Why I Walked Out on Tony Robbins
Last updated on May 13, 2019
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.
| BONUS: Get the checklist to build your own Personal Development Day |
"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.
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 2015).
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. Here's a speech I gave about overcoming fear:
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.
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.
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.
1,405 responses to “Why I Walked Out on Tony Robbins”
Hi Sir,
I am from India. I am trying to improve my self since 2015 and still I am trying. According to my expectation I have not achieve anything.
These are the issues I am facing currently and I want to get out of these.
Communication issue.
Language issue(poor English)
I am salary person. However I have to pay high amount of EMI every month.
Relationship issue.
Feeling afraid (negative thought) almost every time.
I have seen couple of videos as well. I have seen that you tought the people for different thinking process in difficult situation.
Could you please help me.
Regards,
Kamal Dey
M-9903911266
Fair enough. Guy is a 21st century con man, he says some good things, he's also an ego maniac who has made a fortune like a tele evangelist convincing people to be good to themselves while extracting fortunes from them as well. If he truly cares about human kind he would do these seminars for free
Hi Noah,
A couple of things come to mind. One, UPW is more for the person who is new to transformational work. You’ve done a lot of shit, you are in the industry yourself, you would have a hard time “falling in” such as is required. I’m glad you got as much out of it as you did. I’m not surprised at any of the points that hung you up, they are all valid.
Personally I had to step completely out of judgement over and over to gain the incredible value that I did from the UPW that I attended with 15k guests. I’ve been to a lot of intensives and UPW doesn’t come close to many of them, but it was the refresher/reminder that I needed and Tony is a master.
Also my wife and I paid $695 (GA) for both us us to attend. We weren’t up front but we weren’t in the way back either. Our 2fer promotion came with an Executive Upgrade so basically we were in the center. That felt like a reasonable price.
Tony can’t be present everyday anymore because of his vocal chords. We weren't told that upfront so it felt a little shocking and disappointing. His stand-in was amazing however.
The up-selling was painful. It was hard to trust that every time we got into a vulnerable state there was an enormous push to benefit from something that would pay him more money. Coaching at over $300/hr that we absolutely can not live without. Products, workouts, clubs, and more courses. We didn’t buy anything there (I’m shocked) but we are now signed up for Date with Destiny.
I think your article is a brilliant way to promote your brands and feels truly authentic. I’ve subscribed to your podcast and look forward to hearing more of your work. Thank you.
I appreciate your giving your opinion on the first few hours of a Tony Robbins event. Day 1 is always about getting people in the right state to be able to receive and appropriately process those things you are learning. Had you attended the entire event, I suspect your opinion would have been vastly different. But you didn't, which means your views account for little to nothing because all of it is assumption and nothing based on fact. But you do have many people reading this so you got what you were after - your name known by more people.
Hi
It was interesting to read your input on the T.R event
I think I can somewhat relate and understand where you come from to some extent but I have to say that yes you do kind of bash T.R ??
Here in Sweden probably most people would think that an T.R event would be ”too much”, ”too loud”, and a bit too ”american”?
That’s what I myself thought first, but after listening and watching to the content of his ”work”; you feel the sincerity and truth in there-you learn to see pass these things.
Still, with that Said though, wouldn’t have probably me neither appreciated a marathon of massages and dancing and screaming.
But, also, have in mind,that just because this doesnt suit me or you it doesnt mean it doesn’t work for others-apparently it does?
I dont think that MR Robbins would disagree with some of the things you pointed out.
I think that he would see it as something positive that you follow through with what you feel is right for you.
His work is a possibility for people to get uplifted and recobnected with themselves.
I think though that we all have to be ”awake”and mindful about whatever we do in life and always question our choices-whats in it for me, what does this feel like, what does it bring,how does it make me feel, why?
We should never blindly follow any person or teaching.Look at Buddha,even he himself Said question my teachings learn for yourself.
You do not have to justify to anyone and explain why you do as you do when it comes to your own choices of this sort.
It is important to ledsen how to trust ourselves?
You are an experience richer; you realized it wasnt for you and Thats it.Nothing more nothing less. No harm done.
Just because you ”tasted” something Thats wasnt prefereble for you doesnt mean its not prefereble for someone else?
I think valuable from this is that you have inne guidance and knowledge of your own and that it is important to acknowledge it no matter what someone else says or does.
Also it seems as if you have enough momenten of your own so you dont need that kind of ”catalysator”
any more?
So also it is natural that you will not ve inpressed by som things.
Dont think too much of yourself though.
Also maybe you should appologize even to T.R if he now is your client,this is not really appropriate,if not for that reason only I would say;)
You say you do not bash him down.
But you kind of do.No need to get personal and patronize people just to prove ones point.Hm.
There is no right nor wrong.
I think you’d been better off acknowledging to yourself that well this wasnt really my thing here. But now I know.There is no way that suits ALL of us, and there ARE supposed to be many different ways in life because there is such a variaty in things here in the world. That having one way of doing things wouldnt be possible in and off itself.
I once myself left an event (not his), that I didnt feel was my thing.
I thought it was a meditation course but it turned out to be healing and other new age things that for my part didnt ”feel right at the moment”.
I just told the teacher it didnt feel right and that it wasnt for me.
It wasnt even possible to get a refound.
Still though I felt happy for my experience and the nice people I had met during that first day but most of all I was happy for my own guidance sistem that told me which way to go.
That in itself was worth a lot and more than the money i had ”lost”.
/Jana
Ps.I appologize my english, not my best spoken language,hopefully you understand what I mean.?
Well said Jana! Thank You.
I would be scared to go to such a show even if the ticket was just $10. People rarely chose to think for themselves these days and also there's a lot of self doubt out there...I know because I do. I come from the country that in the previous era it was free and clear from bombardment of advertisers. In one word...marketing is a powerful tool and the crowd is another.
I walked out on a book written by another famous around the world author and I got no issues with not agreeing with someone on any given topic no matter how famous they are. No one is God here so use your judgement wisely
I have a 20 year old son who is struggling with low self esteem, procrastination. low grade depression/ anxiety... he is very self aware - realizes that he is has a problem, is so tired of feeling down....but can't seem to find the motivation / the right "key" to change ( he won't touch medication - due to bad experience for depression/ anxiety and won't see a therapist as he thinks they are uninspiring and insincere....)
I thought that going through a powerful motivational course might just "awaken" something in him and push him out of his negative state... reading all of these comments, makes me think that this might not be the best thing, his 20 year old self might find it too cheesy and just another negative experience on his road to self discovery.
I would greatly welcome any insights and suggestions.
Hey Sara-
I went through a dark period after losing my mother, sister and sorta got knocked out by life. There is no magic formula, but there are changes you can make that help.
I tracked everything I was learning @ strivelifedesign.com. It’s all free. No B.S. No fluff.
It helped me a ton. It could help your son as well. It takes work, and time putting the work in. But if you do the work, building self-esteem is a side-effect.
A solid book to check out for self-esteem is “the 6 Pillars of Self-Esteem” by Nathaniel Branden.
For Procrastinating check out “Eat the Frog” by Brian Tracy.
When it comes to mental health issues it’s always helpful to talk with a professional as well.
Hope everything works out.
-Joe
Also sorry if I wasn’t supposed to plug the website. Saw the comment and thought it could help.
It will really help him , pls encourage him to go
Great write up. Thank you . Very insightful coming from someone who is a seasoned entrepreneur. Thanks for sharing.
Way to go bro! Interesting story. All power to you. You are a champion!
I absolutely respect your opinion of this .
I believe tony shares some of Abraham Hicks ways to keep people happy excited and uplifted during his seminar. Abraham teaches to ignore the flaws; basically soften the thoughts on the cheesiness and the craziness that doesn’t really serve you but builds a negativity in your self. Pray that you find absolute peace and joy and thereafter all other wants in life . God bless.
I enjoyed the genuine opinions you've shared about your experience at Tony's seminar. My biggest takeaway is that you were looking for deep, insightful wisdom in the wrong place. His books, podcasts, videos, and training materials on the website are his preferred mediums for that.
The purpose of the live show is to produce a "life-changing experience." He wants to produce an overpowering emotional charge. He wants you to be awe-inspired, mesmerized and uplifted. He wants you to get outside of your normal frame of reference and the limitations of your day-to-day thoughts and environment, to see past your normal routine, and to inspire you with a kick start of energy so you can blast through the walls you've put up and move into a new headspace.
The shows are a gigantic charge of electricity to kick start your heart and motivate you to begin the process of change. Getting started is the hardest part. The shows are the adrenaline rush, the sensory overload most people need in order to get started in a new direction in their lives.
So basically your article is saying, "I walked out of the vegetable garden because they didn't offer the hamburger I was looking for, and you shouldn't waste your time in that garden because it has nothing of value to offer."
The fact that you misunderstood the point of the live shows isn't a shortcoming of Tony's, and it certainly doesn't mean he's a fraud or that he's ineffective or has nothing of value to offer. It just means you showed up for the wrong reasons.
This was refreshing and an appreciated perspective. I remember watching Tony’s special on Netflix a few years ago and being moved to tears. It was an hour long and penetrated my consciousness just enough. $2000 for three days of it didn’t seem like a good investment. After reading your article I find myself wondering where speakers get their motivation and success, truly. Off the emotionally and mentally malnourished? The rich feeding on the poor? It seems like “the robin hood affect” needs to take place somewhere. Achieving success the way TR has overtime can get to a person. Having to keep up with a lifestyle and a reputation. We sell our soul to the devil in the mix of it all. But I digress, thank you for writing this thoughtful article, for your effort and energy, and for taking the time to relay an otherwise unpopular message. I believe it’s when we face adversity head on is when true change takes place.
I’ve been to one of his seminars and had the opportunity to meet Tony as well. He is a one in a trillion kind of guy, he truly hasn’t the best intentions for every single person he meets. He hasn’t an overwhelming presence of positivity, but I agree whole heartedly with this article. The entire seminar was one of the most cringey, cheese, uncomfortable things I’ve ever been a part of. I did not enjoy it. I love his work, but I like to work on them without touching other people and dancing to bad music and acting like I’m just the happiest go luckiest person ever.
I think you're brave. You're doing what most of people wouldn't do. After all it's your experience. - I understood your message. Thanks for sharing.
I think you came to the seminar, took in just the amount you needed, then left when you were full of the catalysts of change you were seeking. Then you planned and enjoyed an empowering day of enjoyment your way. Amazing story. Simple You came, you saw, you left when you got what you needed, you implemented the things you learned where you could, you enjoyed a nice mini vacation. Done. Booyah. I get it.
Hey Noel,
I like your take on his overall experience. 🙂 I read a hand full of the replies and many seemed overly biased toward one side or the other. Your brief analysis of his TR experience was nicely balanced, recognizing the good, the bad, and the ugly that he felt & thought before electing to walk out ... and then asking for what sounded like a full refund no less! lol
I get that people can become heavily invested (in all the ways possible - time, money, effort, emotion etc.) for that kind of awakening/ triggering/ catalyzing experience, and therefore end up disputing or dismissing someone like this Noah K.'s findings. But I'm confident that even TR himself would admit, in his most honest moments, that it's not going to work for everyone, in spite of their being fully committed and genuinely well intended. It would be nice if we allowed for the devotees, the skeptics and those on the fence room enough to all have a say.
Buddy respectfully if your going to give a negative opinion about someone else's work first look in the mirror. Oh wait...you did....Have you seen your hands? You criticize his clap? Your petty with no reason to be either. You look so weird your photo could go viral for looking like a serial killer be honest. You also clearly don't understand how transformations occur based on your ignorant criticism of an immersion experience. You should feel blessed that your opinion got even a spec of attention because it's half baked. Try again with some backbone next time. I thought that picture of you was a joke. I'm actually disappointed it wasnt....smh....eat some sushi babe. Leave changing lives to those whose lives have proven it.
Can I “respectfully” recommend that before *you* give a negative opinion on someone else’s work that *you* look the mirror? The hypocrisy here is incredible. If you disagree with an opinion then you are entitled to say so, but you’re really going to go after someone’s physical appearance because of it? What’s worse is that, even if the author wasn’t quite clearly joking about Tony’s clap, at the very best you’re sinking down to his (non-existent) level. I hope that nobody ever speaks to you the way you have to him, sounds like you need a lot of love and hugs
Great article, well written. I applaud you for using your inner guidance in meeting your needs. The self belief/courage you put into action will create expansion in many areas of your life. ?
I almost bought a ticket. Thank you for being the first to share the experiences. Thank you and good luck.
I'm 74 and been involved with self improvement stuff most of my life. Tony's is the best I've ever worked with. Anybody can go into a seminar and get nothing out of it, because getting something out it is a skill in itself and you haven't developed that. However, good for you to find alternative things that do work for you. Buy the ticket. You won't regret it, even if others will.
I think everyone would learn the best like I did. Grow up abandoned by your parents in an area with rich who’re people so you can see all the things you never got, become a heroin addict in the capital of the nation, fight to live double lives of a job to support yourself and your habit, till obviously everything falls around you till your left selling second hand guns from gun shows to the city gangsters of the I-95 corridor up and down the east coast. Be so miserable you place yourself purposely in environments hoping someone takes you out of your misery cause your to scared to do it yourself, till one day your caught with a firearm and heroin and thrown in prison for 5 years. Alone, withdrawals, and time to serve, make it through that all, and be released with no one on the other side. Have everyone EXPECT you to fail. Everyone. And yet, you decide that your sick of feeling sorry Andrew all the reasons you feel bad about yourself, and fix it. And find a way no matter what. Internally or externally. With no one. All you need is yourself, and maybe some light guidance from people placed in your path. They will come to you. You don’t have to pay to come to them. All answers are inside you OR within your OWN reach to obtain them. Specially living in the age of information at our fingertips.
Hello! ...and first off, THANK YOU! Your voice was unexpected... your honesty, palpable. I have endured a similar experience. I have suffered with persistent, complex mental disorders since the age of 11, due to family of origin trauma and I think it takes GUTS to say, NOPE... 'this doesn't work for me.' I, too, wish to go 'deeper' into my trauma and abuse.... even if no-one else can stand it! COURAGE!
Hi Brooklyn. For family trauma, I suggest family constellation or hypnotherapy as healing modalities. Check out Dr. Gabor Mate's books and videos, Dr. Mark Wolynne and Anthony Hubl. For hypnotherapy, check out Alba Weinman and Grace Smith. Best of luck.
Family Constellation is great for systems issues. For personal trauma there is also Somatic Experiencing from Peter Levine. Also Rolfing Movement helps you with the body part of the change. Much more subtle and lasting..
And yes, I agree with the article. I have studied ALL of Robbins material, all the videos, cds, books, and i have also taken his coaching course. I did not walk out of the UPW, but I wanted to. ( My husband was also there). But I did go to the bathroom everytime we had to jump, clap, shoult, hug everybody....I wanted more, more content, not a rock concert. I still think he is a genius, but the large mass events are not useful.
Interesting, until you get to the picture of you posing making a gang sign.
I attended attended a wealth expo in nj. Tony presented on sat the first day of the workshop. He was very intense lot of Great info but the crowd was enormous 7000 people. The room was very hot. He spoke for about 5 hrs. Amazing he stayed up there that long. There was a lot of dancing and back rubbing. It was great to see him live but felt I gained more from reading his books, watching I tube videos and listening to cds. I have 11 years of college tough to retain a lot of info especially in bad seats and hot room. I did sign up for Tony’s 4 day event but after reading your story I am leaning to cancel. I thank u for Sharing your story it would be better to attend an event like yours with a lot less people
It’s funny , I was at the same expo few days ago and I did enjoy Tony’s speech !!!! I have never been to his full days events but I can relate to if you can self fulfill yoirself and on track with your goals and do not need extra motivation and can find inspiration other ways , the training might be too general
I though he has a higher level classes. I will have to look
Noah, very interesting. Please email me when you can.
I think everyone has the right to feel the way they do about anything, TR included, even if he's the best on the planet at what he does. I am of the opinion that anybody doing what he does may sound cheesy, weird, like they're a con or whatever negative things people may think of him. Nevertheless, he has made a name for himself, so I believe people get excited just by the thought of being 'led' or trained by him; he's got charisma, he's a star, not very different from Michael Jackson, for example, with all his weirdness. We could say Michael left a much more significant legacy, that is, his music, his art, his moonwalk, but TR isn't that different - one day people will remember the weird clap, his voice, his mannerisms and stuff and say he was "awesome", unforgettable. As for his cursing yes, that bothers me too, I see no point in that whatsoever. Apart from that, I do think he's a great personality. Now, would I have walked out on him? Maybe, maybe not. Maybe he lost momentum? He's only human, even if he himself does not remember that at times, he's human. Nascissistic? Of course, but who isn't? We just don't have that big an audience in front of us, hypnotized by out words. If we did, I have no doubt we would behave as narcissistically as he does. Or perhaps worse?
Great article. I’ve been a huge proponents of TR for over 15 years now, read all his books and everything, but I really appreciate how you explained honestly that his seminars are just not for you without slandering him. That, I respect.
Thank You for voicing your truthful opinion. I attended Secrets of the Millionaire Mind by T Harv Eker and extracted the same feelings you described although the three days seminar does not have the author’s presence TR, T Harv Eker and Robert Kiyosaki are promoted under the same umbrella here in Singapore and sounds like they adopt similar tactics.
I did mention briefly about the bad taste though not naming names in my own book His Sharing is Caring Book (Inside The Mind of a Former Oil Trader) by Stefan Thong which can be found on Amazon/Kindle sharing 3,4 & 6. There is free eBook sample up to sharing 4 if you are interested to read.
Anyway Thanks for your righteousness and integrity for putting this out.
I attended all of Tony's events and his leadership training 20 years ago. Still today I use and think of what I learned, and because I learned it, was able to survive and make it through "a time of incredibly unfortunate circumstances" that began 9 years ago. I did the work, many times, the fact that his style resonated with me was my 'good fortune'. I have never regretted the time or the money, certainly not the "embedded knowledge" into who I am now. Life took some turns, I survived, and then thrived. I am happy. I hope you are too.
Just out of curiosity ..what are you on the Briggs Meyers personality matrix?? I'm an ENTJ. Your article shouts of Analytical personality traits.
Being as honest as you have been , in a spirit of love shows you are growing in the right direction, also learning from life’s challenges with the right spirit generally come free of charge.
Awesome stuff mate, power to ya.
Mark.
Thank you for honest feedback I experienced same thing at Noah St Johns one big long week of sale pitches. People were great but not so much the content I’m not an NLP fan too complicated. Tony I enjoy his messages but I think I’ll go the library for cds. Thx
How could someone who genuinely wants to help people—all people who have struggles in life — charge thousands of dollars? He may have a message but he’s a very greedy man. how many yachts and houses does a person need?
Last Night I attended a one hour Tony Robbins Peak Performance Workshop that certainly would not get me to sign up for a Tony Robbins Event. I am just not a big fan of 70+ “Yes or No” Affirmations nor the use of the word “Awesome” perhaps 25 times. In addition the presenter who wanted us to sign up for the Big Time workshop didn’t even wear socks. If he were Retired I might let him slide!
Great comments! I have listened to Tony Robbins on CD and have read his books and his YouTube videos. The thing that recently turned me off was his constant cursing he does. I saw the documentary I am Not Your Guru ( or something like that) and was turned off because of his constant use of curse words. I am not a prude but I see no value in the constant use. Just my opinion.
I just attended the TR seminar on Friday (July 26th) in Atlanta. Tony is a great speaker and motivator, but the rest of the speakers are just slick commercials trying to get you to buy and buy now!!! I felt like I paid good money to sit in a room and have people preach to me why I should part with my money (and make them rich). Buyer beware. Real Estate flips do NOT happen in 3 days. You are NOT using their money....THEY ARE USING YOU! They make $ on your money at every turn (attorneys, appraisals, $495 fee, etc.....not just interest %). Investing in stocks, research yourself. Do your homework! Don't let them DRAFT your account monthly. They get rich, not you.
Amazing how many stupid people fall for this!
Opinions are my own
I watched one of his Netflix specials... Honestly I think he's a great salesman teetering on being a con man... You said it best about him thinking he's more enlightened than everyone else...I noticed he just spouts off the first thing that comes to his head when he's trying to solve someone's deep problem and then acts like poof problem solved and his answer is like the word of God. I think he's a narcassist.
My experience with TR was hearing his advertisement on TV.His voice was incredibly loud and super positive.Like one of those salesmen that are super over the top,big smiley teeth bleating at you like you're going to die if you dont buy their product. The second experience was driving down to the mountain with my 4 kids and my sister who put his tape on.4 hrs there and 4 hrs back.Having come from an environment where addiction and violence was rife and wanting to heal and grow,I listened, with no judgment.After I got back,I started feeling worse about myself.It all seemed unachievable and over the top.Its all about eating, exercise, money,positive, positive, positive. Wham wham thank you man.No frigging breathe to take,no space to allow processing to take place and most of all,self empowerment comes from within not by someone dictating what someone else should do.A good therapists helps you to uncover you and doesn't try telling you that you need to spend thousands of dollars to come back cos you still need me.
I feel that Tony himself is desperately trying to make money under the guise of fixing others and leading with his ego instead of healing himself .He has a desperation about him.Loosing his voice will be his greatest gift where he will have to truly sit with himself and listen.
Regards S.Feeney
I think you are spot on....and i thought the same thing about his voice. He is def still that abused boy down inside trying to speak and money his way into his own approval. I truly hope he is healed.....but....he would really, truly help ppl instead of keep taking their money....how much money is enough???? apparently its never enough...and ppl that that aren't "healed".
I attended one of his seminars in San Francisco when he first started out over 26 years ago for free. I traded advertising space for 2 bad seats way on top. I noticed after lunch 50% of the crowd did not return, so I moved up to the front and took notes. His stuff worked and I was very successful within 5 yrs. I also received all of his tapes free and listen to them over thousand times. I know his greatness, but I learned more off his tapes and reading his books.
I just can't see myself paying over $300 for any of his seminars. I saw him in a short seminar last year in San Mateo for only $25.00 which he did a one-hour speech. All the knowledge is in his CD's and books. Save thousand by skipping the hype and focus on the materials available online. He copied Jim Rome's work and took it to the highest levels. He is one of the greatest
influential people on earth.
I have been considering going to one of the UPW seminars. I almost bought a ticket recently actually. This was very insightful. Thanks
i love tony as well and when I was a depressed kid with no proper mentors he was one of them. However, he's a business man, huge company, needs the sales. He's made such an impact on my life but I have no desire to see him live. It's like going to a star trek or flat earth convention. just a bunch of dorks with no friends who are looking for human contact. our society isn't the warmest and people usually avoid deep conversations about self improvement. We are also extremely economically driven. We believe that increasing wealth will solve all our problems. Sure, it'll pay all your bills, buy you some shit, but in the end, only the human connection can truly make us happy or fulfilled.
I let go of my shit, i had money, but now i'm happily getting by on what I need. After living in several developing countries My drive for money isn't there anymore. my drive to value strong relationships and surround myself with great people is stronger than ever. Think of it like this. only the most economically powerful and capitalist societies have a guy like tony. Guys like him don't exist in the developing world. I'm not saying they live better than us. They don't, but man. They're so much happier than we'll ever be. For them relationships are important, for us chasing money and buying stupid shit is important.
You have it figured out. I have it figured out. Tony doesn't have it figured out. ...if he is still driven by the $$ and he clearly is. Everything you said...spot on!
I'm generally very skeptical about people whose life story goes something like this: "I was uneducated and jobless and then I became a life coach, earned millions of money by helping people and I'm now rich and successful". This usually means that they had no knowledge or skills to improve their own life in an ordinary way, so they improved it by "helping people" (and it usually means: selling people what they want to hear - easy solutions, hope and promises).
