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
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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”
I’m in the Tony Robbins March 2022 Virtual Unleash the Power Within now. Ugh.
How many times can we stand, dance, clap, and hear the daily sales pitch?
My dad worked with Zig Ziegler when I was a kid. So, I’ve heard this Tony Robbins kind of stuff before from some of the greats, but at a much faster pace.
Plus, I’m use to going deeper than Tony R goes.
Sometimes he’s simply confusing because he’s all over the place. It’s seems he doesn’t finish one area before jumping to something else.
I’m glad so many people have gotten things out of Tony Robbins.
I’ve found his seminar to not align for myself at all. And when asking for a refund yesterday, I got a total run around through chat with two team members. I don’t know if it will happen.
First day, simple stuff I think everyone would know. Same old Tony stories I’ve heard before.
Second day, a waste of time.
Now, third day, I logged in due to a friend whose also a participant encouraging me to do the Dickin’s Process.
I’m sitting there two hours after Tony says “Stand up. We are going to do the Dickin’s Process now.” Two hours of dicking around not doing the Dickin’s Process?
I logged off and went to the trail with my partner and our dogs. We picked up some dinner and smoothies. Made fun of the seminar. Talked about the beautiful outdoors. What a wonderful day of seminar, away from the seminar.
Again, I’m glad many had breakthroughs. It’s just not for me. Some in the group also have had issues with the seminar. Maybe Tony is loosing his touch.
I’m on day 3 of the 4 day virtual UPW. This is my first UPW and Tony seminar. It has been life changing and I’m not a superfan nor am I one of those people who attend his seminars repeatedly. I just had to comment to say you did miss out by not going to at least three days. He’s the greatest at what he does for a reason.
Wow, this was enlightening, raw, uplifting and real. I did a Breakthrough Challenge with TR and while it was good, it was all the things you stated above. I did have some great takeaways, and they did entice me to do UPW but it is about my money and time. I need a personal development day. And will set a date after this.
I joined his Facebook group about a month ago, it has over $800,000 members. It dawned on me or maybe I am slow that what he preaches, is how he formed his business and today how he gets more and more people into believing. Don’t get me wrong, he has energy, but what I’ve noticed with him AND people who are guest speakers, all they are talking about is coaching. It’s amazing that he can hold that kind of power, a lot of those people are from other countries, looking for the “American” dream. It’s really interesting to watch. He said in one clip that he drinks celery juice every morning, over half the people in the group immediately went out and started juicing celery. It is something else.
I felt the same way about the Business Mastery program. Did you send him any feedback? Ask for $$$ back? I’d like to….
I am in a seminar now and asked for a refund. I’ve really gotten a run around.
Thank you so much for this ? I’m still recovering from a severe traumatic brain injury and couldn’t complete the program. I wish I had thought to walk away rather than best myself up and even sign up for more sensory overload and inability to follow him. ?
I’m very aware of when I feel like I’m being manipulated or sold, and Tony Robbins is such a powerful presence he has the ability to just run you over, which is perhaps the hidden take I get from your review. Or it may just be my own biases. Either way, your post was honestly and insightfully written.
Thanks for sharing. I, too, highly respect TR yet, watched free for 5 days on YouTube wondering what was uncomfortable about it. While many of his quotes resonate with me, I could never attend an event in person. The self reflection in figuring out this discomfort was worthwhile & satisfying. I am grateful for the opportunity
Just watched one from the recent on line event. And, I just kept thinking, what is with the weird clap, so glad to see this on your list, made me laugh. He has so much energy, which I find exhausting LOL, but also had so much good information, which is very helpful. I found it very interesting that his wife has gone in the complete opposite direction, energetically. For myself, I know from past experience, I don’t respond to high energy situations. I appreciate a lot of people do, and that’s great but for me it’s the wifes energy I respond too, and would get far more from.
Bravo. Thank you.
Thank you for making your thoughts on this available. I have much the same opinion as you on this. I found there was just too much “fluff”, I noticed the name dropping (a lot) and so much material I just heard elsewhere already. I understand the “positive image” concept he sells and agree with it, but the “show” was just too irritable. I thought I was just too much of a realist to “get it”.
I’m on day 2 of Breakthrough challenge by Tony- online 5 days seminar. Still 3 days to go. I’ve opted for VIP package where after the 90 min (first day was longer) and we can submit questions and Tony will speak to you personally if his team chooses your question.
I’ve known about Tony Robbins for some years.. so I signed up. And felt I don’t belong here lol . “Cult” was the word I used today explaining to my husband about my first impression. So I just googled if my feeling of not being so exhilaratedly happy is normal.. I’m so glad I found this blog.
