to continue education, seminars books, videos, activities. continuously stay in the vibration of your intentions
Guy is great
just had to walk out on first day Nov.07/19 guy was about an hour late
I’m just not comfortable felt like a religious cult praising another human
Don’t know the guy I’m pretty sure he does a lot good things yes but he probably make a lot mor money with this type of events that following he’s own instruction jut my opinion
Omg…I am reading this article of your while I am attending my UPW in Miami November 7th 2019 and immediately felt the same way… FYI, I attend the convention or the seminar what ever they called it because of my friends bought it for me as a gift. But honestly I am in deep question as for what this event mean to me… Why so many people attend and felt so great after all (including my friends that bought me the ticket)… I will be more then happy if you can contact me and be my friend as I’ve read your article and felt your passion in business and life look like the same direction as me… Thank you … Your sincerely humble new friend… From Jersey ??
Jemmi I agree totally. I’m also at the Miami event right now and couldn’t even get to the firewalk. By the time 11:30 rolled past and after three hours of cloud floating while laughing it felt more empowering to walk back to the hotel than do the walk. Did you stay for that? That was really the big thing I was hoping to do and feel like at some point it became silly and I left.
I’m feeling the same way! Are we able to ask for a refund??
Thank you. I did the same yesterday, on the second day of Unleash the Power in Miami. Nothing against Tony Robbins or his teachings….but it was the format that simply did not work for me. I agree that motivation can come without all the rah, rah, boom, boom and massages. I did not go to be entertained and after a while of it…I unleashed my own power to say, “No. I don’t like this and am leaving”. No regrets.
I was at UPW in Miami too. I really do like Tony and feel he has a lot of wisdom to share with others. BUT, this event was not for me. The constant jumping, hugging, dancing, rubbing on strangers, screaming was way out of my comfort zone. The worst part for me were the judgmental people that were focusing on “why” I was there if I’m not going to “throw down,” I wish I would have thought of it at the time but I should have said I am here to hear Tony, to learn and to grow not to fucking jump and dance all day and night. This aspect made me feel a cult type dynamic, not coming from Tony but from the participants. All people should focus on themselves and let others be who they are. Other than that, I did try my best to adhere to what they were asking of us to do but I found myself leaving early each day and dreading each new day due to the above mentioned, I finally said f it on Sunday, left the event and paid for a whole new earlier flight home and left.
If you are predominantly introverted, this event will drain you dry, at least it did for me, I realize I can’t speak for all introverts (just do research on the event before booking unlike me) and I am not bashing all Tony fans because I am a Tony fan myself.
I must give the event credit for the wonderful, life changing information and it did in fact empower me, at first, the experience from the participants made feel hurt, that I was judged by others, seen as weak, seen as “holding back,” I got home, did some soul searching to try to see if there was a lesson as to why I was treated the way I was, maybe they were trying to help me to see something that I needed to fix, there was indeed a lesson – to stand strong in my power, love my damn self as the unique expression that I am and not let anyone make me feel less than or that I have to do anything that I don’t want to do. So, thank you!!
I am a Tony fan as well and appreciate your post on this topic. I enjoyed reading your perspective on introversion and what really happens to introverts at these types of “events.” I started going through Tony’s programs (Personal Power & Get the Edge) just after the financial crisis of 2008-09 when I was at an all-time low. I am very grateful for these programs and will do them again, fine-tuning them to my needs. I have nothing bad to say about the programs I completed – I took action, followed the instructions, filtered out the sales pitches, and developed tangible goals that turned into reality. Every “goal” I wrote down the first year was achieved by the second year! I have thought about going to a live event, but your post has helped put that thought to rest. I did some research a few years ago – seeing videos of his seminars and I knew the events would not be tailored to me as an introvert, but I thought stretching my comfort zone and going to an event might be a good thing if it can help me continue to grow as a person. I get the impression that being an introvert is “bad” to a lot of self-help gurus and that success is dependent primarily on extroversion (which is not true). I also got a taste of this heavily extroverted focus with a free coaching session with one of Tony’s coaches where he asked me to be more energetic and “yell it out loud like you really believe it!” He asked me to keep saying my goal until it was loud enough for his standards. I did this several times and it felt very insincere. I let him know that believing something does not require yelling it out loud. He was dismissive of my statement. In my opinion, this coaches behaviour was brash & shallow, and he constantly redirected the discussion to general/generic topics that ultimately lead the conversation towards the benefits of signing up and paying for more coaching. It was like he was reading a script. I believed there was no depth in the session whatsoever, so I decided to not sign up for the paid coaching program. It was the right choice. Towards the end of the coaching session, when he again asked me to say it like I mean it – I refused to yell and scream – and he said that I wasn’t really serious about my goals and became slightly sarcastic attempting to put me on the defence (and attempting to close a sale). I reminded him of the fact that I have a track record of overcoming obstacles and landing on my feet, but this didn’t seem to matter to him because I didn’t scream loud enough.
Spend the time and money and go for yourself . I was in Miami upw and it was amazing . If you make your decisions off okdork.com in life then I feel for you my friend. Go and try
I appreciate this. I have never been to a TR seminar. But to me there is one big thing that keeps me away. To me big changes happen often through subtlety. Not big Sturm and Drang. Not much subtlety to Robbins.
And there is one other thing I never see in Tony Robbins presentation and that is GENTLENESS. One of my own big life lessons as someone who is hard on herself too much of the time, is that being gentle with oneself is one of the most important and powerful things you can do when you are trying to grow or change. Tony just pushes me away. Also he seems to be straining his voice all of the time. That is not a great thing…(also I am a singer and a teacher of singing). It is a sign that he is trying to hype up to cover some stuff. Stuff like vulnerability.
In 1992 I bought one of Tony’s products – a series of cassettes and specific instructions on how to achieve your goals. I got the girl I wanted, made a fortune on the internet bubble and then went to medical school. I definitely did the work, but Tony got me started.
“If you never quit, you probably aren’t trying enough new things.”
This quote does not feel powerful to me, personally.
I get the quote and I think it is for someone that is still maybe
searching for their true passion!
Here may be a better one that may resonate with others
that feel that they have connected with “god” “universe” “spirit” or any
other man made name you choose to call it.
If quitting is even an option… you haven’t really connected to
source and figured out why you were put on this earth. You must get
closer to god… earth, nature and let your TRUE gift be shown to you.
BECAUSE once you find what you were really really put in this universe
to uncover, TRUST me…
QUITTING isn’t an option… Your mission is WAY WAY WAY to laser
focused and you MUST GET HER DONE!!! (by the way… that’s a way
better quote!!!
Because each and every day you focus on your True passion you feel
ALIVE and you have endless energy, confidence and love pouring in from
all around you!!! Don’t believe me… I’m cool with that… god gave
you the gift to choose your own thoughts (reality) what a sweet sweet
gift!
If you haven’t seriously cried out to god with real tears in
gratitude… your living to small… you were made for more… and you
can and Must Find IT!
All words expressed here to you… are from a place of Love and
Gratitude! They are written only to possibly shake you up and get you
ready for YOUR Huge Journey that awaits YOU!
You are enough and you are Loved… unconditionally… amen.