I've listened to several Tony's audio books and found them useful to a certain extant. They made me thinking about pain/pleasure principle and I understood some of my decisions and reactions in the past better. I did get something from his books. On the other hand they are a little simplified and disregard human psychology in many ways. Humans are complex and complicated creatures. There are no shortcuts in life, although we all would like them. Sometimes one insight or a new idea or perspective can help us change, but many other times (most?) the change is not easy and at times - even impossible.
I think that reading/listening to his books is enough. You don't need overpriced seminars, because they are always just repeating the same. People usually attend those seminars because of the energy. The energy of many people being together united with the same goal is exciting and it makes them feel good for a few days. If they continue going to these seminars - they get addicted to the feeling of excitement and "everything is possible" attitude. So they go on and on from one similar seminar to another, while their life stays more or less the same or gets even worse. This sometimes happens even to the life coach himself. He gets addicted to "being high all the time" and he starts to crave his own seminars, just like his participants!
Human body requires calmness and balance. If you make it overly excited all the time, it will pull you to the other direction very soon very hard. This means that your chances to experience depression rise. And once you fall down, you will need more and more energy to go up and so you end up pushing your body completely out of the balance. This can't be healthy and productive, not even in the short run, less alone in the long one.
Many people are addicted to their life coaches and psychiatrists. They feel fine/energetic WHILE they are with them (at sessions or seminars), but as soon as they are left alone they become even a bigger mess than the one they were before meeting their coach/therapist.
Don't become addicted and too attached to anything. Read a book, if you find a useful idea or two - try to implement them in your life, if they work - great, if they don't - move on. Be smart and keep your money.
I recently attended UPW, I walked in after reading negative and positive comments but I came completely with an open mind. My reason for going was to learn more about myself as well and connect with people who were successful and wanted more out of life than the rat race and escape stuff like the “victim mentality”. Now, for personal growth and lessons I learned that I have resentment I need to learn to let go of and I felt motivated to do things I’ve been putting off for months. I decided to pick up and create some rituals and slowly get my mental and physical health up to where I want it to be. I paid for the ticket by myself, $650 general admission even though my mom offered to pay for it all. I decided to pay to do it for myself. I met great people, and I learned things from them as well as the speakers and Tony. What I took from the event is that Tony is a wonderful businessman. The way their marketing strategy was amazing, and I know we all hate something being sold to us but the way he advertises his seminars is remarkable and we can learn from that. He uses the speakers and partners he has to talk about the programs and they had like 10 minute talks about the programs for business and stuff. He also has amazing physical discipline, knowing the health issues he’s dealing with and FYI the weird clap is due to him trying to lessen the damage to the nerves in his hand from clapping normally over all those years... Honestly not as bad as I read about endless advertising of his other events on other forums. UPW is Unleash the Power Within. What this means is to find and help yourself. Date With Destiny focuses on building relationships a lot more in depth from my understanding. Yes, the dancing is over the top. Did I do it? Yes. I completely put myself into the event 100% no matter how uncomfortable or scared I was. I also went alone, knowing no one there. It was amazing. I’ve come back with the techniques like priming, notes on business(even though I’m 19 and didn’t even think about owning a business until now) and a newfound gratefulness for myself and the people around me. What you don’t realize is that this was all my choice. I went to the event and took what I could and made myself feel the way I WANT to so that it serves my life better. I read somewhere in the comments some lady dropped 10 grand on business mastery and regrets it and I’m sorry but that’s hilarious. No one made you do that. “Oh, they pushed it and I was too motivated in peak state” Jesus Christ, being in peak state doesn’t mean throwing away your common sense and forgetting what you can and can not afford. My point is that you go to the event, leave early and take what you felt was important from the event. And apparently what was important to you is that the whole thing was not what you expected. You can NOT say you were disappointed if you didn’t even stay and play full out. I’m not being rude, it’s completely and utterly the truth!! Saying you dislike something without ever trying it is... close-minded and immature. If you went to the event and were dissatisfied, congratulations you’re one of the few of 8,000 that attended UPW Dallas 2019. But even so, you need to think. What can you take form this event and LEARN from it. It isn’t a failure unless you don’t learn from it. Please, don’t be the one teaching your children that never going all the way and quitting is okay and then complaining about wasting money and time. I say that with all the love in my heart. Thank you.
Yes!!! Thanks. I’ll pay 2000 dollars to hug people in a self help orgy to make TR richer. I will buy instant happiness, love and positivity because TR is the Only One, the Way. He has to charge thousands because he has NO choice! He needs more mansions and yachts! Give him your money! He can’t give anything helpful to humanity in general or to those who can’t afford it for free, that would mean he wouldn’t be able to acquire his deepest wishes in all of life: more waterfront properties!!!
Young lady... You will be successful and a leader. Your insight is beyond your years. Congratulations. Older enough to he your grandmother, or great-grandmother. My comments were in August.
To be fair... I think you treat tony like a standard Personal Development speaker/mentor.
That would be the person he started under, Jim Rohn. Tony then took that and decided to dive deep into neuroscience and psychology. Everything you described when you felt “annoyed” or “not gaining any info” were times tony is using techniques to capture the audiences. There are 4 different psychological types in the crowd when you present and then there are many variables and circumstances for each one of those. Tony does a great job at hitting them all so that he has a 80-90% penetration rate on engaged and committed audiences. He rather focus on rudimentary tactics to get MANY people rather than focus on please then minority of the crowd (people like you) who just want him to cut to the meat and potatoes of the information. There is a scientific reason to the dancing. Not only that but how many times in a weekend and for how long and when to stop. That “weird clap” is done on purpose. It’s 3 days on purpose, it’s strategy. For you to just say “cut to the meat of the topic, and shorten the event to one day etc) shows you don’t truly don’t know why tony does what he does. Rather you just know him for his content. It’s a lot deeper than you see it. Clearly. Yes you communicate very well, I can’t type like you but logic doesn’t care about run on sentences. You have accomplished a lot which congrats to you, and you have content that you are able to direct people to through this article. But through it all, it is clear you only know parts of Tony, or else you wouldn’t have asked for those changes, and you most definitely wouldn’t have walked out of the event and wasted your money for nothing. Best of luck with decision making in the future!
Everyone has to understand Tony Robbins game at these seminars. Its called "immersion brainwashing". Basically you are provided with so much information presented in a rapid fire hyper-active manner that your brain becomes over-stimulated. The fact he often goes of script with mumbo jumbo unrelated information is also intentional in that it contributes to the confusion as the brain is trying to understand and catch up on previous comments. Touching other people is an NLP tactic to promote affirmation and connection all intended to generate and sustain groupthink. I could go on and on. Bottom line...spending $20,000 or any other amount for a system that is not "evidence-based". Likely no more 10-20% of participants will be partially successful. I've carefully watched many videos of TR. To validate my opinions let me share with you I have a PhD in Organizational Behavior, an MBA and post-graduate studies Neuroscience Leadership & Coaching from MIT, studies in NLP and Advanced Negotiation from Harvard's PON program. I'm Executive Chairman of a Holding Company in which I am either an owner or partner in over 50 companies. There is no viable ROI in any of his seminars and for those that disagree asked yourself if you can verify you have received back dollar for dollar value on your total investment, let alone the miracle Tony Robbins promises.
BRAVO!
I'm glad you felt empowered to share!
Boy are you getting a lot of free advertising out of mentioning Tony's name especially taking an oppositional verbal stance. Hmmm? (Isn't that a bit like name dropping? How your company works with him...?)
Tony is all about emersion to learn and make rapid changes and you got out of the pool before that happened.
I won't argue that what you did instead wasn't positive but what you are saying is that staying would have been a waste of your time. You from your current perspective can't know this it is an oppinion stated as a fact) The only way to actually know that would have been to stay. So, your points ARE one sided arguments presented as facts.
That dread was your fear. So, I imagine you run away from other situations that make you uncomfortable too. All your above "reasons" are actually deflections. What you did on you days off was so you would not have to come back completely empty handed after saying you would do something.
The final comment I have is, your ego is the size of Texas to tell Tony how you would attend if he made "these" changes. He doesn't need you to approve of any of his courses. Just saying.
He sells snake oil. How many people actually "made it"? Why do they keep going to "speakers?" They are weak, and he preys on them...for a fee. Go BACK to your job, and make some money, not giving it to this dude. Oh, you were good for the local economy, too. Suckers.
I don't think that you gave it enough time that first day. I also felt that it was a bit rah rah cheesy at first, but once you let it flow- it gets much better and on day three when they turn off the lights all that you wanted to fix can be fixed- by you - there...I have been twice, both times with co-workers. Fantastic time- you owe it to yourself to see the 3.5 days through. Great information to be had and what is wrong with little much needed exercise to boot!
You said it perfectly.
So I stayed. And regret it dearly.
This is highly embarrassing to admit but I need to share something in the hopes that it helps other people. You can judge me if you want but I would encourage you not to.
I woke up this morning feeling terrible.
But I just went to a big motivational seminar this weekend and I seemed to be really enjoying myself... right? I came back ready to tackle the world.
Right.... But so wrong.
What I didn’t realize was that the only motivation I got was purely part of a scam on behalf of Tony Robbins.
Now some of you will be saying, duh. That it’s my own fault for being so dumb and getting caught up in that. But no one really gave me much reason to question it and I’ve always enjoyed self improvement stuff just on a matter of why not stay on top of your game. And if you’re thinking it, you may be right, that I was dumb and naive for going in the first place but I feel completely taken advantage of and I’m only about to dispense knowledge as best I can.
Day one of the seminar I woke up at 5am, got to the venue at 7:30 and got in line to register so I could get a good seat. I did and what was fun at the time, dancing and jumping around was also intertwined with ideas like “take a massive move towards your goals,” “the most powerful force is momentum” and instead of saying “I can’t,” say “how can I?” So when it was 9pm and I was more than ready to go because my body and mind were crashing and I said I couldn’t, I dug deep and said how can I. So I got an Açaí bowl and committed to another 3 hours. Which was still no where close to when the firewalk that they had been talking about all day was happening. So I stayed until midnight and then said I have to go. So I left and missed the firewalk. 16.5 hours on my feet on and off dancing, jumping and screaming was enough for me. I could barely drive home. Seems like a healthy position to put people in.
Day two was much of the same. I again left early but this time I wasn’t exhausted, something new had taken over. I didn’t recognize it at the time but two days of mind numbing “YES! YES! YES!” And pushing my body and mind to its physical limits almost put me into a hypomanic state of sorts. Which If you haven’t been, does feel great in the moment. It feels like you can do and accomplish anything. We’re told to stay in “Peak state” which is kind of like a physically induced drug state. Which I did. So I had boundless energy and optimism. Tony also suggested that things only change when your shoulds turn to musts. That was until I woke up the next day feeling like a million bricks had hit me.
I managed to get myself out of bed and make it to day three for transformation day. I almost didn’t go but I did. Before I went in one of the volunteers at the event stopped me and saw my face and was like “what’s going on?” And I said “I’m exhausted. I am not thinking straight and I’m worried about my house because there’s a hurricane headed to New Orleans.” And he told me to tell him three things I was grateful for and then said, “See now do you feel better?” I said yes but mainly to get him out of my face. He wasn’t concerned for my safety, my mental health, my home, or my state of mind. That should have been a clue.
Transformation day is kept very vague. When I looked into it further it’s widely accepted that what he’s doing is putting you in trance in an Ericksonian Hypnosis. Only you don’t know it. He doesn’t say that but that’s what he’s doing. It’s a lot of repeating mantras and doing stuff to an almost mind numbing and body numbing level. And then at one point there is a ceremony of sorts where you’re supposed to transform your limiting beliefs into empowering ones. And the experience is intense. People are screaming and crying and I did it and I did it 100% because I was thinking that’s what was holding me back. I left feeling different but couldn’t put my finger on it.
Day four comes and I’m in “peak state” as soon as I get there. My mind is racing on one level but clear on another and I’m physically exhausted but have a ton of energy. Which is a tell tale sign of mania. My feet are sore but some how I’m jumping for hours. The funny thing is I know like I know that you don’t know and have no clue when you’re manic or in psychosis. At one point they say “take massive action to your goals” and I instantly look up triathlons 6 months from now to sign up for. And I sign up for one. I keep hearing the mantras repeated over and over again both from them and in my head. Then they do a business portion of the seminar. Now 50% of the crowd are business owners so they know their clientele. They talk about how all these amazing people will be at the Business Mastery program and that proximity is power and tell you if you go back now to sign up then you get half off. Without hesitation I pop up from my seat and go back to sign up. Within 2 minutes I put a deposit down on a 10k 5-day seminar that I couldn’t afford but my brain for some reason, which normally works fine, didn’t hesitate on, that I “took massive action” on, I said “YES! YES! YES!” to and immediately said “how can I?” And “I must do this.”
Now this was a choice I made, but the conditions I was put in clouded my judgment beyond the typical realms of what is normal. I stayed a little while longer but I couldn’t concentrate and decided to leave. The next 24 hours I felt crazy. I kept saying “I know what I am doing” over and over to myself. Over and over. And over. But I was breathing hard and had a massive headache. And just didn’t feel like myself. I didn’t feel normal. But I didn’t know what to do. And so I said to myself I signed up for this seminar because I know what I’m doing. And went on with my day.
But the truth is, I didn’t. I don’t know if everyone is susceptible to the “koolaid” or just me but it seems to me, in my humble opinion, that the whole point of these mantras and pushing your mind and body past its limits and getting into “peak state”, IS NOT to *just* to motivate you in your personal life, it’s to motivate you to instantly pull out your wallet without question and say “You must” do this to say “YES YES YES” to “take a massive move towards your dreams” to keep the momentum going and do that by signing up or buy one of his overpriced seminars which are just giant advertisements for his other seminars. Because in hindsight that’s all it was in a nut shell.
Was there valuable info or insight? Maybe. I wouldn’t know if any of it stuck because I was so out of my mind the whole time that it was hard for anything to stick. 2 days later and I feel back to normal just out a 10k contract I signed. AND here’s the thing—- I get home and look at the receipt for the Business Mastery seminar I signed up for in the near psychosis state, and it’s essentially non refundable. I can cancel it but I don’t get my deposit back. And I only have 72 hours to write a written and signed and dated and post marked letter stating that I’m canceling it meaning that I don’t have to pay further on it but I’m out of my deposit no matter what. I called the offices and no one was available to talk to and they said they would call me back in 24-48 hours, which would be after the 72 allotted period.
So yea. I mean I take responsibility for sure. But that doesn’t mean what he’s doing isn’t with the intended purpose of putting even regular people in a hypomanic/frenzy induced state, so they are more apt to make unrealistic purchases and then lock them in to things they shouldn’t or can’t afford with no real product in the end. I bought the snake oil. All I can do now is tell you what he looks like and who he is so you don’t buy from him or if you’re ever in a similar situation, you recognize it for what it is.
This will definitely go down as one the hardest lessons I will ever learn. And I understand someone else may have a totally different experience but even if your grounded AF, you’re still at risk for being manipulated, coerced and taken advantage of when your mind and body have been pushed past their limits. There’s no saying what people will do in those states.
Also, I still plan to do the triathlon out of a promise to myself.
You have seen the light of day, unlike those sheep who keep feeding this demon money because they are weak, weak minded, and probably very insecure. Mommy didn't hold them enough. Get out of the basement and keep your money to better yourself. Don't be a sucker. Kep your head up, and move forward...don't send me money. You can do this on your own...and God.
Just go to church. It's free and a whole lot more inspiring than a windbag banging sticks on stage.
I went to UPW twice. The first time was awesome but I didn’t like the “shock value” swearing. I swear but he was over the top. The second time was enough (out of control swearing) and both my friend and I (we both previously attended) walked out after the first day. We also got a refund, which they do if you’re not happy.
Thank you for sharing how you reached your own conclusion for yourself. Many of these so called enlightment seminars can be dangerous. Yes it all sounds so great and powerful, exactly like a cult. There are several books on this. Scientology started this way. But the thing is we all have it in ourselves to strive and figure life out for ourselves. Also many really good books that can inspire and not have to dish out thousands of dollars at a so called seminar which always seems to end up in a sales pitch to scale. Also if you need a push and need the rahrah or more friends...maybe joining an mlm can give motivation and most likely cheaper.
Just left UPW and I 100% DISAGREE with you.... it is an awesome event and TONY is a FORCE!! Who has that much Energy ?? He doesn't need another Dollar in his lifetime EVER and yet HE DELIVERS and just keeps on Giving!! Pit Bull performed tonite and he told his story which is nothing short of a miracle... but what is even more impressive is his ability to give credit to Tony. The list of celebrities is REAL Your not a hater ... you are most likely "Good" and you know what Tony says about "Good" 😉
This was a fantastic article. I also walked out in LA on day three. I went to Disneyland! #noregrets
I got what I came for.
I'm listening to a lot of his material and it's definitely helping me but I'm not sure touching strangers would improve my life at the moment. I get the impression Tony would disagree with your decision to leave but appreciate that you took massive action.
I appreciate your comments and thank you for them. I’m sorry that you had that experience.
Had you stayed till the end, you would have experienced the most powerful part of the event... transformation. Tony leads an exercise that powerfully helps participants not only destroy limiting beliefs but powerfully replace them with truth. This is what UPW is all about.
While attending just one event may not change one’s life, it brings about awareness of things that one may not have seen or even know about before.
Thank you again for sharing.
Great article
I have never attended one of Tony’s seminars, nor would I ever. Much of his advice seems sound, my decision has nothing to do with that. It is the way the information is presented that turns me completely off, but then I am a bit on the conservative side. I’ve counseled people in a church setting before, and one thing over the years I have noticed is that with the majority of people, hype works for a short time, but when the reality and sometimes drudgery of life kicks in, and it will, even for people like Tony, depression can often tear its ugly head and tear down more than build up. I liken Tony’s events as smite a bi polar scenario. It’s either completely up there, or way down there. I am just an even keel kind of person who likes to think over my decision and motives for where I wish to be in life. Tony’s seminars to me are carnally driven. If you can convert it to spiritual, more power to you.
Truth will set you free
Just make sure the truth you are hearing, doesn’t have a foundation built on the flesh.
Oh my goodness. I am literally experiencing this right now. Thank you so much for making me feel less guilty and like less of an asshole for not going back. It is confirmed. I cannot put myself through another day of this. And on top of it the venue we are at is horrendous.
Natalie, I agree with you. I'm at the same UPW as you. I am tired of strangers touching me and this venue is too horrendous to return to (unclean restrooms, hard floors, horrible food that you are forced to buy with 14 hour days and no outside food). Today, although it was published that the venue was open at 8:30 a.m. and the event would start at 9:00 a.m. (day 2), 8,000 people were queued outside in the Texas heat. Perhaps this was by design - to change our state. It changed my location; I left. I am a Tony Robbins believer; I think he is great. But I'm too uncomfortable here to be receptive to the material.
I rebooked my flight and am on my way home now after leaving the first day at 8pm and only making it to 1pm today in Dallas. I like Tony’s spirit and intent but for me was looking for more meat and less dancing, Simone says and massages. I also don’t enjoy being hungry or tired. A better venue with more food options and a shorter day would have been nice. I feel that all the important points could have been made in a nice 4-6 hour day. I wouldn’t say it was bad just not my thing I guess. Should have watched his Netflix show beforehand before deciding to go
Hey! I wish you stayed, I would’ve loved to meet more people and gained another perspective. The venue was absolute shit, I agree. Not being able to bring in food really made the experience not as great as isn’t nates it to be. I admit I snuck in food and complained when it was found on Day 3 and succumbed to the overpriced açaí bowl because I was on the verge of passing out lol. BUT, Tony bought the venue. So next UPW at the center, we can bring anything we want which will be amazing. No more having to sneak in fruit loops in my pants lol
You are awesome! Thanks for sharing your perspective and experience! I was debating on going myself! Found this very insightful! Thanks
I’ve never been to a live seminar of his, but I’ve watched a good share of his YouTube videos. One I just completed, which led me to your article. For some reason, I alwaysss get uncomfortable watching his videos. I wanted to see if anyone else felt the same. Sure he has some valid points ... but there is something about HIM that strikes me as insincere and leaves me with a murky feeling. I sense ego and even a bit of arrogance. Someone who may have had the right intentions at one point, but whose roots now seem to be polluted by ego. Real “life changing” seminars SHOULD be deep, that’s how people connect and make breakthroughs. By going to the depths most people want to AVOID bc it can be painful and scary. Not fillers. He appears to be a master businessman though whose true drive and purpose needs a checkup ????? Again, my opinion. I find Gabor Mate wayy more insightful. If you’re into exploring ways of better understanding the mind, give him a google. More specific on early life impacts on our being today and zero “LOA.” Doesn’t have the same charisma, but he’ll leave you with your jaw half open. Believe me, lol. But thank you for your article, validated what I too have felt.
Ms E..........I couldn't agree with you more, also Gabor Mate is incredibly insightful. Also the late great Jacques Fresco would wipe the floor with TR's bullshit.
Tony Robbins is a fraud, flawed human being. His body already rejected "his" conceptualization of "the perfect food(s)", and what's obvious is "his" need for attention and sense of belonging. He is a narcissist. Perhaps a sociopath. In the end he helps no one but himself by feeding off of popularity and attention all the while prancing around like a rock star lead singer without the actual talent to be a rock star lead singer. He's a great salesman and marketing genius - selling delusions.
Thank you.
I've never been to Tony Robbins event but have been close to going. What has always put me off is that Tony is a master manipulator. He has modelled his even like a rock concert to put people in an "adoring screaming fan" state. I see through it all and hence never been to a seminar.
That, and I have listened to a few of his, om audio. He's actually SUGGESTED "stealing" other people's "stories" and using them "..as your own..." I am a STRONG believer in the SIMPLE act of telling the truth... does that mean that I am a "dullard" and have no "exciting" stories to tell?? No!! I just tell people truthfully "...a friend told me..." -or- "..I overheard..." But I canNOT condone a liar. This is not "hate". Can he "motivate"? Obviously! Buy please, consider your source, when THEY condone lying. Just a "personal" conviction and observation.. WHOLENESS, to all. : ) -EB
The food offerings and comfort facilities are terrible! Long lines...20 to 30 minutes for a $7 sandwich consisting of 1 little leaf of green lettuce, 1 slice of processed sliced turkey meat and a slice of cheese food on two slices of the cheap processed wheat bread that comes in the sandwich loaf like Wonder white bread or how about an undercooked kindl of warm hot dog which has a yellow tinge to it.
Women were asking us men for toilet paper or paper towels since their rest rooms had run out...come.on man! This is basic stuff that some one who hosts should have a grip on! For the amount of money and time and sacrifices we made to come here for growth... this shows very little appreciation or respect for attendees. They had plenty of staff pushing product in the atrium instead of making sure we were comfortable.
You use an interesting firm of self promotion. (very well written)
I think your goal here is simply. Bash a life coach and state how much I can do better.
This is just another sales gimmic right?
I agree with you Mo! Just another shameless self-promoter.
The author of this article isn't selling you anything, isn't after any unearned power and has no axe to grind, other than to express himself and experience with snake-oil Tony
I am attending July 11th in Dallas but having doubts
Hi Amber, I am also attending the July 11th in Dallas, which is tomorrow! It will be my first time at any of his events, and I am being open-minded to it, however, I can understand how you would have doubts. Let`s connect! Would love to hear about your experience!
We are at this event together right now. What are your thought so on the awful venue? On top of all these other things Noah mentions. I’m curious what your thoughts are.