I absolutely agree that Tony is amazing in so many ways and it seems he IS helping a lot of people. But for me it feels more like a show than work on yourself.
I can write my own blog (and probably will later) about my experience, but for now I just want to thank you!
It sounds like you left the seminar because you wanted the clickbait headline “Why I Walked Out On Tony Robbins” for your YouTube and blog.
Is mind reading a superpower of yours? Not sure how you can come to this conclusion
Your article was to the point for people like myself to make a decision. intelligent sincere article. You broke it down for anyone to many their choices depending on their weakness or need of help to attend Tony’s seminar. I enjoyed reading it I laughed a lot because I was able to see or feet what you felt for the 3 days. PS: The uplifting day you spent after you got out of the seminar was fantastic.
Thank you. so. much.
Thank you for your fair evaluation. I have never been to one of Tony’s events but your experience parallels my own ideas. It flunks the common sense test, in my opinion, to believe that tremendous progress with long standing deep seated emotional injuries can be attained in several days. So thank you.
Thank you for your fai evaluation. I have never been to one of Tony’s events but your experience parallels my own ideas. It flunks the common sense test, in my opinion, to believe that tremendous progress with long standing deep seated emotional injuries can be attained in several days. So thank you.
Ended up reading this randomly but thanks for sharing such a classic example. TR has what is called in Human Design a defined heart center/will center meaning he is here to prove himself, say something and make it happen and inspiring others in doing so. Problem is most people (approx. 65% of the population) doesn’t have this center defined meaning ultimately they have nothing to prove, there is no consistent access to their will power so when TR is out of the picture the motivation is gone. Nothing personal, it’s just ‘mechanics’.
Cool to hear that you listened and stayed true to yourself!
That’s interesting and explains a lot.
I don’t have a dog in this fight, but there are a few things that struck me. I have attended UPW and there are definitely some negatives, but it seems there are some discrepancies here.
I’ve not heard of a $2000 ticket. Current prices range from $495 to $1100
The nutrition day is the last day, so if you walked out how did you see it?
How is it a conflict of interest to talk about good health and also sell Health related products? If this were the case then everyone in any business would be accused of having a conflict of interest for talking about and advertising their business. That’s how business works.
That said, there is an annoyingly excessive amount of sales throughout the 4 days.
You don’t say at what point that you walked out, but reviewing an event that you haven’t experienced is like reviewing a book that you haven’t read.
As for the jumping around and all of the movement, there are many studies to back up the concept of linking physical activity with better learning and retention and that is even talked about at some point in the event. Maybe the part you didn’t see.
Andrew I just did the Free 5 day Breakthrough Challenge and I feel so high it’s incredible. The challenge is going to be keeping the high spirits up by myself. I guess that’s why people do the UPW again n again. Its called conditioning.
Sounds like you need more friend time and personal time maybe that’s what we all need. My boss is obsessed with Tony Robbins and highly Encourage’s us to attend his seminars. Tony’s mission is the same as a support groups, but I think people go to Tony Robbins because they go in for change and then leaving now knowing they are not alone and that is what keeps them going back. I loved your video by the way it was a good serious kind’ve funny video.
Just returned home from UPW in Florida….felt everything you said. I don’t regret it, but will never go back. Thanks for breaking it down!
P.S. I finished it
Thank you for this awesome info. I attended the virtual four day and I love it, but I couldn’t hang for 4 days- even while at home. I will be attending this event live- and I am a little worried because what you are saying is what I had been wondering….. I was actually hoping for a one or two day event. I will see how it goes.
No he had not had good “intentions” for a Avery long time. Intention is one of the most important attributes behind anyone’s decision as to the “why” they do anything. You will at some point run dry, get bored and perhaps require new challenges after doing the same thing for so long as he has done. $500,million and has corrupt and even evil friends as some you have mentioned. He’s making money for someone more powerful than him, he’s in the same club. I’m so happy to hear that you had the balls to walk out because it will be one of your biggest lessons…. and that is what you need comes from within…..blessings brother ?????
I have never attended a Robin’s event because the man himself I find well..kind of cheesy- although very business savvy. I agree with many of the points you made. There are many who I know that have gone and their lives were a mess before they attended and still are a mess just more broke – because they ‘drank the kool-aid’ . The events are intoxicating and for those who don’t have strong inner power/connection to God, it does help them see what they can feel like if they were enough and loved. I feel you may have been higher evolved or educated – like many, and did not need the overpriced spectacle display which costs so much to put together, thus the pricing and cost of admission.