Yes - Too generalized.
I know almost every idea
& concept Tony speaks of from my own studies of psychology, philosophy & religion.
I grew up in a hostile, volatile world. So much that I took care of my mother from the time I was Nine until Seventeen. Unfortunately, I never had a mentor to tutor me on how to love , the possibility’s of becoming successful in life. I bare a burden that to provide for my family at fifty Three with no college degree , little book knowledge, but one thing I do have his common sense. I would give the shirt off my back to a person in need.
How do I find my purpose, what I am Great at so I can give my family a better life.
I am ready to make a giant leap to own my own Business, but how with no funds, what with no skills.
Time is my enemy , and fear rules my days and nights. I have no family because my two brothers are mentally exhausted from a life of fear and hate.
Loneliness is a terrible place. Although I have been married for 35 years my wife loves me and I love my wife, but we’re not in love with each other if you get my drift.
Have you ever wanted to get in your car and just drive forever, and start all over alone ? I have more questions than answers.
Dang. Go to Impact Theory on YouTube watch the episode age is not an excuse. They are some amazing talks. First Brian... please say to yourself out loud in front of a mirror “I am ENOUGH!!!!” Say it over and over again say “I am worthy!” Over and over again. Find the way to love yourself. Now... you have taken care of everybody now please love and take care of yourself. I also recommend listening to Marissa peer. On YT. She does a self hypnosis session that will really truly amaze you and help give you insights, that can and will release you from unseen patterns. Feel free to contact me on FB @ Geolauraauriemma on FB. I’d be happy to send you to all kinds of other great talks and videos. I have also been the care giver for EVERYONE. and am personally now embarking on Amy self love and growth. Good luck Laura Lee
The two of you obviously love each other. Take a break and look at your wedding photos, remember what it was that drew you to each other. Find what makes you happy and try to make a business doing that.
Hey Brian. Read your comment. Powerful. Would love to connect and talk with you if it would help. If you are the same Brian I think you are, I think we are already connected. Sometimes we need to get things off our chest and just talk, be heard. I am happy to.
Blessings to you my friend. I respect your struggle. Know that you deserve all the good that you can grasp. I too, have struggled for over 55 years and have failed to reach as far as I think I could have.
Know that you are not alone. You do not need to escape to have a joyful life. I offer you my shoulder to lean on. The brotherhood of humanity will carry one another to a brighter spot in life.
I wish you rest, relief, comfort and respite.
Your comments make sense and made me think quite a bit. I would love to hear more about your workshop or others that you recommend.
I appreciate your comments. I'm not a "rah-rah" fan, and this guy seems to be the best. Also, the whole thing seems to be narcissistic in it's goals. "More for me - how much more can I get?" And lot's of things can give you an adrenaline rush, which is what he seems to give. But there's definitely a spiritual component missing. As a Christian, I'd NEVER attend his program, wouldn't even watch it on t.v.
I'm not a "rah-rah" fan either. I don't like the idea of some random dude rubbing my shoulders either. He has the "gift of the gab" as my Dad used to say, but I agree the repertoire is over done and should be less of a show. I am a Christian too and I have even seen these antics in some churches. For events to have a powerful and trans-formative impact they don't need to be run like circus or rock concert. There can be a lot of power in a persons humble presence and the sensitivity with which they engage a crowd. I think of Jesus and the powerful impact He had that is still being felt today. I agree there is the spiritual component missing. Jesus said, "My words are Spirit and life. I think that is missing.
I'm so glad to hear someone say Tony Robbins is not worth going to see. I can't believe people would spend thousands of dollars to go see him! Thank you, Noah!
You have no idea how many great things you missed out on by leaving early! What’s sadder yet, is the fact that you’re using your lame excuses to leave; from possibly convincing another human being not to go and missing an experience of a lifetime! Even Oprah, Who never stays more than 3 hrs anywhere; got so involved that she stayed entire day and walked over coals that night! So anyone looking for advice....be your own best friend and experience it yourself and make your own opinion!
Isn't that exactly what he is advocating? Making your own decision? He also mentions that for specific problems this event is life changing. Just not for his. And to be honest, that makes me much more interested, then all these claims that "one size fits all"
Oprah has her own problems .. stop before you get involved with this con man the only permanent change that will occur is to your bank balance .. on a personal note as a Psychologist he gives Psychology at bad name
When it comes to sales tactics to influence sales there is no shortage of resources on the “How too”. Yet knowing what to do and how to do it is only part of the solution. Fully understanding “Why” certain sales or motivational tactics work defines the success.
I have to date find a lecture speaker that can Quantify what they are teaching. It seems that the use of NLP and or other suggestive pattern based dialog has allowed them to influence people. The disturbing fact is most of them don't understand what they are teaching by NOT really knowing why it actually works. To clarify they tell you what to do and how to do it but NEVER how the method works.
Is there anyone that can clarify motivation, sales, mental health in an equation that is absolute? A mathematical equation that defines "why" all these language patterns work?
You missed the dickensons theory and the best part!
It’s the Dickens Exercise Theory and is right up there with the Open Heart exercise.; which I’ve probably wrongly named :). UPW was one of the Best Seminars I’ve ever attended...but then again, I played Full Out and Stepped Up!!!
I'm just not getting why people need other people to tell them what they can and should do? How is a mass-cult like environment going to help an individual who is lost or has no sense of direction? Also, if he is so successful then why does he keep doing these seminars? If the answer is to help people then why the hefty cost? Just some thought that comes to mind in making sense out of this.
Thank you for so freely expressing everything I felt in a far more concise and less personal manner than I would have. My boss sent me to UPW San Jose last year, and by hour 5 I too regretted going. I kept trying to get myself hyped into it, but because I’m a sales rep and a fairly logical thinker...I couldn’t get past feeling as though this was one of the best sales pitches I’ve ever seen for folks without an original thought in their heads. It was miserable, and it only made me more miserable to realize that my boss bought into this sales pitch and thought this was a good use of company resources and funds. This is great for folks who have a tough time getting motivated. Not so great for self-motivated individuals. It felt like remedial math. MISERABLE. I would sooner give myself a labotomy than listen to him prattle on endlessly about his own self-importance. Self - Importance ironically being something he condemned during the seminar. A true narcissist in rare form.
I skimmed through your article to get the best of it. I agree with you. Depth, going inward is the hardest, most rewarding work and probably has the best chance for real change. I've never been to a Tony Robbins seminar, however, had about a 2 hr live intro experience with him and so I have an awareness of what you experienced. At this point of my personal growth, I do not think I would even accept an 'all expense paid trip' to one of his events. And I do think well of Tony Robbins.
First off - I literally have *never* commented on a blog post like this before.
Considering that I've been in digital media for almost a decade now, I hope that goes to show you how deeply this article struck me.
Noah - I will be forever grateful to you for writing this article.
While I truly believe in personal growth and development, I've grown to have a great disdain for the fluff in the event space. So much so that in fact, I no longer attend events at all.
That's why I'm grateful that you took the time to write about your experience.
I went to a Brendon Burchard event not too long ago and almost immediately... I regretted it.
The fluff, fake excitement, touching your neighbor (ew...) and the most basic of advice being sprinkled in between embedded commands and the triggering of pain points that would surely inspire you, left me wanting.
While I was *incredibly* impressed at his presentation ability, ability to control the crowd, and his stamina - I didn't learn anything that I didn't already know.
It's my opinion that if you've sought out growth in an intentional way for more than one year - most of the events will leave you wanting more.
I left that event and spent most of my time doing exactly what you described as well. My personal growth day was incredibly valuable and I'm thankful that I had the courage to stand up, walk out, and take back control.
So here's to you - congratulations on following your intuition, knowing what is right for you, and being brave enough to share it with the world.
you know how many events he does, and how many hours. did it ever occur to you that the clap is to save his hands he doesn't actually want to slam them together, it's okay if you just doing it for a few days but that doesn't work for hundreds of days a year. just an example of some things that you're not in my opinion thinking through deeply enough. I don't think Tony is Jesus and I don't want him to be the president of the United States but I've seen a lot of events and I found it whenever I'm skeptical about what he's doing and why I think it through I realized later he was ahead of me on that and it does make sense. selling his other products is not a conflict of interest it's very much in his interest and he created these products because besides the fact that he wants money he thinks these will be good for people. Watching him do this many times I realized that it would be very useful to me to do more of this upselling my own business too. He's upselling more training and decent supplements (I buy from jarrow and garden of Life and solgar not Tony Robbins so I'm not endorsing the products just the concept) - he's not asking you if you want fries with that and a large soda.
Truly DESTRUCTIVE to the thousands of people who share your ambition but lack the discipline. It wasn't for you. I get it. Most of these courses were designed by early 20's Tony Robbins and, over 30 years, have't really changed; they are mainly intended for people without direction. Business Mastery is early 30's Robbins and would be more pertinent to a man in your position. And, if you did not walk across Fire at UPW....
Congratulations on your success and it is my strongest suggestion you utilize your platform with eyes wide open to the masses and the influence you may have.
It’s all staged. Headsets and covert information gathering are used to direct him to people in the audience from data gathered from intake forms and team member reconnaissance.
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/tony-robbins-upcoming-book-dropped-publisher-wake-misconduct-allegation-n1012011
https://www.headstuff.org/topical/science/heres-tony-robbins-definitely-not-guru/
Great informing article. Noah you really have excellent points that could constructively bring answers and or ideas to many people . You could present valuable seminars yourself. I feel Tony has lost a bit of the basic ideas that "focus" each of us toward the path we desire through the length of time of his presentations. It is almost as if he is presenting old ideas into an updated version of previous seminars. Again, I agree that Tony's seminars present too much "fluff, clapping, and slapping on the back to use time up into a long seminar for the first $$$.
I walked out of a Tony Robbins seminar back in 2003. So, there are some of us who felt uncomfortable with the rock-n-roll "cult-like" feel of the event. As my husband and I left, we were accosted by what I jokingly refer to as the "men in black" even though a woman led the pack. They were Tony Robbins employees, I presume. And they did whatever they could to stop us from leaving, which was a further put-off. It made me want to leave even more. I was almost waiting for them to wrestle us to the ground and hogtie us to prevent us from leaving; that is how intense it was getting. I never attended another Tony Robbins event again. While I do like listening to some of his stuff on YouTube and I do like his positive uplifting vibe, I don't care for all the "fluff," dancing, shoulder-massaging, putting your finger in your nose, and the rest of the stuff you have to wade through for 3 days just to get something out of the event. It's really unnecessary for most of us who just want to get to the root of what's holding us back from our dreams.
Currently watching a Youtube interview with him on impact theory - master happiness -> https://youtu.be/_Sf3vMMErwg <- for anyone wondering if he's worth the money. Definitely research his material before spending $2k on his seminar. I find listening to his interviews, audios and youtube videos to be incredibly valuable. As for the seminar i cant comment as I've never been. I think people saying hes a scam and whatever else are either deaf or blind bc if you listen to what he teaches, majority of it makes sense and has helped millions of people. Every dollar hes earned hes deserved. And those commenting on his personal life, Tony even said in his 20s - 30s he wasn't the same man he is today. He's matured, learned a lot and grown just like we all have/will. If the man can help you with your problem (just search on youtube for Tony robbins depression for example), then listen to what he has to say. For me, he's been a real game changer.
Wow, do I relate since I also left early after investing $7500 for his event. I have been an avid fan of Tony's for decades and always up for learning and growing. BUT, I realized by the second day, we spent more time waiting for Tony to show up and then 35% of the content was him telling stories (bragging) and I just wasn't getting enough out of it. I love his stuff but I'm skipping the live events since I get plenty of massages at home 😉
I guess it just wasn't for the writer.
I have attended numerous Tony Robbins seminars. THEY WERE ASTOUNDING.
Having read hundreds of books and taken courses from the best - THERE IS NOBODY BETTER. TONY helped empower me to make millions at a time when I had very little money. The only complaint I ever had was that Tony would go and go and go until 4 am in the morning LOL.
I’m glad I just came upon this . I am a single mother struggling mentally and financially trying lately to rewire my brain. 50% of the time I’m in good spirits but it doesn’t last long enough to really commit!! It’s scary! On top of not feeling secure, not having support system, I also discovered I self sabotage by isolating which helps my procrastinating. Tonight I started looking into maybe attending a seminar. I saw the prices and thought, “If I believe in it or believe it can help I will commit to finding the money to attend “. After reading your article I’m convinced it would not be what I’m looking for or what I think I need and I would be really pissed and it would be pretty shitty and to put myself in debt when I’m trying to elevate to a better place. I hope that made sense Lol.
Follow the holistic psychologist on the gram. She has lots of free stuff and may help
Hi Autumn, I hear you isolating is so much easier... but if you can keep working on staying focused on the good and appreciate that more will come I promise. In the meantime go to YouTube look up Marisa peer. She has some free guided hypnotherapy sessions that could really just help it all click. If you need any more video suggestions feel free to contact me... I think I’ve watched them all. I’m Laura you can find me on FB Geolauraauriemma on FB. Just mssg me about this reply...
Tony and Dean run nothing but a Ponzi scheme, they're a pair of very enigmatic, clever and well-trained shills. They know exactly what to say to get people to keep coughing up money to upsell their... 'knowledge brokering tactics'?
You did the right thing walking out, I wouldn't have even bothered going.
I'm working through some of his audio training. It is well worth my money and time.
The challenge is that I need this to become part of me. Part of my daily action. I can't get that by going to a seminar.
The only way I'm going to master this material is by reviewing it daily, implementing, and then reviewing my implementation every night.
Optimistic that this time next year I'll see some fruit from this discipline. As sad as it is, I likely won't ever go to one of his events. Because I can't master the material in one day. Or seven.
Your comments and perceptions are EXACTLY where I’m at with this stuff. I’m in a hotel right now looking at the Cairns Convention Centre, Australia. DWD finished last night and it’s the second TR event I’ve attended. Coming into this seminar I knew that personally I’d advanced significantly within myself since the event I went to last year (which was really, REALLY good for me for a few different reasons), so I wasn’t quite looking for the same things from this seminar but still looking forward to it. After the first day it became really clear that I’d truly moved beyond this level of therapy (which is what it is basically). Whilst these seminars can absolutely transform your life, push you through fears and highlight where your issues lie, they are still only dealing with what’s on the surface. It’s all ego-based therapy. That’s not a bad thing per se- to shuffle around your limiting beliefs in order to create a more fulfilling and enjoyable life is beautiful, but this will never DELIVER the fulfilment by itself. That only comes from within and you need to get that bit straight first. THEN focus on creating a better life from a platform without the ego and it’s desires. I left half way through the second day, not because of any issues with the seminar (I loved the energy and the joy that was present from everybody as a whole), but more because it felt like a step back to focussing in the things that really don’t matter in the search for your own true happiness. I floated in and out the last few days to catch up with some friends I’d made and soak up the love that was in abundance in there, and it became really clear that this juggernaut is a Tony Robbins roadshow, and he loves preening to all his followers. You nailed it when you said ‘yeah, you’ve got your own plane. We get it’
By his own reference system, Tony Robbins’ needs are Significance (90%) followed equally by Contribution and Growth. Chasing these needs will never deliver lasting peace and happiness because it’s not where it comes from. Hence the attendees keep coming back for more ‘life-changing seminars’.
Genuine loving kindness is what we ARE when we identify and dissolve the ego. TR focusses on making ourselves a better ego, which is great- but not the answer. Great business model mind you, right?
As an example for reference, take the likes of Eckhart Tolle and the Dalai Lama. They are genuinely enlightened and awake human beings in their true nature, which is fundamentally what we’re all looking for. Could you imagine either of them telling you how big their house is, how much their companies turn over or the rich and famous they’ve met or associate with?
Which one would we rather be?
I agree totally with your views, and it was great to read your comments. Nothing against Tony Robbins, he does some amazing things for lots of people and devoted himself to helping others, but ultimately it’s from a place of egoic identity, and that’s what we all need to look to transcend for ourselves and for the whole of humanity
Great comment. Thanks for sharing.
Ive always felt this too - that a lot of personal development leaders teach you to just rearrange the thoughts in your head to be More positive and thus only strengthen/change the ego. Definitely contradictory to what Tolle teaches. Power of Now was the most impactful book I’ve ever read. Well said.
Thank you for this comment! I couldn't have said it better.
Undoubtedly, the most prominent con man of our generation. If he's the guru of self-help, why couldn't he fix his own marriage? He cheated on his 1st wife almost immediately after the wedding having a child with his mistress. Incredibly, his wife forgave him but he later dumped her for a younger blond. Now he's embroiled in sexual harassment accusations involving 4 female employees....and counting. Great role model.
Can you link to more information about this? Seems like a big accusation and I'd like to read more about it.
Sounds like the guy in our Whitehouse.
Did you end up getting your money back?
Tony's seminars are custom created for peope who want to be a part of a bigger group. They LOVE the evangelist unity with other people. You're a sapiophile tho. An introvert, I guess? WE hate the group mentality. We may love Tony Robbins himself, but we HATE being a part of a loud group with one mind. Tony is a sapiophile, too, which means he enjoys it because he IS the one mind in the room. The physiophiles in the audience love the fact they don't HAVE TO BE THE MIND in the room. They give their power to someone else, and in turn, receive a sense of empowerment, a sense of unity.
I love Tony as much as you do. I understand FULLY how you can both love the guy and still decide his seminars are not your thing.
I personally coach sapiophiles and avoid getting anywhere near physiophiles. They make great followers, but not very good thinkers. I prefer coaching the intellectual type, who finds it super hard to find ANYTHING worth reading in this world - and wants to figure things out for themselves. I want to offer a light help, but something they can't find at a 10 000 person seminar - all due credit to Robbins - who was the reason why I started in the first place... Because he is phenomenally good at what he does, and I wished I was half as good. Now, I feel I'd gladly coach him for a while... :p
It’s time his teaching psy 101 finally catches up with him...he’s made a half of billion dollars and I could never figure out why he hasn’t ever taught a free seminar to the poor and needy on how to make money and have a better life.
Tony Robbins facilitated a deeply discounted seminar in Atlanta, GA. I attended one for $50.00 at Life University many years ago. It was awesome! My initial goal was to be the "female" version of Tony Robbins. As my skills grew beyond professional speaking, I realized many people consider "motivational speaking" a joke. Too much fluff and very little substance. I don't want to be a joke, so I choose a different path - corporate training. Something with a bigger message than "be a better you". I'm not money driven so for me, it isn't about money. I am knowledge driven and thrive on learning new things and sharing those things with others in a way they can apply it to their careers, such as managing people, projects & meetings.
Personally I think Tony Robins is a macho bully, he doesn’t like people who disagree with him especially the woman who challenged him on me too. Instead of saying men need to change he said men won’t hire attractive women even if they Re more qualified!,, Say what? I would waste a cent on going to read one of his books or see him live and what you said just reinforced my belief he’s full of his own importance and nothing else and it seems it’s the emperors new clothes so glad you found better use for you day.
You only have to look at Tony's typical rate of emails to know he's a complete bully. I get at least one email a day from the list, sometimes two, and it's heinous. I'm just glad nobody out there has my danged phone number!
This is probably one of the worst articles I’ve taken the time to read/skim read.
You walked out due to being out of your comfort zone basically.. and not wanting to tell yourself that you’ve pin pointed it on minor flaws to the person talking to you.
Also, that ‘strange clap’ is a powerful anchor tony has used his entire life to keep him in ‘state’
What did you have to loose by completing the entire four days? Then perhaps, only then, would any of your words In the article have substance.
It’s like flying to Barbados, touching down and saying ‘ah this just doesn’t feel like it’s for me’ flying home and then writing an Article on Barbados.
Feel the fear, do it anyway my friend. Spend time with things you don’t like or make you feel comfortable - then you’ll grow, then you’ll have the credibility to write up an article about that the .
Regards
S
I get it and I deeply respect you! Yet you missed out on transformation day and in the fire walk.
I’m glad you are focused on you rather on pleasing. Your authenticity will attract a great relationship ? my prediction.
This article is so well written with no childish anger or rantings. All of your examples were informative and described with a completeness for understanding the situation. Your reason for leaving was intelligent and logical. You wrote information without emotional garbage woven into it. I so appreciate accuracy when people write about experiences. I especially appreciate facts without a person’s emotional negativity. hank you.
i think that u are simply an unaware person. that is why u got fleeced for 2k dollars ...unbelievable. dont blame the salesman. have u ever come across the term SNAKE OIL?
I didn't find anything in this that push me to believe he's unaware by any stretch of the imagination. I went into this with high levels of doubt. I leave with a huge respect for this person's ability to self evaluate.
Me too, enormous respect for a well written article. The only thing I didn’t like was quoting that another person meaning your person next to you was a recovering Jehovah’s Witness. I’m not recovering I am excited about being one of Jehovah’s people. Recovering? We have some of the best reputations in the world. In fact I got a job purely because I was a Jehovah’s Witness known for our integrity and honesty. JW.ORG best organisation in the world! It’s a privilege to be known as one.
Some people view it as a cult. Recovery might mean liberation from the cult and possible brain washery
This is a ridiculous statement. The Jehovah's Witnesses are a brainwashing, fundamentalist cult that teaches people it's okay to abandon their families, judge other people and "shun" people through disfellowshipping (which is both illegal and unethical), to name but a few of the core practices that run through every day life within the religion. I could go on.
To say that someone who has left the religion and is trying to rebuild their life, figure out who they are outside of the constraints of being told what to say, do and act, and find a sense of purpose and meaning beyond that experience, is "recovering" is very apt.
I am from Africa and I learnt about Tony's materials while I was looking for ways to develop myself the more. Tony helped me to look at the angles I wasn't focusing on before. He did his own part of the job and I did mine and today am a better version of who I was. I think that is the ultimate aim of Tony's work.
Wow! I thought I was the only one. I walked our after the first day, too. I had been listening to and reading Tony Robbins for 20 years. After a bout in the hospital due to overwork, my wife gifted me with a ticket to UPW. I was so excited. But, after waiting in the hallway for 4 hours before being let in, I felt totally mistreated and the seminar took on the smell of BS. I committed, however, to staying around for the Firewalk, because I wanted to challenge myself and I didn't want anyone to say that I chickened out. That was a great experience. I called my wife from the firepit and told her that I had just walked on hot coals. By 4 AM, I was back home in my own bed with my wife. You are totally correct that Tony is very superficial. After the seminar, I embarked upon a campaign of going into depth on the subject where Tony barely scratches the surface. The effect was amazing. As it turned out, one of my office mates was an NLP trainer. I learned NLP from him and now teach it to my MBA students and several young people that I mentor. I got nominated for an Emmy for my work with a local TV station. I was awarded the black belt in Shaolin Kempo Karate with ever setting foot in a Kempo school. I have a start-up, PunditNetwork.com, that was voted best new business idea in a competition at Stanford. I learned to meditate and practice at one of the best meditation centers in the Western world, which, as it turns out is just around the corner from my house. One of the kids that I mentor used the techniques that I showed her to get internship offers from CBS News and the Washington Post. I designed my own stock portfolio. A couple of financial planners showed me how they would have invested my money over the last few years. My portfolio beat them every year and had an expense ratio that 1/4 of theirs. As you say, Tony is superficial and, sometimes, dangerous. His financial book is a mass of contradictions. Tony's gift is pointing people in the right direction. But we have to remember that Tony seminars are just the beginning of a long journey.
When I went to see Tony at UPW in the UK, it ended up being the beginning of the rest of my life. He showed me possibility and inspired me to step up and create change. It’s been a long journey of constant improvement and self challenge but it’s more than worth it.
I too wanted to walk out. It was challenging, embarrassing and to and Englishman, way too ‘American’ ;). I wanted to leave after the first 5 minutes and then after the first hour. I wanted to leave all the way through the first day. Then I remembered my sister who paid for me to go saying, “just go with everything, play along and you’ll love it”.
So I let go of my own judgements and expectations. I stopped being so self-conscious. I through myself in and yes, I massaged everyone and danced like an idiot with strangers and all the other excruciating things an uptight self-conscious person like me hated.
Things started to really change. Day 2, 3 and I could feel the shift. I was genuinely changing. I couldn’t afford to do any other courses with Tony so whilst he was selling and selling and yes selling again his premium seminars, I made a note of everything I’d learnt and what I was going to do with it.
Every day for the next year I worked on myself and reminded myself what I needed to remember about myself and life. It was the year I broke free.
Maybe if you’d also been told to let go and just go with it and see what happens, you too might have stayed and gone the distance and had similar breakthroughs.
How you spent you day was truly valuable and we all need more of those. But you could have done that at any time.
There’s so much knocking of Tony Robbins and obviously he isn’t everyone’s idea of a good time, but there is no doubting the positive impact this man has had on millions of people. When you consider all the people he has inspired, who go on to become coaches, therapists, etc, and all the people they go on to impact, his positive reach is a phenomena.
This is an excellent comment. The superficiality might have belonged more to Noah's approach than to the Seminar. It's very subjective. But sticking it out one the day in the case of George, and that might be the best lesson from all of this.
People are always searching for answers where sometimes there are none. Robbins makes money off of that fact, with pablum and half baked motivational statements that do nothing. I recommend to spend the two grand on business class seats to Maui, sit on a beach drinking a thirteen dollar Heineken, while repeating, “this is my best self.”
The “Cheesy” theatrics and “pump” was an immediate turn off. In day one he pulled some random guy from the audience who balled his eyes out about having done horrible things and everyone cheered this guy in the end because Tony saved him. On the last day I saw this same guy but in a video clip Tony showed and this guy was in the background as a volunteer- it was all staged. I know from an insider this is how it works. I saw a lot of this, and waaaay too much dancing and messaging and listening to puffery. Let’s face it, it’s a money machine praying on the weak.
And now...Mr. R faces several allegations of sexual misconduct, and bullying. Another one bites the dust. Please save us from the Type-A, "over-the-top," caffeinated gurus who take our money and...do what you said T did in your article.
I hear you. Similar experience with other "motivational speakers". The sheep feel better for a few days, then crash back into reality, then decide that they need another seminar. These speakers have perfected the recipe for creating seminar junkies.
Walking out on anything - from a movie to a book leaves you with uncertainty. It also denotes that you rely heavily on others to do your thinking for you. Being around positive people creates positivity. You have failed entirely by observing this key factor in his factor in any lesson - regardless if it's Tony Robbins or a complex movie.
You completely missed Noah’s point, he saw through the hyperbole and from a place of being a more conscious person than the others at the event decided that it was futile to waste his time as well as the money he’d already invested. And like he said, to attend and leave made him clearly aware of his progress on his journey and that’s priceless
Thanks, they talk to much. Too much about self empowerment which is not possible. Trust God and ask Jesus Christ to come into your heart. You will find the real truth of spiritual empowerment. Tony and many like him have great concepts but too much of it and you sink deep into the abyss of wishing. Read romans 10:9 and find the Christ for your self. Then you will be properly empowered and don’t have to pay for it.
Truly finding contentment in Christ is empowering. The Bible calls us to allow our convictions, not our circumstances,to govern our sense of contentment. True biblical contentment is a conviction that Christ s power, purpose and provision is sufficient for every circumstance.
wow good readd. thank you.
Thanks for your content, I just with drew from his lattest course, before I come across your info. You hit it on the nail for me he is high energy and I like that however i am one of those Americans how love a little humility in the age of trump, alpha men don’t in press me. I find him to be an ego maniac.
I purchased his cassettes over 30 years ago and his "FLY and the WINDOW" analogy was a classic. That one comment alone made me buy his tapes.
That was a multi-million dollar analogy!!
Interesting take on that event - I would not be able to sit through that either. Flashing strobe lights – jumping up and down – loud music, other peoples hands on me and Tony dropping F- Bombs just sounds awful.
How is that any good?
How is that helping people on a deeper level?
What bothers me is this new breed of “online experts” in every field that floods my Facebook feed. I have a local bodybuilder trying to sell me on how to be successful and happy yet I’m happily married with two children, and run a multi-million dollar business. He on the other hand is single has no home, no real money and recently overcame a big drug addiction. Yes, he just took a Tony Robbins VIP course.
What is Tony teaching/selling people?
A Google search cannot replace a medical degree and using recipes from Epicurious.com does not get you a seat on the Iron Chef.
It is all starting to seem like a massive Ponzi scheme.
In his own words... you dont go to a concert with certain expectations.. you go for the experience
I watched his special on Netflix and enjoyed it. I think it would be useful for many people to attend one of his events. At times it has a cult like feel to it, he swears too much, and he's too full of himself. Still, he has great skills as a communicator, and I think he has a good heart. I feel the good outweighs the bad.
I think whatever you wanted, you had expectations that weren't met, you could have just enjoyed the experience and got the most from it possible.
To "walk out" ...... it takes courage.
To "walk in" .... it takes curiosity.
To "make" those decisions ..... it takes you, not some money hungry motivational speaker that manipulates vocally. He should be "giving" to the masses !! ...... not magnatizing ones wallet !
I would respect Tony Robbins so much more if ,for starters ,he would make The Giving Pledge like so many billionaires and give at least %90 of his wealth to charity. He has cleverly found a way to take billions of dollars from fragile, vulnerable people with his modern day tent preacher messiianic performances. Inevitably all men like this end of falling too much in love with their own shit and eventually come crashing down. For as public and nauseantingly name dropping as King Tony projects himself onto the common people ,we know so little about his private, intensely guarded personal like. My guess would be that his current life is checkered with heartache, embarrassment ,disappointed and frustration just like everyone else. I predict that when the man boy king comes crashing down back to earth it is going to be very ugly. Let us all just sit back, wait and see.
hi marcus. I dont think youve done your research really. Tony has 18 companies which are doing 5 billion in sales and he is using most of that money for charity. This year hes gonna feed a 100 million people and next year double that. he also just recently wrote a book from which he donated all the money he made to a charity and he said he would match anyones offer upto many million dollars, im not sure howmany. Also to me it sounds like youre quite bitter and jealous of how happy of a life he seems to be living, i can tell from the "just like every one else" and the second half of your answer. it seems like you are quite unhappy with your life at the moment and youre telling yourself a lie that its not possible to be happy so that you dont have to change. I think all of us need to sit back and self reflect on what we say and do and think sometimes. cheers!
Hassan pleas look on Glassdoor - his employees don’t like/respect him or his companies. It has shocking ratings
Go to Fiji and talk to the locals where he has his ridiculously expensive resort. He gives next to nothing back. They all think it’s a rich man’s cult.
If your scratch the surface on his foundation you will find it’s very dodgy and mainly for tax reasons.
I would say do YOUR research - although he has made it very difficult to uncover the truth as he has an army of lawyers ready to threaten anyone who speaks out against him.
Well played Noah. #Clout
Really? Written with love?
You were overwhelmed. I get it. But you actually made fun of his clap. The guy had a brain tumor. And maybe it impacts his physical mobility. But you LOST ALL CREDIBILITY WHEN YOU MADE FUN OF THAT.
agreed!
I think it was a joke guys. Sheesh.
This a great! Well written thanks for your truth.
Very honest and interesting. I have seen Tony over the years raving about his supernatural ability to inspire everyone into action based on his perceptions of life here on earth. We are all as unique as every grain of sand. Tony as well. Unfortunately his cult following haven't realized that yet and think he has all the answers because he is so convicted. Don't be sheeple people. Think for yourself, the answers are within.
My friend, I understand the urge to leave UPW, but you might have done yourself a disservice by leaving early. On a side note, you might have been a bit disingenuous when you criticized the nutrition part of UPW which you obviously did not attend. Over the past thirty years, Tony Robbins & his coaches have guided me to become a better ‘you-name-it’. I attended many of his events over the years and started with a high level of trust. His early books were so congruent that I made a decision to trust that he and his team knew what they were doing. I decided to play full-out regardless of what my inner judge/jury/hangman was saying, and was rewarded beyond my expectations. His ‘strange clap’ is the result of him playing full-out over the course of his career which damaged joints & nerves. Yes, his style includes name-dropping, cross-selling of his products and seemingly-silly group exercises to change the audience’s state in a moment. If you attended many events like I, you would have also noticed that he repeats many of the same anecdotes. That bothers me as much as it bothers me to re-read great works of literature. Unleashing the Power Within is a lifetime commitment. For me, UPW was an effective way of breaking patterns that were ingrained and no longer served me. The real journey started after UPW including coaching, attending various AJR events, volunteering at many AJR events and a kajillion of non-AJR undertakings. Through it all I have observed how Tony Robbins does not pretend to have all of the answers, he just knows how to convey the latest breakthroughs in business, relationships, personal development, nutrition and personal finance in a caring and powerfully efficient manner. My respect for him is immense, particularly because he never ever said or suggested, “Follow-me, I am the way.” He just showed me how to efficiently get out of my own way and serve others. If you have the chance, I encourage you to play full-out for 3 1/2 days before rendering your opinion. If you do, I think you might find that your life will never be the same again.
I left early on day 4 because the nutrition advice was complete garbage. Everything else up to that point was great. I’m not going to take nutrition advice from a guy that admittedly ate nothing but swordfish and tuna and was surprised when his mercury level was through the roof. He is the king of improving your state of mind but I studied nutrition in college and there was a lot of false info being given out. Just food for thought.
Thanks for this! I just sat through an AGONIZING infomercial of his and some other big deal motivational type - though it was ever so cleverly disguised as something that would teach strategies about how to create such and such kind of business, blah blah. No, the 2000$ course you buy at the end would teach these genius strategies.
Most saliently, I, too, found the braggadocio EXHAUSTING. I hung on, waiting, waiting to be given at least one practical tip, but no - repetition ad nauseum, and, well, you get the drift. And I, too, have a lot of respect for TR, in my way. But I also know for sure that when someone truly feels confident deep within, they don't go on and on and on about the money, the celebrities, the money, the money, etc. I literally have a headache.
Funnily, I was toying with the idea of writing him a letter on his site when I saw this. I mean, I knew already what I thought and felt was accurate, but just at the moment, it was nice to be validated. Best of everything to you! I think I'll just go have a nice dinner. 🙂
That's so amazing that you had the idea of writing to him. I recently almost attended his london upw seminar but for a myriad of reasons I didn't go. I watched a short interview he did with Russel brand and he said something about his many houses! In that moment I knew he needed help. He also needs to grow to help others as he is having such a large impact on many people. He is an instrument of God but he is letting him down in many ways. Maybe you are an earth angel like me. I think you and I should reach out to him the better he is the better we all can be! Much love to you all xx
Tony got me started in self improvement 25 years ago. Today I much prefer Brian Tracy and Jim Rohn. Tony takes what they teach and makes business around it.
Just saw a documentary "I am not your guru" . His vulgar language there can only prove that his own methods don't work on him. F words in almost every sentence when he speaks to person in the crowd.
Truly sad to see such a degradation of values and quality/class . The great Tony doesn't seem to be so great anymore. Has he ever been?
Attended UPW in los Angeles 2019
All was ok till...fire walk felt stranged but drank the coolaid and did it and day 3 transformation where I realized this guy is a Wizard and had to stop following i
His hypnotic instructions. I had to snap out of it. Very dangerous. That's my opinion. But later i did some research and found a blog by Scott Addams called DILBERT where he clears my suspicious and confirms it. He is powerful for a reason.
I also walked away....too late but i did after all.
Wonderfully said - I appreciate your respect & tact in sharing your opinions on what you felt worked and didn't work for you. I would dare to say that you were empowered to leave, which for many would be a breakthrough in itself!
I can't tell you how many times I've felt exactly the same way about one seminar or another. Whenever I've expressed doubt or disappointment/disillusionment/dissension, I've usually been criticized for not "getting it." I get it, but "it" just isn't doing it for me. "It" isn't feeding my soul or sensibilities. And then, all of "it" feels like just so much bullsh*t.
I'm willing to wager you got the most benefit from that UPW event of all the attendees because you could look at it with a clear eye and take what value there was from it. Most of all, you got the gift of time that time and every other time you choose not to go to another of these events.
I went to a Tony Robbins event in Portland Oregon and I still regret to this day. Cheesy is an understatement and the fact that others found it to be motivating is absolutely mind blowing. The guy is successful so I can’t knock him too hard, but it was an absolute waste of time.
PT Barnum was successful as well.
I followed Tony for years and implimented so much into my life . Then I began to struggle physically, mentally and emotionally. After years of struggle I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Today I’m living with secondary progressive ms. I struggle cognitively and physically . I’ve my life has changed drastically. Because of my cognitive issues ( caused by lesions on my brain ) I have to constantly monitor my activities and energy I’m using . This contradicts what I learned from Tony for years . I wish he’d put some time , money and energy into helping people like myself who were devoted followers.
Hi Mike, I too have ms(rrms) and was diagnosed in 2009. Probably started when I was about 16...20 years ago. Would you like to share with me what you would like Tony to do. I just recently discovered this guy through Netflix. I too have to monitor my energy. I have a 6 year old son and am a single mom. If you'd like to talk privately about it you can find me on facebook. grts, Inge
Hi Noah, Just found this in April 2019. Thank you - I needed this story. I too was a huge Tony Robbins fan since the 1999 QVC days while feeding my son overnight bottles. He changed my life in many ways. Then about 15 years ago, I flew to DFW from PHL to participate in a UPW event after a friend I orig introduced to Tony’s work totally took the cool aid over a year or two, and the. recommended the seminar. I went with high hopes. I left after the first evening session after refusing to participate in the firewalk. The experience just wasn’t right for me to the point where it became impossible to stay. It has pained me ever since. With your post I have repositioned the experience as empowering. Yes. Thank you.
There’s no denying that you HAVE done your homework and I applaud you for that as well as for writing this opinion piece as it’s not a popular opinion. It’s not my opinion either to be fair as I had a blast at the UPW event and I can truly say it switched something on in me. I feel like a lot of the things you say hold a certain resistance. Like how you don’t wanna be massaged by some random dude. Not to say that that should be something you absolutely love, but I think it’s worth being inquisitive about why it creates resistance. I wouldn’t say that if I wouldn’t have had a similar experience and learned massively from it. Also, yes he does massive name dropping, that’s true, but whether or not it triggers aggravation in you...is definitely on you. The point in so many things I think is not to find out if you like or dislike, but what thought patterns lie at the base of your opinion and if you can set yourself free of it if you choose to. And in that sense everything is interesting and adds value to your experience.
The jumping up and down I feel is a vital part of the experience. As Tony’s philosophy is that the base of everything is your physiology, it makes total sense to get you in a hyped state as much as possible. You absolutely don’t need to justify having your opinion so you didn’t even need to tell us how much effort you’ve already put in. Even if you did zero, you were entitled to feel the way you felt. I won’t justify what my two cents are either, I just feel like exchanging ideas is immensely valuable. If not, the reason why people have been able to continuously grow. Cheers mate!
I like the way you confidently state your position while respecting that of the author's. You also shared valuable advice:; instead of complaining about what we don't enjoy or find as "a good use of our time", get curious about it, explore and learn from the experience. What is it about ME that is not making the connection? And if you did get something out of the experience, what is it about you that allowed that? I enjoyed reading your comment. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
I'm sorry you felt UPW did not meet your expectations. I went in 2016 and I can honestly say, not only did I learn a lot, but I draw upon that information almost daily, and almost a reflex. Raise your standards. Change your state, change your story, change your strategy are words i live by. Even that direction, don't sip your water, chug it while its at your lips, to get your intake up...daily! I did not hire a TR coach. My bf is a life coach, walks the walk, so I have that...
I attended the UPW 2019 in London and didn't really feel I got the value for money for all the reasons you explained. First of all, Tony only showed up 2 of the 4 days he was meant to deliver, there was also a lot of hard selling, trying to get people to sign on for the upcoming events. I didn't attend the last day as I thought I wasn't going to miss anything. I did feel empowered and I will continue to do my best and apply myself.
Your summary resonates with me and thanks for sharing your experience.
Super powerful move on ur part, even if it was a largely uncommon 1!
Very interesting read ! I agree with what your saying one to one with an individual helps over come fear...I am interested in attending one of your seminars
High five it’s called informed Choice you did what was right for you.
You did what it was right for you and applaude you for your courage. In my opinion , I don't need a 3 day seminar to love mysel. I read books on self growth. Learned to Love myself unconditionally. Bravo for your point of view. We have freedom and choices.
I think it’s a well put article. I think at the beginning of a self help journey and I mean a real self help journey following an epiphany then I think this event would be useful but if you already have the skills and the strength to make changes then don’t waste your time. Or maybe go if you feel the need for a boost and don’t commit to all days.
Very fair review which is hard to find these days. I attended UPW at excel in 2019 and whilst I have overcome a lot of personal issues I had with self love over the last few years I really did find it inspirational. What I did like was he practiced what he preached and it was a great spectacle as you would expect from the US. I feel the reason feel the constant music and clapping was to invoke emotion in people, as explained this is how words make an impact. I trust that everything that we had to do there was for a reason.
It certainly helped me get some focus and provided me with techniques to deal with bad emotions. I do commend his level of energy but I don’t think I will be attending another course, 4 days is quite intense!
Thanks for writing this article! I attended UPW in LA this year, from Australia. I was interested to see what the event was like as I know people who attend every year.
I have never felt so isolated in my life, yet I was surrounded by 15,000 people.
Don’t get me wrong, I took a lot of fantastic information from the event, but from the get go people were in my space constantly wanting hi-fives then massaging each other. I just didn’t connect with his way of inspiration. I dont judge anyone else for going and I’m so happy that they get a lot from Tony.
The reason I felt so isolated was because I did not want to tell anyone I wasn’t enjoying it, I felt embarrassed, I did not want to pass on my energy to anyone else who had paid thousands to be there.
It got to the point of the fire walk and I broke down, I wasn’t afraid of actually walking on fire, I was upset that I was not at the level that everyone else was on. I had no one to connect to, and again that was because I didn’t want to bring anyone down from their high!
All in all I don’t regret going, the content work and self reflection was great but I’m now on the look out for something that I will connect with and be inspired by.
It also made me realise I am so happy with my life, I’m content with my growth, yet I’m still challenging myself everyday.
Ha! Lived next to two former personal assistants to the TR empire in San Diego who loved to talk shop. Save your money friends!!!
Care to elaborate?
For two to five thousand dollars I'll go on a great vacation and read dome books on the Dharma because his whole act is based on the things Buddha said thousands of years ago. If you want to learn the causes and cessation of suffering go to a Buddhist event, not a 2000 to 5000 dollar screaming, yelling, massaging, self aggrandizing big guy who is a billionaire on your money. 10,000 attendees. Two thousand a head for three days. You do the math. Week after week, year after year, decade after decade.
I agreed with you. I preferred attending a vipassana retreat more than attending any of these kind of seminar. It cannot help us eradicate the foot of suffering, this maybe one of the reasons that people keeps attending more and more seminars.
Everyone is entitled to their opinion! However, UPW has changed/transformed the lives of thousands of people, making the world a far better and happier place. It changed my life and my future and I would encourage everyone to experience it for themselves! This article makes it sound like some lame event led by an ego centric, money grubbing, narcissist. Did you not start this article by talking about all your accomplishments in order to get people to take you seriously? I can’t tell you how many people have been touched by the work they did at UPW. I’d encourage you to go back and actually stay for the whole event, walk on some fire, do the deep neurolingustic work, and be in the company of thousands of people doing the same thing. It’s a sacred experience witnessing thousands coming together in that way.
Thanks for that honesty.. I could see your point..
Empowering
I believe same as you. I didn’t go to see Tony but this movement t of someone be the mesias of people have to stop. U can’t trasfor people life in 5 days or with 10 books. America spiritual and cosching world have niceee cheesy and superficial and just another business.
Now those Tony need that much money to have a good life or Oprah? Don’t think so.
As u said is time to go deeper more more deeper
Agreed
I agree. All that is around oneself is already within. Some need the push. Others do the pushing. It's a life long learning. Like the old saying "people are like sheep". They tend to follow the followers. There's no magic bullet. Near death experiences whether personal or shared will help create this profound awareness most seminars try to unleash. Every type of experience is personal. What now drives someone like Mr Robbins is money. Money to pay for the machine. It's a catch twenty two. His wonderful shared beliefs are now sold instead of being given. Once the giving becomes a commodity the original intent is lost on most.
I am 57 years old. Life will change and we all have to make decisions. Sometime not knowing the out come. Like the old saying goes " We Live We Learn". But if you pray and trust God after you research, etc. Then you can rest assured all things work together for good for those who belief. How this work. Well we learn from our mistakes and from our success. The most important thing is that God walk with us always because he never leave us or forsake us. Enjoy the journey of live and trust God always. Learn to share and give to others. Read the Bible that is the best self help book, and spiritual guide and fulfillment ever written. The leader, God in three person: Father, son (Jesus ) and Holy Spirit will guide us. All we have to do is obey and follow direction and of course it all will be different for each one of us. Since the changes and the life we all live, choose and call to live is unit for each one of us. I say choose because we have free will, and call because events will happen in our life cause and influence by others that we will not choose. Sometimes unexplained. But in those we could learn or tell God I leave them in your hand and do not understand the meeting but it does not matter. Say God thank you for walking with me, thank you for life, and thank you for your protection and keep walking and living life in faith with him. Also learn to love other human like yourself since we are all crated in the image of God. Now we do not have to agree with every behavior that is negative, including our own. God Bless you all!
Thank you for this article. I was researching Tony Robins and really have never watched or heard any of his talks. I was thinking of going to a UPW event in Dallas because it seems like everyone is talking about how amazing it is and even though I feel like he's a total phony, maybe there's something to it. But, you are affirming my gut feeling. I take personal development days where I watch loads of videos on Youtube from Impact Theory, to Ted Talks, to whatever fills my brain with answers, more questions, and intelligence---healthy food, yoga, nature, social activity, and challenge. For me that's FREE! And one of my biggest pet peaves in life is being "had", wasting my money on something that I thought might be a good chance to take---and at Tony's price point, that would be a huge resentment for me. So I'm going with my gut and NOT going to the event in Dallas. I can put that money towards an event much more meaningful.
This person is the consummate con man. He makes a living ripping people off with his phony, feel-good garbage.What empowerment should he teach? “Run away quickly. Protect your wallet from clowns like me!”
Tony Robbins reminds me Beta O'Rourke, I would totally vote for him! #Beta2020 I have taken Tony's courses many times over the years and he inspired me to start my own internet business. Now, I finally moved out of my mom's basement and into my own 628 sq ft apartment in a gender equal neighborhood that is pro-Israel. I feel like I have conquered the Mountain! I respect your opinion of Tony but again, I, like took his courses to heart and I totally succeeded! #2020Succeed! #DontBeAHater #Beta2020 #Jealous
I admire your attitude. That was an honest position. Thanks for sharing.
I’ve been to Tony’s seminars.
I agree with you. It’s too much fluff and not enough subject about us’ who are attending.
You feel good for two or three days, then it wears off.
Nothing against Tony, but it’s not for me.
I walked out and adopted conservative views and morals. Stopped being so damned self absorbed and began be in service to others. Went Fishing and thanked God for my Wife and Life. Never looked back! 🙂
Couldn't be said better!