It sounds like the time you spent at the seminar was worth the price since you realized that you had to do certain things for yourself. I have read several of Tony’s books and listened to his programs. Is all of the information relevant to me and my life? No. However, Tony’s material is loaded with all kinds of little gold nuggets of information that changed my life. How much did you spend on the seminar, $2,000? You can find Tony’s books for a couple of bucks in used book stores and get similar life changing information as in that $2,000 seminar. Whether you spend $2.00 or $20,000, your life was changed, even if it was just a little bit.
Thanks for Review of Tony Robbins. I felt compelled to investigate this guy further after watching the Netflix doco ” I am not your Guru”, which by the way I couldnt watch the whole thing. I was so disturbed by this show and felt afterwards that I had subjected myself to some sort of horror movie. As far as im concerned there is something deeply wrong with this guys approach. It made me sick how he took participants extreme trauma, exploited it and then claimed to fix them in a few minutes. To see these people so vulnerable and at the mercy of this man I found heart breaking and painful to watch.
Just watched the same doc on Netflix. I couldn’t believe it when TR got a woman to phone her partner to end the relationship. That was a big power trip for him. Overall I agree, it was shocking to see so many vulnerable people being taken advantage of emotionally and financially.
I found your article very interesting and informative. I love the fact that you didn’t bash Tony but gave a good well rounded review on your own personal experience. I heard of Tony years ago but only started to read his books, watch his dvds, listen to his audio cd’s since watching I am not your guru. After watching Tony and reading his books i couldn’t wait to purchase some audio cd’s and dvd’s to further learn about myself.
My own experience is mixed. I found that Tony’s books are excellent and I got a lot out of them (although I have to say that a lot of his theory matches my religious preference of Nichiren Buddhism). When I purchased his audio cd’s i was left a little disappointed and a bit angry to be honest. I found that although the audio cd’s did have interesting content I was annoyed at the amount of advertising plugs for his courses etc. I felt a little stupid as I suddenly felt that I was being lead along a path of BUY MORE FOR THE ANSWERS.
Overall I rate Tony’s books highly but feel that he is successful and rich enough without needing to plug his courses over and over again on his CD’s. The constant plugs throughout his audio discs just turn me cold. It gave me the impression that I will keep having to purchase something to get the answers I need and that left me thinking ‘If Tony is sorted and wise and knows how to help us all then why does he need to keep plugging himself’?’
So i think your review is really helpful for anyone wondering whether they should ‘commit’ the large amounts of money for live events or just spend the money on Tony’s books, others books, and a regular check in with a real life coach. My money would be on the latter option.
I have never enjoyed one second listening to TR. I think he’s a hustler. If you can’t figure this stuff out on your own, or with a therapist or friends, I feel sad for you. I applaud you for walking out. TR is so annoying to me. I have other more genuine speakers I truly learn amazing things from.
A fair and reasonable review. I found valuable
I was wondering if I o was the only one who felt like it was 10% content and 90% sales pitches for someone else’s products or other seminars. I didn’t pay $2,000 for sales pitches. I stayed and regretted it because if you stay for the whole thing, you can’t get a refund. I was just hoping it would get better.
Decent article.
I am reading Money Master the Game .
I immediately began skimming it. Way too much ‘hoopla’ and bragging and story telling before getting to the points of value.
Good info and one must pick and choose through it or it is just to much redundancy or duplication or irrelevant to my own situation.
He likes the sound of his own mind, and voice.
And that is why I do not go to these seminars or any others for that matter.
Big extra agendas that are hidden with in the value.
All that glitters is not gold and if it sounds to good to be true it most often is.
I think the motivation industry has grown because people get dopamine release when listening to inspirational speeches. But 90% rarely put into practice what has been taught by the speakers. They go back to their normal lives and relive their bad habits while longing for the next time they’ll get the dopamine release from listening to more motivational speeches. It’s scary how we get addicted to motivation and do little to change our lives.
That’s a great point!! Less is more. It is great to feel good after a motivational speech but even better to generate our own good feelings from being productive.
Tony talks a lot about the importance of integration…you leave early or can’t get past your self and open up you miss that extremely important part. All the knowledge in the world is useless unless you integrate it into your life.
I’m not a big fan of the fluff and dancing and all that but there is plenty of scientific data to backup the effect that stuff has on emotions and ability to retain what you are hearing.
I see the empathy from Anthony and watched I’m Not Your Guru. He has a gift. I’ve read his books. They make sense. But I do agree that it feels more like a cult than a community. I’ve taken in what I’ve had to and might want to watch it again. It’s much too much noise for me and feels rather superficial. I can imagine the emotional high from being in a high-volt of energetic people, if your eardrums haven’t yet broke, but will pass and then it’s time to book another show.