That's exactly how I felt. ?
Thank you for writing your truths.
Nice to hear.
My father quit drinking after upw, it s been 2 years he didnt touch a glass of alcohol, i was depressed, even suicidal, despite décades of therapy, two months after date with destiny (Really more intensive 6 days seminars) i begun work again and dont think about taking my life anymore....so for some people it works i d say 😉
Good read.. I too attended last weekend and many of your points were valid;
Way too much time with the dancing and hype before he finally showed up on stage.
Spent way too much time talking about his ego driven personal financial accomplishmen's and name dropping. I mean you never hear Magic Johnson, LeBron, Oprah, and other mega successful people in a public forum stroke their egos as TR did. I came away thinking... Tony seriously needs to improve that aspect of his life.
Too much time promoting his products. People paid lots of money to be helped... not sold. Perhaps mentions then let people go to the booths to sign up or purchase products.
Should be a 2 day event and half the price.
WHAT I LIKED ABOUT IT;
His energy level resonated with the masses and that got people involved. How often in our lives can we "let go" and get into mutual mental psych. .?? Typically only at a great sporting event. Energy = attention and for the most part Tony had ours.
His message to get past your fears and go for it... no excuses.
His message of self love, love others, respect others, help yourself and others around you and your world will improve.
WHAT I LEFT WITH;
I did not attend both Friday or Sunday. I only wanted to see what Tony had to say, how the crowd perceived that messay and what we all got out of it. I left physically and emotionally drained in a good way just connecting with the around me and being caught up in the energy of it all.
Within the first day, I realised with full confidense that I have been living and leading the life he promotes ALL MY LIFE. My love of people, of the world around me, of my life choice of extensive international travel has given me insight into how people should be treated, how I love my choices I have made, how my successes are from believing in myself and that I have always faces life decision's with a GO FOR IT attitude and listening to myself with the confidence of a CAN DO approach.
CONCLUSON;
I can assure you thousands of people who attended had their lives changed. Some found love to look forward to, others found confidence o conquer theor fears, some will make life changes to better their lives in terms of alcohol and / or drug abuse, and hopefully all will have a deeper respect for others as was clearly a consistent message.
Frankly I never liked Tony. He Always blathered and never told anything that an average Joe wouldn't know. He's a kind of high profile escort who just make a living out of making people good about themselves. More fart less shit
you know what that clap is? why it's so weird? He's high fiving himself. Take another look. yep. THATS EMPOWERING. great article and great respect for tony robbins.
Wow! Exactly how I felt ?
I literally couldn’t have said this better myself. My boss swears by him and sends a few employees every year all
Expenses paid which I know is very generous. I knew before going that this wasn’t for me but I went in with an open mind and so grateful for this gift. But Jesus fuckking Christ. I just couldn’t with the jumping and hugging and over the top BS. And I feel lame admitting that I Fet a bit broken like why isn’t this working for me when stuff like this literally changes people’s lives. Idk man.
The absolute worse is his minion/crew who corners you at every moment. One lady literally wanted to have a whole ass conversation in the bathroom. Mind you my coworker was waiting outside for me and I had no way to get rid of her. Even when she saw him she kept taking to me!!!
And then the guilt knowing my boss spent all this money on me for nothing. I’m still so tense from the anxiety of being there.
OMG this is exactly how I felt. Funny how one of the stories he told is about he cured a woman of a snake phobia in 15 minutes.... why do we need 4 days and then a hard sell for his other programs followed by a mini pitbull concert? I didnt stay for the hard sell and I'm not going back to day 3 either.
So in short going to the seminar helper you after all even if it wasn't from The source you thought it would be from...?
I’m glad to see your article. I was given a ticket as a gift but also walked out. It’s not for I am beyond this. I love Sadhguru Check him out.
For those looking for insight from more sources. I am in the exact same boat. Way too much jumping around. I am at the seminar this weekend. I’m researching how to get a refund and check out of my hotel early. Left early day 1 after I got fed up hugging my neighbors and found myself not wanting to scream or dance or jump anymore. Day 1. He brought a dance team out and got us psyched and had these minions dance for 45 mins and had a guy keep saying “get ready for tony! Let him hear you!” Only tony never came. For literally 10 songs these workers danced and danced trying to hype us up and halfway through I was saying “what the hell is going on??” It was all way over the top and 1 day would have been PLENTY without all the fluff as mentioned in the article.
Exactly my thoughts. I’m at day 2 of the event. just waked out. I flew all the way from Colombia for this, and was expecting something different. Today I felt like I was at a scientology event (yes, I’ve been on their ship). Didn’t get anything from the event that I could not have gotten from youtube.
I lasted the entire day 1 as it would have required me to sit in traffic and fight my way back to Orange County so I stayed and kept thinking it was just me and I needed to open up more. After having to give a random massage to a person in my row and after several sessions of jumping around half assed I realized that this was really not that engaging for me. I am interested in self improvement and growth and also in a good place in life but expect that I can do more and deliver higher results. The seminar was not going to provide what I thought and there was just way too many songs, disco lights, clapping, jumping around that was wasting time and not providing any value. The introduction at the start was terrible with 8 songs and a group of dancers on stage that did not belong. Overall I have decided not to return for the remainder of the seminar and will continue to improve on my own with reading great books, podcasts with interesting people and holding myself accountable .
I didn't know Tony has a weird clap,but trust you me,i laughed my ribs out.That was really funny.
I 100% agree. I like some of what Tony says, but jumping up and down doesn’t motivate me. I don’t want to touch or be touched by strangers. Loud, blaring music is just abnoxious. When Zig Ziglar was asked about Tony’s seminar style, his reply was, “You can motivate an idiot, but all that gets you is a motivated idiot.”
My sister from out of state signed me up for the LA event next week. I told her it wasn't my thing, but I wouldn't mind sharing time with her. I had no idea how immersive the event is. And how cultishly hyperactive it is.
I've been dreading the experience for the last several weeks. I want to share time with my sister, but the though of spending a 50 hour marathon with screaming wannabes sounds like Hell Incarnate.
(Besides, I have a business to run and I can't really afford the four days off. Showing up for the event is ironically hindering my ability to be successful.)
I think I need to suck it in and endure a few days to share the event with my sister. I'll cut my participation down to two days and actually get some work done on the other two. I'll let my sister know I'm not going to be all gung ho but be supportive of her and her experience. And just chalk it up as another life experience, however unsolicited.
Do not let this bait and switch article convince you that your experience will be bad. You will get out of this and any event equal to what you put into it both emotionally an physically. Play full out and your experience will pay out in dividends...
Hey Roger
Not sure what's bait and switch. I think Tony is great for some people.
Just sharing my overall experience with it 🙂
Love your taco bullet points, lol. I wondered why the last ones weren't colored though.
The truth is, you actually are better than the people who are still excited and affected by a Tony Robbins' seminar. I mean, not "better" in your soul necessarily, but better off, for sure. You're more advanced in your personal growth. I guess you know that though.
same here my wife and i walked out too ! fly from Quebec Canada, left after 2 days same feeling but glad we went anyway !...
Perhaps you have a bit of ADD. No worries, listen to Personal Power in the car and save the $2000 next time. You remind me if my brother who kept getting up during a Jim Rohn seminar years ago, all because his anxiety got the best if him. You are in the minority, although I can't say I would attend either. At least I haven't been compelled to do so yet, though I love Tony Ribbons. Best Wishes.
Appreciate this insight. Every time I consider a TR event, I think about what my friends went through and how I’ve handle 2 day conferences in the past. I keep asking myself, “how much Ritalin would I have to take for this?” Adult ADHD sucks, especially when you didn’t finally get diagnosed until age 41. Not shame in that. I’ll stick with the CDs, at my own pace to soak in. Doing the deep work is really important to me.
Perhaps you walked out because of some issue that you were choosing to run away from.
You were afraid Tony Robbins was going to waste your time. So you decided an even better waste of your time would be to go and make memes of Tony's quotes. It appears you do what Tony does on a much tinier scale. You even made a point of trying to knock him for his promotion techniques and a feeling that he was try to sell you (which im sure he was, he's quite good at it. YOU TRIED SELF PROMOTING YOURSELF 5 TIMES in this short supposedly "informative" little piece of driving to drive Tony's name viewers to your site. NIce try.
I would suggest being more open to new experiences. Dont value your time so highly that you'll miss out on a unique experience so that you can go home and make memes (with your name on them...).
**You even want my email when I post a comment. I'm sure you want to inform me about one of your own seminars or your healthy sushi dinner........................ shake my head
For someone who didnt favor Tony's extensive self promoting skills.
You do self promote yourself in almost 5 different ways in this article.
I honestly see your points on some valid terms.. but from your response, you did sound just like the Tony’S cultic-fan he just mentioned.
And if you paid more attention without bias you will notice be walked about because he read through the seminar sheet and figured his time is more valued somewhere else.. He even pointed to “Seminar should be shortened to 1 day”. But of course as a cultic-fan that you are, you missed that point.
From a neutral, I sure he wrote this article with honesty and SEO for his company in mind. Nothing wrong with self promotion as long as you speak the truth.
I have never been in one of his seminars nor read a book, and although I have heard about him in the past I am aware of his events. It doesn't seem bad. Events like this are not everyone's cup of tea and not for me for sure but apparently, he is good at what he does and a lot of people have found a new meaning or a new way of doing things. Why all the bashing? Jealousy, perhaps? To each it's own.
I don't fancy these motivational events I rather read a book on business but maybe this is not for you and that's all. Just live the way you want and let the rest do the same
You hit the nail on the head. And just for everyone's reference, because most people coming here will not realize this - the author of this article is the same guy who didn't have the patience to stick with the early founding team of Facebook and lost out on $100 million dollars worth of stock (according to himself).
https://okdork.com/why-i-got-fired-from-facebook-a-100-million-dollar-lesson/
He was so short-sighted back then and seems he hasn't learned his lessons of impatience, and continues to criticize others of what he is guilty of himself.
Perhaps he needs to take some time to reflect if he's really learned much.
Everyone to their own I guess.
My experience is, I am one of those people that attended Date With Destiny.
I am one of those that paid $75k to be part of the platinum partnership yearly program.
I have attended a lot of Tony's events then naturally. The first one I attended was in 2017, so this is all pretty recent for me.
On my first day at DWD I had an intervention directly with tony, a one on one intervention.
Noah, you talk about him going deep, I wonder what it is like with UPW in the states, what I can say is in DWD events I have attended, he goes far deeper and more into change with people.
My life has changed completely and because of it I found the strength I needed to give up an addiction to crystal meth and heal my child hood trauma, see myself for the victim in life I was being and make the change.
The work happened after the events, after the crowd has gone home and from my own commitment to change.... which was inspired and these events for me were the catalyst of that change needed.
I'm grateful and thankful for my experiences both in addiction and in these events.
Now.... if I had as long a history as Noah has in personal development, and his clear commitment in bringing the best within him. Then perhaps my writing here would be dramatically different.
My main point, every person will get what they get out of it.
How many people can honestly look at what Noah's dedication has been to his personal development and say they are EVEN CLOSE to this kind of dedication?
This is the dedication I aspire too and the path I am now on to get there...... and I don't need Tony Robbins to get there.
In fact my next area's of growth are nothing to do with Tony, they are in area's such as continuing to deepen my own masculine authenticity and responsibility.
Continued deepening around loving myself
Good opinion piece. It must be remembered that we are drawn to our gurus, leaders, and inspirations because they resonate with us. If a message has found a pathway into your heart, soul, and motivational spirit, the source, if not evil, does not matter. The source is merely a reflecting pool showing us what we are primed to see. Robbins is harmless - and in many cases, helpful. If he’s not your flavor, find a philosophy and delivery system that is.
Such a good response, Helaine, I applaud you for that. We're often too drawn to gurus, and we forget they're people too. Use what works for you in the system/teaching/belief, ignore the rest and don't get too attached.
Great post!
‘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.’ Being generalised is part of the brainwashing, reveals the limitations of Robbins emotional intelligence. Most humans require niche, specific strategies to overcoming hurdles.
I truly appreciate the adverse opinion piece. I find it both comical and disappointing that some post thrashings of you doing your thing, while supporting your feelings with what you personally experienced. In a world where we are encouraged to be different - be our own person, that some feel the need for you to conform, stay silent, not promote on your own platform, simply reinforces the hypocrisy so prevalent today. "It's OK to be your own person, as long as I'm OK with that." Personally, I too have always thought TR's clap was reminiscent of the cymbal-clamoring monkey in Monkey Shines. I also do not appreciate "fluff" pieces, as I can clap and dance and sing during my personal time. Everyone has something to offer, but not to everyone. Either an experience is your cup of tea or it's not. Either we can take it or leave it. As someone recently receiving a predictably sooner-than-later time limit on life, I for one can say, spending time and energy on something you believe does not benefit you is more likely wasted time that we all should avoid.
He claps that way so as not to emit the sound into his microphone. It looks weird to us when people don't actually clap their palms together.
oooo
I enjoyed the notion of be yourself until I don’t agree with you. With everyone being encouraged to be different, special, I wonder if it’s the reason everyone feels so isolated? I’ve been to seminars where everyone is made to feel a part of a whole by pointing out we’re all just the same on the inside. I think that’s part of the draw to TR seminars. I’m a bit too cheap for the big room bit but the books were great. Good luck/God bless on that farewell ride.
I cant believe anyone would criticize TR. I have been to 3 of his seminar even 1 where I had to borrow to go. He changed my life completly. Before I was a poor waiter and I survived on tips and the goodness of people. After I experience TR then I became a Democrat and I found love and appreciation in my life. Also I moved to a better restaurant (upscale)and my tips have gone up 25% from before I attended a TR seminar. So I would recommend the seminars to anyone even if you have to borrow money to go. Even tho I am male I would marry TR if I could, that's how much I admire him!
By becoming a democrat you found love and appreciation? What does politics have to do with it?
Very good read! My google search that led me here was "how to get Tony Robbins cell phone number", as if it would actually be made public, though my mind is a bit off at the moment.
This was thought provoked on me wanting to leave a voice mail asking one of his handlers, "do you have extra chairs for poor people"? Actually not poor, just broke right now. Reading this article makes me think (which I feel was a good read, just a guy being honest) - Is this all somehow endorsed by Tony? Negative news is good news, right? We've all gotten this far reading this and there's 1k+ in comments. I'm thinking Tony is looking to reinvent himself a little and what better way to just get it out there. Reading over a ton of positive things online tells me there is just a lot of BS about him being that affective vs truly getting what what you paid for by forking up 2-5k, or more.
So I'm a bit torn as I was in search of some way of getting a magically free ticket to his event. Even after reading all the mixed comments, I do feel deep down this Tony Robbins guy has true grit to provide.... Which is something I need right now, though I spent the last 2k (actually 5k) on my wife's medical bills, suicide seems like too much work... but anything to help rid me of this freaking groundhog-day like feeling that has my life playing over in repeat is shear maddening.
Anyway, good read, just not sure of the underlying purpose as I see multiple views playing out here, all of which I feel the writer knew would take place regardless - Side note: if anyone has an extra ticket on the next event he has, I'll do dishes, though my background is in mortgages:)
Sy, a little over a year ago, my teenage son was desperate to go to a TR event, but he had nowhere near enough $. He wrote an email to the company explaining how much he appreciated Tony's book. The company started an email chain with him that eventually made it to TR himself. TR sent my son a recorded voice message encouraging him and offering him 2 free tickets to UPW. If you don't get the same results, we're friends with one of his top security guys who can get discounted tickets. Be encouraged.
I'm not a T.R. fan but I do agree with Rick Trump. I also felt like you were pushing your own agenda while riding on Tony's fame.
I just finished watching
“ I am not your Guru “ (and the bonus material was still running) as I was simultaneously researching the web for blogs or reviews from participants of the Guru’s events... and to my relief I found your blog!! Thank you, I thought I was dead inside for not jumping up and down to the mantra of the so captivating self made therapist.
There was not one second during the process of the documentary, where I felt, I should join the crowd( don’t mind the slightly dry European enthusiasm!!).
Don’t get me wrong, I do seek inspirations and guidance, or maybe just a big booster to kickstart my ambitious but lazy ass, that has more excuses than solutions.
Very enlightening and constructive approach on your behalf.
Thank you x
Reading your reviews has really helped me a lot. My son in law and my daughter has an obsession with TR and they think he is a God. They sold their property to join this cult paying 75k each and much more to this con man. He was fired from work and has been trying to become rich just by attending TR seminars travelling all over the world. It is really painful for me to see what will be the future of my grand children aged 4 and 5. They both have been so brainwashed that they think everyone who does not worship TR is negative. I personally would like to thank you for writing the truth which proves to me that I am not insane the way they make me believe.
Hi there, I can assure you that your kids are in good company with the Platinum members. Most plat members own and operate multi million dollar businesses (and more) and are inspired to live life to the fullest + while contributing to the world. It must deeply disappoint your kids to not have your support.
As a mother of a young adult I completely simpathise with your fear. If my daughter came home anouncing she sold her house and signed up with the guy on YouTube I would absolutely loose my mind!!
For the sake of your kids, their success, and your relationship, I ask you as a fellow parent and Platinum member to please support them. At minimum by respecting the path they've chosen. I suspect they will amaze you with what they'll accomplish in a few years.
You won't manage to change their mind, so perhaps you can stay involved and have influence by allowing them to share their journey.
Why not join them at an event and meet some people? I'll be there!
Blessings to you all!
Good on you for walking out, and good on you for posting your experience. I have a twin sister who did his seminar and felt very similarly to you. I did the insight programs instead which apparently were seminars that Anthony Robbins ripped off
Thanks for this remark. I first took Insight seminar in 1995 and am still involved. Great program and the focus is on the learning, not the "fell good" hype and some "guru" . Still involved with Insight in Isreal and other countries.
This article is totally a Newsjacking lol. Great job! What Newsjacking means? is the ability to create a post or article related with a celebrities in trend (Tony is always a trend) or relevant news and inject your ideas or product. You injected your development notes for download asking for an email and that is a subscription. Also you injected links for your app, and other two events where you are making a commission because is a referral link.
Whom created this term of NewsJACKING? it was David Meerman a Tony Robbins partner who teaches this technic online (youtube) and also in a deeper manner in the Business Mastery program by Tony Robbins.
Now, besides the newsjacking tactic you are doing I really don't see you growing strong in your life purpose when you are using a negative news against a person in order to gain traffic and then clicks to your sales funnels.
BIG TIME LOSER MY FRIEND. Try again UPW and go without your significance pattern which will take you nowhere and you know you are lost.
I agree. The whole time I was reading this article I kept thinking that this guy is pushing his own agenda and trying to sell me things.
I am not a TR fan but those are my observations as well. Totally manipulative. But transparently so, so not too intelligent. You have lost my support or respect through trashing another professional.. 'oh but I am not, not really'... yeah, you are and whilst doing so, you are stomping on his head to elevate yourself whislt also pretending to stroke him... worst kind of person Sir! I watched some of your video about YOUR presentation and quite frankly found it boring and lacking charisma, it just fell flat and you could tell that from the audience too... and ssshing an audience of adults... maybe once as an exaggerated fun thing but to keep doing it... hell no. Taking my business elsewhere. You show little integrity.
A man that sticks up for what he believes and isn't afraid to talk about it. I shall call you sir, for you are a real man.
It's a shame you feel you need to post negatively about someone who's only every been a force for good in his life and clearly has a drive to help. Also someone you claim to be one of your 'customers'. If you had more faith in your business you wouldn't need to bad mouth someone else's hard work and you should treat your customers with more respect. It's never cool to try and trash someones business or hard work.
He's clearly not attempting to trash anything, he's speaking honestly about an experience he's had and why it was negative.
I actually don’t think he did that, he actually says what he liked and if he is honest enough to say I wasted my money then good for him one mans meat is another mans poison as the saying goes. For me I really dislike Tony and I think this guy wasn’t anti
Great article Noah! I very rarely hear people willing to call Tony Robbins on his lack of substance in material and his dominating self-aggrandisement. I have heard his story and think it is remarkable, as is his success. He has good points, but quite frankly nothing particularly unique. What I don't appreciate is when I see clips of his seminars where he is talking over people, constantly self-promoting (it actually looks like he's insecure and needs to remind everyone exactly who he is. No humility.) and quite frankly bullied one woman on her opinion of the #Metoo movement. I am a communications specialist, so have done everything from Deepak Chopra, to Landmark, to The Artists Way and give my clients Brene Brown material all the time. I love self-development like you. But it can't be bullshit level, it's gotta go deep and hit the real conversations. Not quick fixes and Memes. Unlike you, I have not read tons of Tony Robbins - I bought one book once. I couldn't read it through, too superficial. Well done for having the courage to write this article, especially since he is a customer!
Talk to random participants 6 month post seminar and see if/how their life was changed. You might get the feeling there has to be a better way. BTW I worked with Tony over 7 years so I know what I'm talking about. Do your own research and find the truth of just how "life changing" these events are.
How you are in one thing is how you are in everything.
Amend yo ypur comments. I attended a seminar of the same name. definitely a polished speaker, but more fluff than necessary.
What gets me is the no. Of times he filed bankruptcy and the no. Of divorces!!!!
One would think he had a better handle on his own life!!!!
I like Tony, I think he does add value and broaden perception. Please note, I have never attended a seminar of his, but as a practitioner of meditation for many years, this is the observation that comes to mind.
Sure, he is a lot of hype, but he does need to get the crowd engaged. I feel that, however, that his methods may be somewhat shallow and wear of in the long run. Hi sis honest in saying that you need to do the work, but it is my experience that humans tend to regress over time if they do not have a vision, and the instruments to evolve.
I cannot say if it is worth going to a TR seminar or not, but I doo feel that one cannot change their physical-mental state for good without feeding their spiritual (not religion) component.
All the best.
I attended a Tony Robbins seminar today and I walked out before it was finished as well. I found there was too much hype and not enough content. "What happened to the old Tony Robbins." We spent way too much time saying "I", jumping up and down, massaging our neighbours backs, making noise, pumping the air etc etc. I came to get content, not all the noise and hype which gave me nothing except ringing in my ears. I understand that people need to get out of their chairs once in a while, but this was ridiculous. Also it was cold in the room all day (apparently Tony had told staff he wanted it cold, and so doors were left open that invited some of our Alberta winter inside). I was up at 6 am and the sessions started at 8 am and by 10 am I was uncomfortably cold even tho I was wearing a warm top, a sweater, a winter jacket and gloves. Being uncomfortably cold takes away your focus on the speaker. There were others speakers before Tony came on, and at the end of each of their sessions, they wanted you to buy their program "at a special reduced price". I started resenting this - it felt more like a sales pitch than a seminar.
I left about half way through Tony's session as I couldnt take anymore of the hype. Tony has so much information to offer, he doesn't need to resort to hype.
This was brave of you. Its so good to see someone else feels the same as me about TR.
I went to see Tony at one of the NLC events. I really wanted to see Eric Worre as well as Tony, but Eric was a no show. I was glad that I bought a Bronze ticket. I also walked out an hour and half before the end. I have been listening to Tony since the 1990s. A lot of his stuff hasn't changed. I also was tired of being yelled at. I also felt empowered.
I'm so sorry that you wanted your own success bad enough that you were willing to piggy back on someone with a much bigger name in a negative way that discourages others to take steps to improve their lives. I'll bet you got alot of views but I hope people recognize your method to hurt some so you can help others for your own gain. How would you feel if you changed your approach that helps everyone you influence without hurting anyone? Good luck!
I have a problem with a $2000.00 price tag for a seminar on how to change your life. Take a good look in the mirror, smile and accept yourself at the present moment. Then ask yourself what is is you want to do for yourself and try. There is no magic guru except the one residing in your own body. The gift you are seeking is right there waiting for you to discover. I liked this article because the writer ultimately came back to trusting his own instincts. Plenty of smart people have great information to share without burdening another with a high price tag. Check the local library out for tons of information about anything. If you want to learn how to knit, learn. If you want to learn how to invest, learn. Nike has a great meme. Just do it.
I have a sister who has massive social anxiety and Tony Robbins changed my life into being a top personal trainer in my city. I would do anything to have her, go through that experience of a seminar. And it makes me so sad you would even write this. Without Tony I’d be in trouble, with him; with his words, and energy....I’ll have a good life and your article is robbing some percentage of people from being the best versions of themselves. I hope you consider deleting this, you’re doing more harm them good. God Bless.
Hi David B.,
It’s called freedom of speech. He’s entitled to speak on his experience whether he is promoting himself or not. People or authors like him who write personal reviews provide consumers additional information to make better decisions. His research and personal testimony was informative, comical and entertaining. To many, spending $2,000 to $5000 is definitely an investment worth researching!
Not everyone will have the same experience as you. It’s great that you had a positive experience and you can share your personal testimony to help others as well. Asking Noah to delete his post is rude, and to top it off you added God bless at the end of your statement. What is that?
Confidence comes from within. If you believe in yourself, and focus on achieving a realistic and attainable goal, then you and only you can make it happen. If you fall then you get back right up and keep trying! Duh that’s how life works. Don’t need to pay $2,000 for that advice. You’re welcome!
God Bless.
I appreciate this article and author for the kindness and respect and honesty. I love this country, freedom to speak and freedom to take any class and freedom to leave if that is not some place you feel is a valuable use of your time or energy. I find this article and author realistic and refreshing. Certain responses posted above there are pretty accusatory and defensive and guilting, which is odd, because the author is entitled to his own experience and actually others may benefit from a diversity of experiences (and still others can relate). Obviously Tony Robbins is not God, and the guilting messages in some of these responses are absurd. Truth will not be responsible for anyone’s misery; quite the opposite, this is refreshing and realistic and welcomed in a free country. 🙂 I’ve never taken a Tony Robbins seminar, but I have taken a class called Landmark, and selecting whether to take it I spent time weighing the comments by those who’s lives were changed and those who had issues with it, and negative connotations like MLM, etc. and I did have issues with what was like sales pitch... I can relate. What was most helpful to me, was a dear friend who said “Well, I haven’t taken it, but I know some people who have and they benefitted, and I think it’s just up to you and what you want.” And I took it. And it helped me to start a process of work on and within myself. I’m glad I took it. Wading through the sales pitches for all the next courses was annoying. I feel the class itself was worth it, for me. To be clear... The class or the seminar don’t DO anything, they ASK you to... YOUre the only one who can, the participant, out of your own free will. It’s like a spark, or a tool, or a cheerleader. If you have your own spark, use that! If you need a spark, yes you might buy one here! It’s this simple. It can be lifechanging, but at the end of the day YOU, as the participant in whatever class or seminar (by tony Robbins or other or your own self) you are the one who stands up, dances, says “I” or calls your dad after 29 years- whatever the goal or fear you have you’re the one who faces it. If you need friends, courage, support, spark- you might find it in a seminar or a course, but that work is all done or not done by you, the growth or not, and seminar or not. The truth is, there’s more than one way and we are FREE to choose! :- ) THANK YOU for this beautiful article! 🙂
Went to a one-day TR seminar years ago, and left before the afternoon session.
Most of it was for people in sales, but it was never advertised as such. Also too
much selling of his programs which were available at merchandise tables. One
minor point, he kept mispronouncing the name of the city where the event was held
until an audience member pointed that out. Tony got a bit defensive at that public
correction.
Wonderful post. It's easy for me to smell fraud in some of these people. They prey on the gullible. Sad.
That’s ridiculous; you are selling yourself short if you think he’s fraud. There’s a reason a book written before I was born is still a best seller at Barnes and noble.
Never a more truthfull reply. The whole show was absurd and rediculous.
Take a look at Polyvagal Theory if you really want to understand your experience at Robbins' seminar. (I've left more than my share of seminars in the middle).
Me and my partner went to one of Andy Harrington seminars
Andy Harrington is a Prodigy of Tony Robbins and uses the same style which after the first 3 hours we found nauseating. It was a bit like going to listen to a charismatic preacher in one of those big American Bible thumping sessions. what I do admit Andy Harrington did very well and probably like Tony Robbins does was market his other more expensive courses very well.
Thank you for your objectivity and opinion.
neve went to TR sessions, as i'm not from the states or europe, but i did watch hours of his videos. and like any greedy celebrity, Tony has some great advices, if you have the patience to endure his cliche's, the whole theraputic sessions, pep talk, enflaming your "positiveness" will never work on a dude like me, so no chance in hell i will ever find myself in these ridiculous fake positivness. I do think though that Tony does have some sincere moments, and that according to his background, it is probably due to that that he is able to do that so well. I do think he wants to help people become better, he got to help really famous politicians and high profile sports people. I don't think his is the proper term for a con artist or a scam. there is one video that is really touching where he talks to a young girl who wanted to take her life. and he breaks apart pretty damn good. don't think its a fake, and i'm not sure if he really did help that girl for sure, but at that particular point in time-he most certainly did. he knows what he's doing, better than most pep talkers out there. and has some good advices however cliche's but can strengthen them with some good examples. he is simplistic, which is a plus in my book. so don't take him as 100% purist, because he is not, he enjoys fast cars, and enjoys his money, he is NOT a modest man. which isn't saying much about how pure the guy really is, more about his greed. so i hope this helps anyone he reads this.
you are smart. By writing a negative feedback about Tony's seminar made me read your paper other wise if ti was positive would ignored it
but I was disappointing because I felt that you used this trick to make read your stuff other wise I wouldnot have read
You also did quite a lot of pumping up yourself and telling us what you have done(writing a book) what you have read that changed YOUR life, how you spent YOUR time. I don’t take anyone that serious who needs cheesy guru’s to give them inspiration. Too much fluff in the article also.
Yeah, whoever doesn't notice you using a bigger name to promote yourself should go attend a Tony Robbins event. I've studied over 1,500 hours of Tony Robbins material and now coach people full time after helping my wife overcome some very severe mental illnesses that created a lot of pain in our lives. I'm happier than I ever imagined now and I give most of the credit to Tony. So glad he didn't let the kind of doubt and fear you've encouraged, to promote yourself, hold him back.
LaMonte Wilcox, I'm HIGHLY skeptical of your claims that you helped your wife to overcome "severe mental illness". I've been a therapist for years and suggesting you watched 1500 hours of TR material and then helped her resolve such issues is pure BS. Either your wife didn't have significant mental illness as you suggest, you are lying about the severity of her condition, OR you are overstating your effectiveness.. Mental distress doesn't always indicate mental illness…and “coaches” do not have the required training to help people “overcome mental illness”. I spent three years for my master’s (part time) and then four years for my doctorate (full time) two more years in a specialized fellowship, and then four years to finish my dissertation. A coaching certification simply does not have enough hours to help people “overcome mental illness".
Several years ago I obtained a coaching certification as I am keenly aware that coaching can be extremely helpful for folks that need short-term help. My experience with that certification was that a large number of people in that training program outright dismissed the need for therapy or they believed they could help people "resolve" significant mental illness like Schizophrenia and Borderline PD. The trainers did not understand mental illness or they believed NLP could resolve mental illness - this is magical thinking and my experience was that they confused mental distress with mental illness. There were two other shrinks in that training and all three of us came away with the same feeling.
I like TR and find his material helpful. I have been sober for many years and have used some of his quotes in my AA meetings as I find them helpful. I have bought his books for friends and I have had discussions with my peers about the concepts his presents in his material.. I might even be willing to attend a seminar to experience him in person. Tony is also very clear that he offers "coaching" and not mental health treatment and suggests that some people who attend his seminar might need outside help.
I'm a huge TR fan but have always wondered if I'd have the exact same experience at one of his events.
I watched the documentary on Netflix and was amazed at how stupid the whole thing seemed. Tony barks out a lot of self-help cliches and then makes very superficial and ineffectual attempts at offering therapy to a few hang picked audience members. The funny thing is if they offer him any resistance or disagreement he basically turns into a bully and lampoons them in front of everyone else.
The whole event is completely laughable and absurd
Funny that you claim to have not fallen for Tony's tricks yet this guy caught you so easily with his marketing scheme to piggy back on Tony's name. What would have happen if you wouldn't have let all that "bother" you?
I agree with you. And it seams like you are at another level than most of participants of TR events. I did not feel that participants problem are relevant to me. Whatever Tony was telling was obvious for me. Unfortunately, I did not get anything new, even going for a full UPW (maybe just some stuff about nutrition). And I signed up for coaching. And that was the biggest mistake I have ever made in my life. The coach was absolute zero and I had to cancel sessions with her and did not full refund, but was promised to get it in full. So, there are people who are not strong enough to coop with problems, to motivate themselves, to have a goal and work on getting things done. I have started my career with picking up cans on Brooklyn streets for money refunds, with cleaning houses, with passing flyers on a streets and coming up to being Broker/Owner of real estate company with offices in NJ and FL. And I could do much more, but I have decided to be a little bit lazy. 🙂
Some of these comments are exactly why I am critical of Tony Robbins. No matter where you're coming from, no matter your perspective, no matter the validity of your substance, no matter how solid your critique, Tony Robbins has built a full proof method of manipulation to turn any critique into a faulty personality trait: "that's your ego speaking." You know how I found out about Tony Robbins? Because my friend went to a conference, gained unreasonable confidence (to the point he thought he could say whatever he wanted to whoever he wanted), and lost all of his friends, including me. He still clings to Tony Robbins, trying to "have gratitude instead of complaining" and tries to regain these friends by telling them how "grateful" he is for the time they spent together but NEVER apologizing for his antisocial behaviours and ALWAYS implying that he is above it ("I'm here for you when you need it" aka "You aren't talking to me because of a personality fault within yourself, not because of my behaviour, which you choose to react negatively to"). Tony Robbins doesn't make you successful. He makes you a twit.
Recently I remarked to a friend, I wanted out of the self sabotage of my life, I wanted a new life and a career, yet i do not know what i want to do. He told me to read tony Robbins after a bit of research stumbled upon this, I am trying to empower myself. I am studying, getting qualifications, wondering at 47 am i a bit too late, but if i dont try how will I know? So I want to say thankyou, I will probably buy or rent his book, not because of him but because i can.
There are some great comments here. I think you and Tony might have a lot in common. Probable the things you did not like about him, are the things you don't like about yourself. You wrote this article from the same ego driven place and I think you left the seminar so early(too early to complain, really) so you can be the guy ''that walked out from Tony's seminar''. You get to tell this story for the rest of your life. You might see it as a powerful story, connecting your name with a powerful person. I think it was the attention seeking that got you out so early. He was ''not going deep enough''. If he would have talked to you instead of John, would you still have left? The attention seeking also made you post those pictures of you. You wanted us to say good job on your transformation. Doesn't it go down to being loved? Or being enough? Things you seem to ridicule. If I were you, next time I would stay until the end. And complain than, if you still feel like it. Or are you afraid of actually liking it? Or making a change? There are too many people liking Tony and that would not make you special in any way, right?
I haven't been to Tony's seminar but I watched a lot of his videos. Yes, everything that you all mention, it is true. And it is true for all of us. I think this is a common mistake people do, they expect the others, especially the powerful, to be perfect. He is human also. He was flaws, like all of us. For me, the important part is: do I have something to learn from him? I am sure I have. He is a man that accomplished a lot. And he is using his power for good. And he is human so he makes mistakes, he has an ego, he brags, he name drops.....so do you.
Another thing is, as someone else mentioned, there is no pill to fix us. No easy way. You might walk on fire, jump around, go to a seminar or you might find all that BS. What counts is the work you put in on yourself, day in, day out. The decisions you make every minute. The mistakes you make and what you learn from them. That is what shapes you. You are powerful too. You went to such a transformation. Forget this story. Use your power for making yourself better.
Thanks.
Gillian,
What an excellent comment. You made so many good points without attacking Noah Kagan's character and by pointing out the flaws in Kagan's arguments.
I appreciate that you didn't let your emotions or your opinion of Tony Robbins be what you relied on to shape your comment. And I liked that you made some points that I hadn't considered.
And it got me thinking about the Kagan's motivations for writing this. One thousand+ comments and first page Google search. Pretty nice SEO.
maybe it's just that this is so refreshing to read when so many other comments here and on Facebook when it comes to politics are so black and white and so divisive.
I wish I can discuss politics or openly on my Facebook page and get the kind of comments from friends and others that are thought-provoking.
Thank you!
Great perceptive response!
Now there's insight for you!
I have determined that great public speakers make a lot of money with people that need some motivation....they're called PEP RALLIES. A lot of "celebrities" know ho w to use them to their advantage. Our school used to use them so we could WIN football games!
Great comments, I will admit I have not listened to much of Tony Robins books etc, but I listened to his podcast with Russell Brand 'Under the skin' and the juxtaposition of those two makes his downfalls more apparent. Tony comes from an underprivileged background, I took similar notions away from his messages as you did. Especially the sentiment of 'replacing expectation with appreciation', but, previous to Tony Robbins, Russell had spoken with one of my idols, Gabor Mate, Gabor has worked in mental health, with severely misfortunate addicts in Canada. Gabor discussed addiction and the causes of it, trauma, pain, a lack of love and 'nourishment' as a child. All of these things Tony seemingly possesses, Gabor Mate talks a lot about the way he himself has addictive behaviours, due to his upbringing, he identifies shopping for music is his vice. The comparison of those two made me realise that whilst I don't truly feel like Tony is doing an injustice in any way, he has created a lot of good for people, he has found his own addiction in 'motivating' others and measuring his worth through success in 'helping' others. We are all addicts I guess is what I am trying to say, success is addiction? Perhaps we need the tools to choose the 'right' addiction, a fulfilling addiction.
My theory is that Tony Robbins appeals to a lot of young people who are culturally illiterate. There is nothing Tony says that you could not find in the great books of the last 300 years, fiction and non-fiction. But so many young people seem clueless about their own legacy from great thinkers in the past and avoid the hard work of actually studying philosophy and great works by going to these cotton candy events. I worked for a major corporation for 30 years and we would occasionally have one of those pep rally sessions for the employees of each department with the typical motivational speaker who pumps everyone up. Then we go back to our offices and come back down to reality and nothing has changed. You do not change yourself from glib one-liners. Change takes hard work. And Tony is making you pay huge amounts for information that is obvious to anyone who has bothered to pick up a book since high school. Come on, people. Put down your damn phone and read something instead of making icons like Tony ultra-rich.
Awesome!
Tony's followers read. His books like the 544-paged "Awaken the Giant Within" were bestsellers for a reason. To depict the people who pack Robbin's seminars as young drones addicted to their cell phones is painting with a broad brush.
Remember, the Tony Robbins phenomenon began before Google and IPhones and some early "culturally illiterate" seekers of Tony's self-help ideas included President Bill Clinton.
I think Mr Christie has 'hit the nail on the head' .. just thought I'd add yet another cliche to the mix. I am amazed every single day by people I meet who don't seem to understand that they literally have the entire worlds knowledge at their fingertips. This immediate, free access to the best libraries and peer reviewed journal articles is a privilege. Disseminators of 'self-help' information like TR rehash the philosophies of others into a neat package which undoubtedly helps many of his customers but I feel that doing the research yourself, reading the literature and critically thinking about it has more benefit in the long run as you are digging those neural pathways yourself rather than being spoon fed... deepening those pathways is the key to permanent positive personal development. All someone like TR does is condense some of the wisdom, combines it with personal charisma and packages it into a seminar because he has understood somewhere along the line that human beings are inherently lazy, particularly in the thinking department. I have great admiration for Tony Robbins but I am also acutely aware that he's running a business and business is only ever about making money. Being a complete skinflint, I'd rather not pay thousands of dollars to someone else to do the research I can do for free.
I was going through comments here until I came across yours.
This exactly what I think and I could not believe anyone did mention that earlier.
Thank you for your comment.
The article states that the author left after 1 day and "requested a refund."
Is this correct?
Does Anthony Robbins give a money-back guarantee?
Did the article author receive a refund?
Has anyone out there ever requested a refund from Robbins?
Was the refund provided?
Thank you 🙂
Peter S
I watched TR Netflix special, and I was on the fence about attending an event. After watching that train wreck, I can’t believe people pay 5k for that Ra Ra bullshit, and obvious predetermined people picked for “Interventions”
I’m not trying to be a hater, and maybe I’m just to cynical, but I just can’t “ drink the koolaid “
I too saw things I didn't like at his seminar. He dissed Robin Williams who was very sick and clean and sober 8 years before he died. He had a terrible medical condition that made him take his life. Tony indicated he had addictions that made him take his life. He also did too much bragging about his life and people he knew. I took away some wonderfully positive things, but found some topics and issues that were "off putting". Being realistic is essential and I left early as it ran too long for me as well.
I will just watch his 2 hour movie on Netflix and take it from there Three days is insanity! PS.. $2k for that is crazy too!
I just went to my first UPW last week. It was tremendous. I highly recommend anyone go who has internal things holding them back. For you, the author, though, it sounds like (1) you needed something deeper at the time, you had already done so much work on yourself. And also (2) you weren’t “in the mood” to settle down and dig deep into the resource you had all around you.
For example, grabbing the first line I saw from a quick scroll up, you mention the idea of practicing gratitude while stuck in traffic. Your response is that it’s glib, that you don’t need to pay so much money to learn that. Right? And, yeah, I get you. I see where you are. BUT if this were the first time you really thought deeply about the transformative power of gratitude, and that piece of the world was just opening up for you, or you knew but forgot how powerful gratitude is - then the practical advice of practicing gratitude in your car - something available to some of us twice daily, can make a real improvement in our experience of life, and make us better people. Now, I’m personally good with gratitude — probably from listening so much to entrepreneur talks. But I didn’t used to be, and yes I’ve experienced that HUGE improvement in my life. But REALITY is that MOST people have NOT. As evidenced in the traffic.
Could a self-aware person benefit from UPW?
Absolutely. You just have to WANT TO. These concepts are infinitely deep. For example keeping yourself in a peak state. Or priming yourself for the day. Or working with self limiting beliefs.
Maybe the author was simply afraid to walk on hot coals. We did that the first night, before he left.
He didn’t have to do it, and no one would have know that he skipped it. Lots of people chose not to do it. Respect.
Also, it doesn’t have to cost $2000. My seat was $500. Tony didn’t stand next to me, no. But I heard every word and saw everything. (And it was easier to get to the bathroom!!)
In summary, the author really seems to have not been in the mood for going deeper on basic life changing principles. He just couldn’t settle down and get into it.
And as he clearly explains in his description of what he did instead after leaving (note, he got his money back), he was more interested in one-on-one self improvement. Meaning he chose the wrong event. (And yes Tony’s organization does offer one-on-one coaching across the world.)
We have all been in a mood where we “just can’t get into this” and walked away. Sometimes I personally have an evil desire to heckle very serious movies lol.
But when I was at UPW, Tony explained, “This is not raa-raa shit.” There is a reason we participate physically and verbally — to get these concepts burned into our memory and subconscious minds. We don’t want to love the long weekend then forget everything. So we do the physical cheering and dancing. (It also keeps us energized to be able to pay total attention for 12 hr long days...)
Tony isn’t for everyone.
He’s for almost everyone.
But you need to be hungry and willing to take the ride as he drives. And be sure that the thousands of UPW videos available on YouTube are the kind of learning you’re seeking.
I've attended several TR events and enjoyed them - but I also admire your honest opinions and, above all your entertaining way of expressing them! well done, if you are not a writer, maybe you should be, cheers
I know in person missionary (billionaire) who makes 8x more money (few billions) than Tony Robbins (0.5 billions) but it didn't make me fall In Love with Christianity.
I bought few books by Tony but I cannot understand how "compound interest" can make him charge $2000 for 1000 of lucky winners(?). And how saving money can make you reach?
And why he has such voice? To greedy to spend money on vocal coaches?
But frankly, again, his 'financial' books teach you that 3% with compound interest and higher risks are better than 1.5% or 15% (with super high risks).
I also dislike that Frank Kern publishes videos with Tony Robbins showing you how to get money from people willing to give you money. It is not what I expected.
That is a cool and legit response
I can see that this is not for everybody at every stage of there own personal development growth cycle.
It's awesome that you did your own thing. That's the most important part.
Koom by yah is not for everybody. I personally hate that part and it puts me off going. Your right sometimes you just need the meat and Potatos that's what you paid for. Less can be more.
I just went to UPW in Newark November 8 to 11th, 2018. I don't regret going, but I was disappointed. Damn freezing cold air blew down on my head and made me sick. I had to leave stadium and buy a second hoodie. It was freezing. In 4 days I gained about 6 hours worth of teaching. That Joseph dude is ok sometimes, but overall is annoying AF. Constant sexual comments, orders, stand up, shake that ass, sit down, be. Bs. Bs..... right in the middle of best visual experience of my life, that Ass throws in comments to go sign up for Date with Destiny and my visual was destroyed. That really pushed me off. I love Tony and studied all his programs for 30 years. I really expected more from my first Robbins Event.
Could you kindly assist by providing a breakdown (in hours) of the seminar portions delivered by Tony Robbins, Joseph McClenden & Scott Harris?
I know Tony is a great presenter. But are the other guys any good?
Thanks 🙂
Peter S
I attended TR seminar this yeR in singapore. I want to learn from him and grow myself. I dislike "pubs and loud music" in general but i enjoyed those sessions. I learned another way to change my state drastically.
I do not like those prolonged sales pitches, hence i used those sessions to grab food n take some air. For me, its about getting the knowledge im hungry for. These little "imperfections", i just ignored.
It depends on perceptions, which are subjective.
Overall, i really enjoyed TR seminar and i would join his other courses.
Like the author of this page, this is simply my opinion. I believe we all get something out of any event in life. Tony is a motivational speaker; motivation is never a solution. It's a temporary result that does not last unless it's connected to your true highest value (chief aim).
If you want lasting results, try John Demartini. He will show you how to empower yourself without the cheerleading aspect. A man who has developed a Method, that is scientifically reproducible. A man who walks his talks and has transformed literally thousands of lives over rate last 30 years.
When you go to see Tony this is actually the guy you want to see. It's called the Breakthrough experience.
Thank you!
Oh wow , thank you for recommending John Demartini, this is exactly what I was looking for. The universe has such amazing ways to deliver the right message to you. I love discovering new books.
Thank you for writing about Dr. John Demartini. I've been watching video and podcast interviews with him, and i can truly say i've learned from watching one of his half-hour video interviews, than the hours i've spent listening to Tony Robbins' Personal Power II in audio format.
Thank you so much for this post. I was about to loose my job, taking meds, vitamins, and therapy... and still so depressed. I considered Tony Robbins because I needed something to snap me out of this rut. Looking at the price of his Florida event and not being able to pay for it led me to looking for information to see if the money was worth it. I read this comment and went to YouTube to look for John Demartini. The first video I saw was a 8 min video on depression... and after 15 minutes reflecting what he said I snapped out of my depression and now have the tools to change my thinking to the right perspective and I immediately stop being depressed. This post changed my life... quite literally... and I will be eternally greatful for your post.