But I’ve taken home images in my mind. He’s a good guy but I can’t spend my money on it.
Glad I’m not alone!
You had good points and a fair review of the part of the event which you experienced. I would have loved to see you go through the whole thing and then give a review of the actual whole experience. You have held your own events and if you had been there the whole time you’d know that there’s a reason for the several days and it would not accomplish what it does if it was just one day. It’s not about exchange of information only, the bigger thing is the change people go through and that happens mainly on the third day. The content has been built to support that process and it’s actually quite fascinating how it’s all put together.
“massaged our neighbors, fanned our neighbors …” OUT!!
Hello Noah,
The review reads well and resonates a lot. Thank you for that. As attending the online UPW now (for much less than 2K) the same thoughts do come to me too.
Given an 8 figures business, the price was probably not an issue for you but rather your own time invested in the event. Say “Yeah” if you agree 😀
My take on all of the “hoopla” is all about spacing out the “meat” and wiring it into the subconscious, stamping, and hammering it in – making up remember the DATA as opposed to writing it down into notebooks. Please tell me otherwise – I am honestly curious.
All of the bragging and name-dropping serve the same purpose (NLP) – convincing ALOT when one learns from those coming from the TOP as opposed from someone nobody heard about, no matter how valuable the info can be – if your coach didn’t make it to the top – most would leave less convinced.
Reading your review – one reads that you HAVE actually gotten a lot from attending it, even by walking out you seem to have learned a bit about yourself and pushed you further. Even if that meant understanding what’s best for you (not TR events). Would you get the same by any other average weekend of yours? (perhaps you would – I don’t know)
Thank you.
One needs to read a variety of feedbacks, it does five the right impression of this not being an ultimate cult 🙂
I just watched a video of Tony Robbins working with a couple and it was impressive but as someone who has a Masters in Marriage and Family therapy and did all the work: studying Family Systems theory , 2 years of internship, and lots of supervision, I am skeptical of someone who has not and takes risks with people’ s relationships. Let me say I did not go into practice but I did the work. How does Tony Robbins deal with his issues (all therapists have issues which impact their work)? Is he in a supervision group where he is held accountable?
I applaud you for thoughtfully and respectfully doing what is right for you.
And I think it’s great if some couples can truly heal their relationships by working with Tony Robbins.
His gig reminds me of Werner Erhard’s est from the ‘70’s only more fun. But it’s not for everybody.
It’s refreshing to hear your Honesty and the commitment you possess in your everyday walk
Hi Noah, I know this article was written a year ago and you probably won’t ready this but thank you for sharing your experience.
I have a friend who is a huge Tony Robbins advocate and I started to listen to his stuff and was considering signing up for his upcoming UPW even though I really don’t have the money. Like you I’ve done other self coaching programs but I’m still struggling with relationships, love and heartbreak. In addition to being on my own which is really tough.
I did really appreciate what you share not only what happened during the event but your what’s happening in your own life.
Thank you again.
I think Noah is already probably more centered which is why he didn’t find UPW so great. Maybe you would have had a different experience who knows?????
Appreciate your analysis. Thought it was spot on. Tony certainly has value most of which you can get from his books and his tape programs. Even then, there is a lot of fluff and when it comes to “The time of your life”, it would be better to get to the core and not waste our time with the useless excess.
I think you gave a fair review. but to me, if you committed fully, you broke your commitment or you would have finished.
i would ahve much more liked to read a review IF you finished which you did not so ALL we can go on are YOUR PROJECTIONS of what you THINK it may have been like for you but NOT actual facts as you left.
that makes me wonder, why you went at all? or why you said you were fully commited, when it turns out you weren’t.
Funny they guy who made tony’s movie “i am not your guru” also wanted to leave the first day , but i think sooner than you did, but his wife encouraged him to finish and from that came a movie his life was so changed and he found out his “assumptions” of what he thought was gonna happen didn’t at all. so there’s that.
i would have liked yoru review much more if you finished it . because your words here are “After fully committing, with a completely open heart…”
FULLY COMMITTING means, NOT walking out when you THINK it’s gonna be a certain way OR it’s NOT what you expected. would you walk out of a marriage you fully commited to?
i’m being honest here… this seems like a slick “nice review” on Tony to get his potential customers. you are slick. but your own words imo are what i judge you on.
i SO woluld have LOVED to have read that you acutally FINISHED that which you said you were FULLY COMMITED to… and then i may even care what else you have to say.
or if you said “i didn’t fully commit after all and i am glad.” but i didn’t get that.
i got a weird passive aggressive “review” which held a sales pitch for your supposedly amazing teachings? idk. not even interested in reading more about you because of what you said in this piece.
i am glad you were moved enough to make your own way… etc. but this review… idk seems really fishy to me. it just makes no sense.
I don’t think it’s necessary to finish everything you start. That can simply end up being a huge waste of time. I don’t dismiss points of views because they thought it might not be the best use of their time.
I’ve been thru the full UPW and a few other Tony events. I think this was absolutely a fair critique.
Hmmm . Assumption in my view. I found the review fair, kind and courageous …
be a plus to get more balance in reviews both pos n not all pos etc
So many UPPERCASE words! Honestly, from your response, I’m not sure I’d want to know more about you either. We ALL have to give people more love and grace and while the gentleman who wrote this piece gave all of those things to his experience, you gave him none.
I’m sure the fact that you don’t want to learn anything more about him will keep him up at night. Was that your intention?
Here’s the thing. You have no clue whether or not this man was dedicated or devoted to the experience. And who are you or any of us to tell him what he should’ve done to get more out of it? There’s a saying, it’s called … ‘to each their own’. It’s really effective when you don’t understand something you don’t agree with. Good luck to you!
7 hours is enough commitment. Probably stayed 6 hours too long!
Right… the money invested on a TR ticket would do better invested in peoples own retirement account. Sounds like you could just Google free inspiration stuff
From what you’ve detailed , I would definitely have done the same thing . I would have felt manipulated , and like the seminar was low level thinking . Good for you !
Excellent. Raw and authentic amidst the pools of lies, scams and phonies. The world really needs more enlightened and courageous people like you, not sheep’s fed on fake news, propagandas and unabashed lies. Keep up the good work. I like to be your friend. Thanks
I loved this and namely because it’s how I already feel about Project Next. I am hedging toward walking away. I have had way too many people within the group playing out the model that Tony/Dean teaches and seeing if I “catch” the bait. If I were less seasoned, more naive, I might have fallen for it??! I don’t know, because it is pretty clear to me I didn’t sign up to be recruited by others in the group and their “obvious sell”. It is a sell and not a serve as is the latest catch phrase or jargon. I am not saying it doesn’t work for the good many that signed up. But I am already feeling like I am detoxing from fast-food. And likely the more off-setting was being approached by so many in the group to join their work. I am namely here to figure out my goals…not theirs. And when one of them even stated, ‘I will help make your dreams come true”, I realized we really are into a deep fog. Tony doesn’t sell you a dream. If anything he is inspiring millions to make the dream happen for themselves!!! And even after I poitely said no….I was still not left alone. It was then a voice recording followed by a youtube of their work. I hate being critical but when I told my husband, he said, “They don’t know who they are dealing with.” Because the youtube was directly related to a practice in which I have travelled to India 22 times to seek out Masters of yoga, Gurus and teachers to learn at the source. It’s a point I am super proud of because I did it on my own dime….no one was funding me. Anyway, I appreciate more critical and constructive thoughts about this whole thing. Thank you.
Well said. I feel that Tony’s seminars and books make me feel like I am a failure and no matter what I do or achieve, it will never be enough. He also displays no respect for other peoples time or needs. Every time I commit to a TR event it always runs way over time and never to an agenda or structure. I leave feeling that I am not good enough, or that i am not doing enough and start to question everything I do. I find it cult like with all its chanting and dancing and singing. All seems too good to be true and like most religions, if you take the money out of the equation, would it still exist?
I loved reading your experience.
I laughed a lot during the reading.
I haven’t attended Tony’ show in live
but I watched some recordings
and attended his copy/paste in Israel.
It was embracing …
If you don’t have a dark story in your life
you miss something …
My occlusions:
Tony’ marketing is addressing the people who want – much easier to achieve any progress.
The standards are so Set in stone so you feel guilty or missing something all the time …
As I work for similar people attending tony’ events, there is a new approach, navigating you to a better and satisfied life.
Thank you for posting this review. I relate to you 100% . You saved me $ and I appreciate that. I would go to a weekend event if you hosted it.
I just “walked out” of an Own Your Future online event with Tony Robbins. I was a big fan. I listened to hours and hours of recordings on cassette tapes. I was disappointed in his subtle and not so subtle misogyny. I was more disappointed when he was dismissive of the risk of Covid19 talking of living in fear and bragging that Florida never shut down. (I don’t even think that is completely true.) The final straw was bragging about “coaching” Trump. Drop names but not the name of some who fomented insurrection.