Love it ... you felt empowered. That's a big sign you did the right thing. I started watching a documentary on Tony Robbins. I was fascinated because he was saying all the right things for a self aware person ... except ... i wasn't keen how he went about it either ... and ... maybe he is caught up a wee bit because for me ... self awareness is hugely enormously humbling, on your knee's, blows your mind TOTALITY kind of thing. And it's DEEP. Closer and deeper than your own breath and heart beat. So interestingly, I too felt empowered when I turned it off. Not deep enough. Your post makes me smile.
I felt the same exact way. I have been doing therapy for almost 7 years now, and my therapist incorporates very modern techniques and we work a lot with the law of attraction , so I am really open to stuff like that. Not to sound like I feel better than some people , but I feel like if you really are in touch with yourself Tony Robins seminars will just not work for you. I feel like there is no one size fits all. I also feel like his technique is slightly aggressive and I do not think that deep psychological trauma or pattern that you want to get rid of can be erased with a 3 day seminar. And its not like I do not want to do the work ... I actually have been doing the work for 8 years . Therefor I dont think that this will be the right fit for me. I am sure that some people can benefit and I am happy for them . However, it is good to know that there are people who feel the same way.
Fill yer boots top man. I learned more reading your synopsis than spending 3 days getting yelled at. I cannot stand being asked 3 times at increasingly louder volume if I'm "In the Room". Of course I'm in the fucking room you twat, otherwise I couldn't hear you being a full-size pillock! I have lots of questions, because I'm a 64 year old dinosaur on my last big gig. OK, it's world domination of the small business space so it may take a little time. But I'd like to join whatever you have going because I like your style.
I wish there's a LIKE button to click on your comment.
Thank you for your write up. I was going to go to some sort of free taster session tomorrow but I was thinking it was going to be a pressured selling thing. I am happy that I read your comments.
I have mixed feelings about Tony. I was one of his devout disciples back in the early 90's "Unlimited Power" days. I bought all his books and tapes and even went to a seminar. He does have some points of good advice, but he's also a master salesman. He's rich because he sells stuff...a lot of stuff.
The trouble I have is that he thinks he knows everything about everything. He preaches about too many areas, some of which he's probably an expert in like money and salesmanship. He's also a great "pop" psychologist, but a PhD he is not. In his Unlimited Power series he preached about how to have successful relationships and how he had the best marriage in the world; then he got divorced. I also didn't like him talking about God and how God wanted him to be wealthy. I thought that was kind of "out there."
I didn't walk out of the seminar I went to, but I eventually "walked out" on Tony Robbins. I drank enough of the Kool Aid and realized that there is more out there.
Shorten the seminar to just ONE day. - one day is definitely not enough to transform people's lives and beliefs. I love the progress of the program and the experience!!
Everything that Robbins tells his Clients and Participants are things, which everyone else could tell themselves. And all he tells isa blueprint of what ALL those Life Coaches, etc. tell everyone. The only difference is: ...the way, ...the intention and ...the transmitting-code that a Business- or Life-Coach uses, to get YOU to suck up this information for real and be able to do something positive for yourself and your situation with it.
Thats it. That's all!
I could do such Semiars on the Spot, whithout having sone this before.
Why?
Because I got the talent!!! Because I'm authentic!!! And I'm speaking out of Life experience as a Human Being, a Entrepeneur, a Mind-Person, a well and smart Life Spectator, etc.
Conclusion:
There is nothing special about a Tony Robbins, James A. Ray, or all the others. They just know how to get their emotions, but simple content, to their Fans or Clients minds.
Everyone who pays that amount of money to him, to attend his seminars, would be better off finding a Life or Businesscoach WHO doesnt speak in front of "thousands of people". Find one, that has the same strength but something more, which NON of all those Tony Robbins' clones out there have:
THE RIGHT TRANSMITTING CODE IN THEIR CONTENT AND SPEECH.
What they do it moneymaking "big time" on people which are just not as self confident like those "Life and Business coaches" - that's the only difference! There's nothing more to it!!
I'm different in this. I'm a real Life-/Business Coach who doesnt need YOU to pay 20 Seminars, to get you to where you wanna go.
THAT's the honest, strong, real and helpful way - in small groups or rather 1:1. I can make you aims visible and I can open peoples mind to see their reachable goals - not the ones, that someone never can reach.
Best of Luck to ya,
MarVin
Didn' you exactly get what you wished for? Empowerment.
Yes he got empowerment but it was from himself and not from paying 2.5k to Tony Snake Oil Robbins
The LGAT (Large Group Awareness Training) concept, of which TR is not the only advocate, has some well researched info for anyone willing to look it up. It is a fascinating concept, psychologically speaking, and it is astounding to see how profoundly it affects some people. It is indeed more attractive to people who are "searching" for something in their life that usually goes much deeper than what is implied by the chest thumping gurus who conduct these seminars. Does it help some people? Sure it does...some. And for those who are willing to pay for this "help", I suppose it's cheaper than formal therapy (and probably more effective). But for those who have some focus in their lives and understand what is really important, then TR (and others conducting LGAT seminars) looks like just one more carnival barker.
Awesome commentary! I felt that way a few weeks after!!
Hi Noah, some thoughts for you....All the memes that you made of TR's mantras you went against. I am presuming you don't believe that there is 'No growth in comfort'? Personally that is how I believe we do most of growth when we push ourselves out of our comfort zone. You were out of your comfort zone at UPW...massaging people you don't know etc so decided to leave. You were 'uncertain' as to whether UPW seminar was a waste of your time, and your meme states that 'Success is based upon the amount of uncertainty you can handle' You don't seem to be able to handle that much. The next meme of 'Your worst day can be your best day' you didn't stick around to find out..and finally 'Have a hunger that is insatiable and always expanding' ...well you didn't seem to be hungry to see what the next days held for you. I am not criticizing you at all, just reflecting back that what TR's sees as key elements to follow/succeed you did not attempt to follow. I am attending DWD in December and I am currently doing research so I can get the most out of it. I am not sure you can judge something that you didn't actually experience fully...it is like reading the opening pages of a book and then saying you didn't like the book..how can you form a judgement or opinion when you only see a small part of the picture? I am taking my time to comment on your info (which I don't often do) in the hopes you can use this. I am hoping for a great experience in December. I am nervous about 12-13 hr days and 'massaging people' etc but after reading your review I know I need to fully commit and see it to the end in order to ensure I get as much from it as possible. Thank you for solidifying this for me...and I wish you a wonderfully bright future filled with much happiness. At the end of the day maybe TR is not your guru LOL!
BTW your physical transformation is amazing!
Love and greetings. It looks like you have learned well in those 7 hours how to advertise yourself so I find it very unfair that you claimed your money back. Everybody goes to school to learn. What you do with what you learn is totally and entirely up to you. No teacher appears by your bed side and makes sure you complete your bucket list. I hear that millions appeared at his seminars past 32 years and used his books and training programs to their cheers to success. So if you did not, it is okay. And I doubt that Tony Robbin's team is using any of your business... Were you turned down, you raised your hand and you were not picked for intervention during the seminar? Being this successful, you were not recognized? Is that why you left? But you are loved. And your before after photo... well, thats something else.. Lets discuss that in another article. Thank you for sharing. Love and hugs xo You rock!
Well said sir. I feel the same way . The Netflix special was fake man . Those ppl were actors . the philosophy is what I want to keep alive in my mind . Every time something throws me off , every time I find out something else ,I try to remember that not everyone is perfect . But I do believe that Tony Robbins set up originally a little shady and then learn some value in his life and made up for it for a time there with instilling values and other peoples lives. But now he’s caught up again getting blinded trying to sell more and more and more instead of remembering what he originally came from. He preaches it so much now using the same phrases and techniques to get through to people .He’s done this so much it’s become meaningless. Is losing me now but when you listen to a lot of his material ,it’s pretty ground breaking . It’s amazing ,his way of getting around things . And like Wayne Dyer says, if your selling me placebos and they work for me ,then I’m into buying those placebos .lol .well anyway ,sorry if I misspelled anything and I never speak with anyone about this sort of study usually, so I thought I’d reach out . Also ,8 figures? Congrats I’m still figuring out 6 lol
this is great. i was touched in emotional ways after reading. i am about to embark on my own personal development day with my friend but without the sushi as i am not a fan of the raw fish. I am sorry if this dissapoints i am simply trying to do my best as i to once walked out of a seminar, for different reasons sure (i was hungover and the leader was very strange) it just wasnt for me. hiking however, now thats me. See you on the flip side dude, keep up the good work
Thanks for sharing. I do not do well in a hyper-vented environment. Someone called me today and wanted me to invest. My response was, invest what. We are not poor. We are blessed to have a nice home, food, car, necessities, friends, etc. I am not sure that having more money will really enrich our lives; however, we could assist others with need and maybe enrich theirs. But, again, what money to invest. I do what I can for others and know if God wanted me to do more, there would be more. Still pondering investing. Thank you for your input. I really did receive value information from this information.
Just attended the UPW 2018 in Sydney. There was so much content there it will take time to digest and needs to include a "roadmap" which doesn't involve paying for a coach. Since attending and during attendance the hard sell has not stopped. It is over the top and making it hard to stay focussed on the content of UPW. I'm annoyed at myself for signing up to Business Mastery 2019 at a time when I need that money to put back into my business. The cost to attend in Florida is going to be steep. And then they keep barraging me continuously to buy Mastery University. From reading some of the comments on the Facebook group I have a feeling some people have gotten themselves into financial trouble by falling for the "cross out pricing" and "limited time offer" selling techniques. I have told the "mentors" my feelings on the subject. My biggest complaint is that they are not interested in getting feedback from attendees to improve what they are doing. And I really agree with your comment on "More time to talk with the people around us" but I think it needs to be in group settings like in Date with Destiny.
i attended a one day seminar in Ottawa and while I was originally told there would be no sales gimicks, I found that the other speakers were flogging their books on personal development and courses on investment. I am an 83 yr old retired lawyer and not easily influences but I was swept up in the tide and purchased a course with Phil Town. It was initially valued at nearly $10,000. and was offered for $475 for one person and a guest. The attendees ran like lemmings to take advantage of the offer. I went out for a coffee and was swept up in the frenzy and signed up for the course. Two days later I found $667. has been deducted from my credit card. Apparently the cost of the course was in US dollars. the course had been billed as completely refunded if you were not completely satisfied. I felt I had been duped and taken advantage of. I requested a refund, was told to Contact "Power of Success", which I did but have not heard from them. Aside from my allegation of fraud, I am dismayed that Tony Robbins would permit such crass marketing to be done on a very vulnerable and captive audience. He is allowing himself to be used as a marketing tool for others who obviously do not espouse the values he professes.
Kay - Tony Robbins "IS" Mr. Crass Marketer, truly! Don't let that smile fool you. He purposely gets people pumped up before putting something out there for sale; he did the same thing 25 years ago. And I have little doubt that he makes a GOOD commission for everything anyone else buys that he allows in his seminar. He is a salesman who knows how to manipulate people.
You are so correct!
TR is getting old and burnt out. Even Batman got old and weak in the knees. He was great in the 90s but now he is like going to see grampa for advice. Still a good guy though. I think.
Buy his book Awaken The Giant Within. It's a classic, a seriously great book and Tony's pièce de résistance. It'll cost you $20 or less and if everything you need is there. Take what you need and leave the rest, read other books and do the same. Do the work. You don't need a 4 day gazillion dollar seminar to make a change and expecting that is chasing the magic pill...I want it fast approach.
I've considered going to his seminar but the cost and circus atmosphere were always deterrents. I like TR and have had great success using his tools but it was from ME focusing on improving and doing the work. But, if that is what helps a person and they get value from it then it's a different approach than mine and good on them.
For those who think you're nuts for walking out....well, this was YOUR journey and you walked away with valuable insights and learning's. Good for you for recognizing that.
Soooo agree with you
I was a little less encouraging in an earlier post, because I think Tony is great. But hey... thanks for what you do. Good success; go for it.
It sounds like you went with very specific needs and they weren't met because of it being aimed at 10,0000 different people. It doinds like there is nothing missing in your life compared to Maslows theory? You may have everything but you don't know it or your missing one thing maybe love and connection?
Your intro to yourself riding on this man's back? Doesn't get my respect. How about having started your angle by selling yourself...from where you are, not by "name calling".
How do you get behind guys like tony when they charge so much for their service. I sure for a lot less then 5000 i could pay someone to tell me how worth while i am and how much i should be on the planet. I recently watched a few minutes of a documentry they have of him on Netflix where at the start of it he was talking to a guy who felt sucidal and other than telling the guy he is worth it and some other kind of just what i call bandaid answers of positivity he did not really dig into any of the issues in the guys life that might be causing him to feel this way. It was like he was offering him bandaids for the bullet holes in this guys life. Not real solutions and i am sure if i gave you 5000 you would do the same for me that os why i am skeptical of people like tony when they are paid so much for there stuff.
He has a ton of cheaper products and free material.
These are his PREMIUM products.
If he was simply a marketer selling dreams, he'd have disappeared 2 decades ago. Instead, he gives 100% of the profits of his new books to FEEDING tons and tons of people in poor countries.
And re: the suicidal guy from the Documentary .. you missed the point. He made the guy laugh. He purposely threw off the guys mental state aka interrupted a pattern that led the guy down the path of suicidal tendencies. He was SHOWING the guy that another mindstate is possible at ANY moment.
Tony makes a lot of money. But you know what else he does? He works insanely hard. He donates a TON of money. He has helped MILLIONS of people.
It's called an exchange of value. Just because someone is rich, doesn't mean they are "scamming" someone else in the process.
How many countries in Africa have you fed?
Do you have actual specific details and proof of Tony's alleged philanthropic efforts?
Much wisdom & honesty. Thank-you
Hey, I'm Iris from Australia. I felt the same way. I love TR don't get me wrong but there were too much fluff and dancing. To me, it was wasting my time. I wish I found your article sooner before I purchased the UPW tickets.
I agree with you. I'm not a fan of his. He has a problem with women. He is loud. Lacks humility. Embarresses people at times. Just too much.
I research multiple self-help persons with the focus on what I can take away and apply to my individual needs and areas of improvement. I do not ever expect anyone else to "fix" me; that is my job. In all self-improvement classes or seminars there is a certain amount of showmanship and Tony Robbins is no exception. All I have heard or read coming from TR has been his way of attempting to connect with people seeking his advise and counsel. Sure he makes mistakes, he even admits this, but in my opinion he runs a good business which encourages people to rise above their circumstances and be more than they are.
It seems to me you have had enough self helpers help now your doing what you've wanted helping yours helping your self .
I am going to TR in November. I have attended other personal growth conferences that were great, and I do feel like they helped me. I am nervous, like you were. This is my first time. But hoping that I don't need to ask for a refund. But I am like you. Don't enjoy the hoopla and wish to get to the meat. So we'll see what happens. Any advice for me?
I don't get the last 3 memes.
Firstly who pays $2,000 for a seminar secondly walks out of such a seminar one the first day! That says more about you then Tony Robbins.
I don’t attend no seminars or spend hours and hours on this stuff, but I can not deny it is helpful, how helpful l? Well that depends on the individual.
Many successful business people and presidents and world leaders swear by him they have used him continuously. For example Billionaire Marks Beinoff founder of sales force and top hedge fund manager Ray Dalio net worth 18 billion a leading authority are just two example of people who have used him their whole lives. It is about what you take from people like Tony and what you do with it not everyone will succeed by virtue of who they are and what they do.
I am British so a natural sceptic when it comes to these things I never buy into the seminars etc but listening to some videos and reading the books is great and insightful, just don’t get carried away with it everything in moderation.
I just attended the UPW in Sydney. My view:
-There are a lot of good mindset and personal growth concepts presented for beginners to this area or for those that need a refresher. And you do get to dig deep on yourself.
-However, I do think it could be condensed into 2 days rather than 4 days. The dancing and hugging etc is a necessary part of the 'changing your state' and having some fun, but I think there is a bit too much of it. Although, I think pushing you to your limits with the energy you need to expend and how long the days are, is part of TRs strategy of change.
-Some people walk out because of the Ra Ra type energy ,but on the other hand some people find it too confronting having to dig deep to answer some honest questions about yourself and your life. They get defensive and dismiss it all as rubbish and use the ra ra as an excuse to walk out
-I feel that if you are really hungry for change, and want to learn even something, you will put up with all the stuff you do not like to gain the solid content and dig deep on yourself. In fact, I think making it so intense is part of the methodology and that it works for many people.
-I feel, putting up with something that may not be your style, is part of getting out of your comfort zone which you need to do for change.
-Yes, the upselling on day 2 /3 was a bit annoying and took a bit too much time. One speaker took ages to tell his story which at first was interesting and engaging, but in the end felt tacky as an upsell. But, that was not the end of the world and did not negate the strategies I learnt.
-The stadium is really cold, Tony keeps it like that purposely, take a warm jacket.
-So overall, I do not regret going, I learnt some things and reinforced stuff I had learnt before, I had fun and played full out. There are things I will take action on as a result and my life and mindset will improve as it does year by year as I learn other things also. If you can afford it go for the learning and experience. Stay open minded about the process and hoop la, have some fun, make some new friends.
I was there too. Perfect summary and agree.
Thanks! This is what I suspected. Rather spend my time with my friends or at work. Boy its easy to make money on "fantasy". I rather live my life, in good and bad, and I cannot take all my "stuff" with me when I die anyway. What I can do is love those around me and even make someones day better. That's more value to me! Love, peace and understanding!
Liz
Hi Noah
GOOD ON YOU! Many yrs ago I worked for a company that brought Tony Robbins to Australia. I have worked UPW behind the scenes several times. I have met Tony personally and believe me I am a midget standing next to him. I agree with your comments and must say your reasons for walking out are valid- they are the same reasons I find as the weak spots in Tony's marketing and presentations. Don't get me wrong I think Tony is great however 20 years later I know he is but the beginning to a success journey or should I say spiritual journey- I also had the pleasure of working with Brian Tracy, Deepak Chopra, Louise Hayes and others. My personal experience- listen and learn from as many of these wonderful people as you can - take what you need and leave the rest there messages will benefit anyone on their journey to their destiny- Denzel Washington, Coach John Carter , Bob Proctor, Abraham Hicks, Napoleon Hill, Andrew Carnegie, the list goes on and on and I pursue them all devouring their teachings- what do I get out of it- a joy of living, all the motivation and inspiration I need to have a great day every day- am I filthy rich - God no perhaps that is the best that's yet to come - now I will explore your "Tony Robbins Marketing Techniques" would love to connect with you!
All these people are shysters, very good at it too. Power comes from facing your fears and knowing yourself. I am always concerned by wealth creation gurus. Money does not make people happy.
Thank you for your article- you have saved my money 🙂
Dude i think Tony did for you in that seminar exactly what he promised to do. In fact he did it so good that after one day you were cured. i mean you said it yourself...
"But what I really felt, more than anything else…
Empowered."
Thank you Tony
That was exactly what I was thinking. He got a refund and empowerment after one day with TR. Seriously, this might as well be an ad for UPW seminar.
About fifteen years ago I was quite sold on Tony Robbins. Then I lived some more and realized that it's a lot of hype. I've gained a lot more from more realistic self-help books.
I have a question-
I've been listening to TR seminars on YouTube on and off for four years. Why does he ask the audience to say "I?" My ears work, I don't need to join a mob and say "I" which, when Tony does it with his hoarse voice, sounds as though he's choking. 🙂
He’s having them say, “Aye,” which means “yes. It’s just a way of keeping everyone engaged.
Thank you so much for this well composed article. You just saved me $2000, and reminded me that what my subconscious was telling me, is true.
See Mark Benioff, founder of Salesforce, to see if it worked for him.
Valuable insights. And you reflect back to me that GIANT within me. I'm 62 and "i built that mthrfckr!" It took a coupla high priced "seminars" to realize the 15 seconds of brilliance i caught in the jar came from my own hard work (like yours)-- not the person earning a living from putting their hands on the hearts of others. i am an excellent coach. but it is sacred work----not to be monetized by me, though for others it is right. my purpose is to reveal mysteries. period. nothing more. and leave Truth in my wake. Peace be with you, Brother. for the rest of your days.
Awesome
I too have watched Tony Robbins, a lot! The first thing that struck me was the lack of authenticity, swearing to make a point, does not empower people it intimidates! Telling someone to get on the phone right now and end a relationship in the way he did was intimidating! His body language, his tone was hostile! The only saving grace for Tony Robbins seminars right now, is the hyperactivity it causes and the trust in the pattern of behaviour showed by the audience...sheep like! I am embarking on my coaching career and it is because I have coached since I was in my teens. I want to make a difference with people. No one, I know, can afford these kind of sums of money to attend coaching seminars and, who in their right mind would sell all their hard earned belongings to do so!My aim is to have walk in counselling and coaching centres funded by the country through our governments!We have an NHS that is failing because we don't seek the solution with open hearts. I am giving my time to coach people and learn along the way. I want to give what I can of it back, to the community, by helping charities like MIND to expand. My groups will be small when I begin in October but that doesn't matter....they will grow and we will make a difference!I feel Tony like many who come from a struggling background get addicted to money. Sure they give a lot to charity but they are expecting 200 dollars basic for a hours session with someone!This is their expectation!My philosophy is that this information is not owned by anyone it is fluid and most of all it is felt by everyone!The most profound statement for me from Tony Robbins is 'He is not my Guru!'My role model is Carl Rogers the founder of The Person Centred Approach...Thats coaching!
10,000 people buying $2,000+ tickets in the hopes that Tony would "change their life" and "blow up their business" is the same as hundreds of people going to their church pastor to cure their cancer. In a way, the pastor one is more ethic, since he isn't making $20,000,000+ from each event. Tony is one of the top salesman in the world. Not Jesus Junior. If you truly need a mentor for real advice, open your network, meet new people, get closer to your friends, reach outside of your boundaries. Don't go to a concert.
Touché!
Nice work if you can get it. Certainly helps to run the corporate jet, the private island in Fiji and all of the other accoutrements that go with it. No wonder this guy is already half way to a BILLION DOLLARS and the suckers are just lining up to give him their money. I don't need this guy or anyone else to be my ' guru' because I already have one. ME.
Like u didn’t finish the seminar...honestly I could not finish this article... booorriiiing
Agree with your thoughts. I’ve read all of Tony’s books, done Breakthrough and Date With Destiny. His presentations have become too theatrical and at times profane and really obscene. We left his last seminar early as well as this is NOT the same man I worked with in the 70’s. Tony’s mentor, Jim Rohn, would not be pleased either.
Omg... I’m sitting on a plane RIGHT NOW... leaving vegas after business mastery... I left 2.5 days into the event for these SAME EXACT REASONS! It was 60% time kill-30% selling you something and 10% content. I like Tony too... but this was a huge waste of my money.
I am glad you wrote this article. I recently had a similar experience at a financial seminar. It was packed with people who truly believed in it, and people who went on stage to give testimonials about their success. For me - it was over-complicated and set incorrect expectations about what it would take to succeed in that program.
So as far as UPW, I'm glad you described your experience - because I am also on the fence about attending it this fall. I love reading books, doing the personal work (i.e. Miracle Morning routine), and connecting with empowering people. But spending several days at a seminar sounds overkill to me.
I always wonder about a person who has made it rich by telling other people how to run their lives - even before they have experienced much life or done anything else to be successful or wealthy in. (Unless you are a Viktor Frankl I don't think you have the life experience to tell people how to live exceedingly better lives from when you are in your early 20s.)
So I find over and over again that his concepts are pretty much based on other people's research and experience and then presented in a way to make as much money out of people as he can. (How can you possibly really get to grips about human development with hundreds of people in a small stadium setting? Although at $2000 a person it certainly shows how to get immensely rich if you have the 'gift of the bag'.) ie. Don't think you are going to get value for money (unless you are happy with paying that kind of money for the rah-rah of a revival meeting).
My suggestion would be to buy his main books for a few dollars each, and then go to YouTube and listen to Dave Ramsey.
The 'motivantional' movement basically makes money selling seminars, courses, books etc. There are examples of people who have been inspired by these guys but most successful people have never spent a penny attending any seminars or courses.....
Thank you
It seems like, perhaps all of those self-help seminars you attended in the past; as well as all the books you read, finally culminated into your own self-actualization. In that moment when you decided to walk out on Tony, you become living proof that it all works and that he was successful. You may be right about Mr. Robbins being, from what I take, a fraud. I suppose you could say the same about the Catholic Church, but when it comes down to it, behind the money and the hoopla, they truly do want to help people.... and that's exactly what he did for you. As Tony says "even your worst day can be your best day." Congratulations on leveling up in life.
Why would you give this idiot 2,000$ He lives in the stratosphere of his own mind. He wouldn't pull you out of a mud hole. Read the Greek philosophers. These modern day gurus take advantage of the fact that no one does, thus, they, like Robbins can present themselves as original and unique. I have found that so-called inspirational, motivational speakers sound no different than Joel Osteen, and often like tarot card readers. I am not impressed with this man. Problem is people impress so easily. No matter how sophisticated or educated they may think themselves to be.
Please tell me you have at least read his books. They changed my life...
I have read Tony Robbin’s books, done Tony Robbins coaching and attended Unleash the Power Within. That seminar I got a lot out of regarding my personal life.
I did buy a Diamond Level ticket to Business Mastery for $11,000 - which I walked out of at the end of Day 1. Most of the people I met were desperate and failing small business owners looking for answers. Tony’s suggested ways to grow businesses bigger, strategies aimed at corporate structuring, and general big-business advice seemed tone deaf.
In one instance, he was discussing guarantees - What are you willing to do if your business does not deliver on the service promise to the client? He pulled a woman from the crowd- she said her business was coaching single mothers on how to be more effective with their time. She was scattered, rambling and it didn’t seem like she actually had a business - more like an idea for a business. He coached her to finding a guarantee: that she would send her client and their kids on an all expense paid trip to Disney if she didn’t deliver. Tony didn’t address the asinine premise of telling single mothers that they’re doing it wrong, and that financial priorities might not align for her target demographic to find value in her services.
I waited till the end of the day, went through every exercise and still didn’t see the value. I walked out and asked for a refund. There was an attempt on the part of the organizers to persuade me to stay - that maybe all I needed was more coaching. That may be true but certainly not from them. I did get a refund and spent the next 5 days exploring the phenomenal art scene in Las Vegas.
You preemptively denied the possibility that you weren’t committed enough, but then later you fully admit you were pretty annoyed by the interaction exercises. Are you aware of this inconsistency in your article?
There's a difference in actually following through with the exercises (actually doing the back massages) and being annoyed with it. You can go to a gym and be committed at building your body, but still get annoyed when the trainer keeps asking you if you want supplements.
Yeah never trust a guy with teeth bleached three shades too white.
Well said! Agreed! I feel most of the self-development gurus haven't achieved anything great in their life(except for their talking). They just teach the same kinds of stuff again and again and they charge a lot of money for saying the same.
I remember buying a course of his year's ago....and felt like I got ripped off.Tony made his money by telling people how to make money....same tactics name dropping and whatever....he gives bits and pieces from other self help books lol....what really turned me off is when he got to the point of using fluent profanity....I felt disrespected ....it just does not reflect on the model of a real successful person.i feel he did read all those self help books....and combined them into a new format with different wording.i realised...he's like a guy who encouraged us to go find gold in them hills ....but meanwhile instead of mining himself..... he's selling us the shovels and supplies to mine.....I cringe when I think about the money I spent on him.....wise choice....I made it years ago however I'm on to his game and he won't get my cash again !!!
It’s always amazing when people think they can correlate cursing with success in life. A history lesson is in order.
Agree with you!
Tony Robbins is a great salesman. That’s all there is. Reminds me of the EST movement 1960s and 70’s
Did you do the EST training? It is not start till the 70's.
I’ve watched Tony from time to time over the years. However is it all real.? Does he have plants at the event? Seems he is profiting on people’s negative emotions. Are any there any success stories shared from those that attend other than Sol. I’ve found deeper meaning talk with friends and reading books which are a lot cheaper. FYI I’m not making accusations, I’m just having questions.
1 - you didn't get the point of the seminar.
2 - you are a quitter, in this context. You have severe problems of Anxiety.
3 - I bet you quit school or did it by obligation and as a torture.
4 - When you are presented with something in the universe what matter most is what you generate. Education is not a package delivered by TR to you but what you generate inside yourself.
My Two Cents
It sounds like you thought way too much about this, haha. If you would have just jumped in w/o so much judgement and gave it %100 in the moment for those 3 days you probably would have got more out of it and had the stamina to stay and not needed to walk out? Why not? You paid 2k and flew to Ca...just finish the thing. Or if you think you already had shit figured out and were familiar with his strategies etc. Why go? I personally don't like how his events have grown to 10k people filling arenas. I first went to one of his events when I was 12, 25 years ago. I was much more open minded as a kid, obviously... there were less that 3k people there, maybe like 2500. Tony held my hand during a real emotional moment for me. I definitely "drank the kool aid" with the supervision of my Dad but it helped me. He helped me a lot actually. I went again later in life and had a whole new perspective on it, still positive. I just took the things that resonated and worked for me and left the rest. If I had some cash to blow i'd probably give his wealth mastery or date w/ destiny events a shot.
I agree completely with your statement here.
Ty for your well stated read!
just go to church and it's free lol
Amen! I watched one of his videos because a family member found him fantastic. My response to my family member was that I can definitely see how people find him uplifting and encouraging. But to charge 5000 bucks a person to get into a seminar is ridiculous. I can go to Church for free and be uplifted and encouraged and learn more than I learned in that video she had me watch. Plus, his language was awful! I don't need someone screaming profanity in my face to get me to have a wake up call. Again, some people are ok with that and find him great. I guess my thought is if he truly wanted to reach people who need help, etc., why charge such an astronomical fee to go see him. Oh well, to each their own.
At some point, I ask about fulfillment of purpose, which I believe Tony is living his. And when is enough enough. By this I mean, he has made enough resources to last himself and his family more than a life time. I’d like to see him grow his capacity and his impact by extending himself to offer his gifts of facilitating personal growth and healing in service of those from marginalized populations/targets of systemic oppression. For example, 10% of every seminar includes people without the means who have put their skin in the game through an application process and are granted entry including support for travel and lodging. Or to run one of every ten seminars exclusively in service of populations who are targets of systemic oppression. This would provide Tony the opportunity to expand and grow his cultural awareness and gain insight into his own implicit bias conditioned by dominate culture. Because as he knows, growth is life, so try something different/new with humility and depth. This can touch his soul in unimaginable ways.
Wow! And YASSSS!!!!
Very weil said. When Bill Gates made his money and good or bad changed the world he stepped back, reevaluated how he could do good in a different way and created a foundation that will spend billions of dollars on helping healthcare in the world. Not perfect but a reflection that he was willing to go the next step.
I also admired how Tony Robbins grew out of his mildly disturbed childhood traumas, self learned NLP, Physcology, hypnosis, etc then gave that knowledge to others via taking the time to write books, make Cd/DVD and arrange his seminars. He makes a lot of money for his efforts. I see nothing wrong with that, as he helps people and employees many people/families to run those aspects of his business. From my business professor perspective, TR has created a very solid business model to his passion. From my Hypnotherapist perspective, TR has learned how to touch the subconscious of his seminar attendees effectively.
I just watched the Netflix documentary on Tony Robbins, "I am not your guru" last week.
I have read his books, watched seminars, listened to audio and interviews. The Netflix documentary went behind the scenes of a "2015 master your destiny " 6 day, 12 hour a day seminar. $5000/per attendee event in Florida.
I learned a lot about Tony Robbins from that 2 hours.
He is driven by his own pain of childhood abuse from his mother, obsessed with his mission to help others avoid that same pain, is finding a way to fill in the lack of love he had as a child with the high intensity love of his messages and seminar tactics.
His "abrupt language", as very evident in the documentry, he claims is a successful NLP disrupt thought technique (which it is), but the taboo language (mainly Fuck) I could see his own pain in the over use of this word.
I would like to see, as you articulated, Tony Robbins go to the next stage, to heal himself (or better get help with a Hypnotherapist) free his own pain and then lose his own Pain/Ego so he can give (without money) to the world. He has a lot of unleashed power that others can also carry on. He has unfortunately created a name for himself, not a program that will survive without him.
Perfectly said. I agree.
On top of the cost for event you have to pay for transportation and hotel stay?
Yes. The cost of his events, is for the event only. Transportation, lodging, and food are on your own. None of that is included.
Really Good Stuff, The main thing is people have their different needs to be spoken to (or interacted with) learn to speak their language and you are golden, you and I are a meat and potatoes, get to the point. there is a gaggle of people that are so in need of the fluff... I call them the mainstream, buy whats cool even if it sucks, shop at Walmart even if you don't get a cheap price and get crap quality.... you get the point.
at 53, I'm looking at retiring doing what I love, quitting my great job that hates me and has a blatant disregard for me, my family and my time .. and I'm scared as hell gambling this late in the game but it is going to fulfill me ... I hope
I am about to go to his event in Vegas August 15th. I am not a superficial person either. This event is for business owners and I am going not to build my confidence to cheer with a group of business leader but rather to get to know them as connections in the business world.
cool, I love it!
Dear Noah, being quite a fan of Tony Robbin's approach (and having loved to watch his video "I am not your guru") I was looking for an opposite voice on the web, someone being sceptical. I was very glad to have found your post and can really relate to it. Thanks for sharing your critical opinion, I find it highly precious!
PS: A quote by Mark Twain I like a lot (valueing your single critical voice in an ocean of That-is-great-staters for Robbins): "Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect."
😉
Kind regards from Berlin, Matthias
Exactly the same for me. Great article.
I connect to all the things you have written.
I felt the same thing after watching the film "I'm not your guru".
Such a huge glamor was built around the name Tony Robbins and after whatching the film it felt like plastic with silicon and a bit of soul.
Dont get me wrong in the last year i have been training with some of Tony's methods and i can feel the drive to change happening for me in and out.
I was very happy i got to see this article and relate to.
?
If it talks like a cult and walks like a cult, it's probably a cult.
Never Truer words written...
In some way, everything is a cult. From the Politics we support to the sports we enjoy - anything we believe in and invest our time and energy into can technically be called a cult, its just easier to point at groups when we are on the outside of the group.
TR is a smart businessman preying on those who aren't strong enough to stand on their own 2 feet but its also a decision a person makes to give him their money. At the end of the day, until we deal with what is on the inside of us that makes us feel unworthy to be who we truly are, people like TR will continue to prey on our vulnerabilities.
"TR is a smart businessman preying on those who aren't strong enough to stand on their own 2 feet but its also a decision a person makes to give him their money."
Then he's taking advantage of people who don't make good decisions. He could charge half and still be more than comfortable. That's the part that ought to make us question his priorities.
One thing I see recurring in the comments is an aversion to "fluff", how the content of an entire 3 day seminar could be condensed down into a short book that you could buy on Amazon and read in half a day. Maybe true, but would you read it and then actually apply it? Some would, most would not, at least not to the absolute best of their ability. Which is why Tony provides what he calls immersion, where you're in the environment for an extended period of time, you'll get tired, your focus will wander, but if you suck it up and do what's necessary to work the processes anyway, along with a whole room full of people who are doing the same thing, you will benefit more and might just create lasting change. By removing yourself from your day to day life for a period of time to focus on yourself and your own development, you're investing in yourself and your future, and it takes that level of commitment to create that lasting change. It's a concept Tony believes in, and so do I since it worked for me.
Now I've met Tony several times and I can confirm that he does exhibit narcissistic traits, how couldn't he, his name is in huge letters on all of the materials and around the venues, and the salesy stuff in the middle of the seminar can be off-putting. And Tony is extremely good at what we does, a master of human psychology, and highly charismatic and courageous. I took the stance of take what you need and leave the rest, and I took a great deal, far more valuable than what I paid, not that that mattered to me. Not everyone will have that experience, and he does give you your money back if you want.
You mentioned that TR has" narcissistic traits, and how couldn't he"
However there is a verse in the poem "If" by Rudyard Kipling that explains that you don't have to act an ass just because you are popular among kings. I agree with this statement as such, please check out the following:
"... If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with Kings—nor lose the common touch,
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it,
And—which is more—you’ll be a Man, my son!"
Forget to mention, I love these little tacos in your articles...
Thank you so much for sharing this. I think this is a really insightful article - for yourself and others. Of course, it is not really possible to go deep with a 10k people crowd. Thinking Tony would do real therapeutic work is just nonsense. What he does is just a temporary change (which of course can be needed for healing!).
Thank you!!
Solid review. I agree with you completely. Tony is not a charlatan; people definitely find self improvement in his work. I personally don't get "high" off of those types of seminars. I'm smarter than that. What I mean is I can see fluff and hoopla from a mile away and I don't appreciate it, nor do I want to waste my time and money on it. I need substance and tangible content. Getting a massage from my neighbor, dancing around, and fist pumping does nothing for me 24 hours later. Thanks for you well written, organized, and concise review.
I believe you were bigger than the seminar and that’s why you left. It happens with me also, if you already know something keep moving forward
Good for you. People that think they can sum up someone else’s relationship or life history in minutes are being insensitive, insincere and cruel. No one is able to know this person’s heart or pain except God, and Tony is not God. In fact, from what I’m reading, his insensitive, sarcastic and humiliating behavior with people isn’t God-like at all. My personal feeling is that he would test pretty high on the narcissist scale, and in some cases, his approach may do more harm than good.
Agreed.
He's the pie in the sky. Champagne dreams selling fake dreams.
Right on! You *got* it.
I never understood the adulation for Tony to be honest. I always felt like his followers were like Scientologists, desperate to be told they are 'somebody '.
I enjoyed reading your article , nicely written .
I'm so glad to read this review. Really qualified feedback. Thank you!
Just here to say that, while I rarely read an entire article as long a this one, I thoroughly enjoyed reading yours and enjoyed the structure you used!
I totally agree!!
I would go a step further. The issues people face are typically deep seated and emotional. These issues typically require a transformation of mindset. This is the hard work. Tony’s seminars are temporary relief from existential pain. If attendees are not careful. The post tony high can lead to a much lower low. If you attend enough events with out results you lose credibility with yourself. This for many is their life enhancement journey. They are worse off. Tony is great but not the answer.
People were saying they were putting the next seminar on their credit cards, and were being told it will return itself. It was terrible advice. clearly not acting on peoples best interest, and the supplements also left a bad taste. They are not high quality or even necessary, just another scam.
I cringed from the beginning to UPW. It was colossal- I got a free ticket (and it seems a lot of people do). It was forced fun - like those awful preteen dances, anyway, awkard. Everyone was pumped woop woop. I tried, but it all seemed like none of this stuff was new, like i'd heard it before, like a patch work of advice, from Jesus, to Buddha to Oprah. The love bombing, the hype, we had 2 hours of pre Tony just to dance. There was too much fluff. I am a massage therapist and having to give massages and then get crap ones back annoyed me, and the sheep mentality of fire walking! He runs on volunteers, it costs a lot, and the delivery was so forceful and repetitive. It was very American. Then TR told everybody to get rid of their limiting belief/shit/I don't know... well the whole arena started crying. I had to climb out from the front of a crying room to get out, over chairs, weaving, I felt surrounded by souls in hell, I got out and power walked to a cafe, and was followed, by a volunteer. Who was nice, but it all felt a bit..... controlled. And the volunteer told me how TR wife was controlling him etc, and that he is unhappy. And I thought I know this is smoke and mirrors, screw it. And the nutrition day was good for someone thats had their head in a hamburger, but it's nothing new. It is a cult...... After the UPW facebook group I have been invited to was amusing, people using TR terms 'priming, limiting beliefs..' I kept getting friend requests which I felt hesitant about. I mentioned this in the group, asking women if men were requesting them, and then I was trolled. And I thought- you guys are actually horrid- I felt threatened, and after all the love bombing the farce was obvious. There will be another, he is the Billy Graham of his generation. I would say if you need help for business go to a business advisor, if it's health go to a health coach, you want . to get rid of limiting beliefs go to a therapy group or if you can invest it, pay for psychotherapy. But hats off to the business model. In essence I felt uncomfortable and forced.
Well, recognize Robbins for what he is, a very good salesman. In our country good salesmen do very well financially. Example, Elvis Presley's manager, Tom Parker sold the South on Hadacol, a fake brew that was about 30% alcohol. Of course people felt better---for a short while. Robbins' brew works well----for him. He's a millionaire. Not so for the people who pay up.
D.G. Cannon, Ph.D.
I attended Mindvalley and have similar experiences to these mentioned here.
Hi, I am not sure how I came upon your article. Just one of those flukes of the internet. I am 66 years old and was a big fan of Tony Robbins back in the early 90's. But now at the age of 66 I find a lot of his answers to be cotton candy in comparison to the rich food in psychotherapy and psychiatric therapy. If you have a profound sense of low self-esteem, the answer is not to attend a 3 day pep rally for a temporary high. Perhaps you need to see a recommended therapist who can do the HARD WORK with you of digging into the origins of that issue and bringing to light the unconscious beliefs and programming behind your issue. Glib slogans will not heal your life. And bear in mind, LIFE IS NOT EASY. Too many people have serious problems and think that a 3 day whoop and holler festival with a life coach will resolve these issues. It just ain't going to happen. Most of the participants in such events are young and eager for perfection in their lives. As an old man, I can tell you that it takes time and effort, often a lot of effort. Even if a session with a professionally trained and accredited therapist costs $400 a week that gives you 5 weeks of intense work specifically on YOU versus 3 days as part of a 10,000 pep rally.
Solid Read.
Sounds like you had no business being there? Sounds like you went looking for the secret to hit the next level but didn't realize Tony is a catalyst for the weary? Much like the "revival" or "retreat" some people really need encouragement, or really need someone to stop sugar coating it and be real with them.
I think the guy serves a pretty powerful purpose at a time when someone needs a "cheesy, pick me up, I'm with TONY ROBBINS, important feeling." For those that are extremely capable or lack direction.... he might not be the best.
The guy is making a lot of money, but if someone is on ground zero.... the first step in happiness has to be removing limiting belief. 3000 bucks really isn't that much at that point? I have seen people buy cars, or houses to "perk" themselves up!!!
I guess I think Tony does a great job for the people that need Tony Robbins.
In short - Michael Jordan may not get that extra bit of ferocity from him but a 30 something living at his parents house... Might.
The $3000 is arbitrary. It could easily be $1000. He'd still be rich and famous.
I followed a similar path, we may have been in some of the same Tony events, and I agree with you. One piece I'd add you may agree with that is my experiences with Tony were the start of my own exploration of myself, the beginning of my growth, and they were profound at the time; it doesn't need to be a choice, it can be a progression from Tony to things deeper.
I love that you made a decisionfir yourself. While it's cool people have their platform, there's more than one way to do a thing. We can't be afraid to walk or own path away from the hooplah!
After having kind of walked out on a netflix documentary of Tony Robbins ‘ I am not your Guru, I am relieved to read your article and know that I am not alone ! Thank you!
ditto
I respect your decision to walk out. I would have done the same thing, given those circumstances.
Thank you for the post it also think he seems "out of touch" with issues too. I never hear him talking about his personal issues and how he grinded his way to the top. Just some generic if you're scared face your fears. (I didn't know you made AppSumo, made a shopify account and saw that app. That's pretty dope)
I thought upon watching I’m Not your guru that the seminar was highly manipulative and mean spirited. Having a woman call her boyfriend to break up in front in millions of people was for me the height of narcissism
Some of the empowering stuff was good, realizing that the bad in your background is what makes you successful today. but I am not sure Robbins is as sincere as he is a cult leader making money.
Awesome! Way to be unapologetic, and to take care of you. I love that you shared your minority view--there's not enough of that anymore. What I love most that you shared was that you listened to your gut. Your gut said "dread--don't do it" and you listened. People don't do that enough. As a wise Jedi once said, "Trust your feelings..."
Thank you for this honest and educational recounting
I have never been to one, nor do I plan on going. I am guessing you hit the nail on the head when you said this "For a few days, you will feel loved.
For a few days, you will feel like you are enough."
Tony's ego is just a bit too big for me. No, it is WAY too big for me.
many of you won't want to hear this, but the only thing that will sustain you is God.
Looks like If you never went to the Tony Robbins event, you would have never came upon this realization. Which means....TONY ROBBINS HELPED YOU!!!
yes he did say "This may have been the best part about Tony's personal development seminar -- it forced me to create my own."
duh.
I went to his event just yesterday...and felt the same way. I kept thinking...when is it going to get real? When are we going to get to the work? I got tired of clapping and yelling and watching Tony act like a rock star... And I felt like the oddball...cause so many people were into it. I kept checking with myself, I kept trying. But it just wasn't my style. My husband says I am the hardest working person he knows, so I was wondering why I felt ashamed for just wanting to sit and learn. Oh well, to each his (or her) own.
Did you get a full refund?
Great article and it's great and refreshing to read some negativity.
I attended both UPW and Business mastery so I know what it is all about.
Few points.
1. It' is too long and I agree that everything over day 2 is usually a salespitches from 3rd party speakers and can be avoided. I am not used sitting so long and finding non-junk food was really hard on the stadium, I went out to Starbucks and enjoyed some sun.
2. It is life changing and Tony is amazing force of nature. Seeing him on stage is life changing for sure. He was on stage for over 14 hours, no toilet breaks no water breaks, he must be a robot.
Name dropping? I did not feel like it it, those were awesome life stories from high profile people and it's always fun to learn.
Weird clap? It looks energizing to me..
Supplements? He must make money after all, if people buy them why not? I bought as well to support the cause. Nobody was pushing them too hard anyways.
3. I did not go to firewalk and I felt ashamed as everyone was pushing it hard but I dont regret as it's my choice. I just went to hotel to sleep.
4. Massage and dancing is a big part of staying "awake". It's not possible to sit so long without action and loud music and dances makes it look like a rock concert and brings up the energy. I do not agree that it's a fluff and waste of time. In many cases it takes you out of your comfort zone and keeps your mind open.
5. More of "Personal coaching" on stage? I don't agree here. On business mastery Tony did one personal coaching with a lady in front of everyone and it took almost 2-3 hours. Though it was helpful to her, for others who did not have similar issues it was a drain.
6. Does the effect last? No. That's why you need more seminars and they will upsell them, for sure. That is a normal business practice and I did not feel much of the pushing. Normally effect goes away in a week or so, as regular life consumes you and puts you back but the lessons you learn stay in your heart anyways for your lifetime so you can come back to them during the hard moment.
Bottom line? Was it easy? No. Is it worth it? 100%!
Go with an open mind! Walk out but dont go home giving up and finding excuses. Go to Starbucks, enjoy some sun and come back 2 hours later to continue the learning! Also listen to his podcast, great golden nuggets there...
I would add that best is to compare any "self improvement" seminar with a shower. Does the shower last? Not really. But it does not mean that you don't need it. And you do need it again to "shower" with fresh energy once in a while!
I agree- Tony is a force of nature, and the money I spent on UPW, Date with Destiny, his health seminar were well spent. I learned many valuable things which contribute to my happiness still - 15 years later. He is an extremely talented and hard working man. Combination drill sergeant, stand up comedian, master psychologist, stage hypnotist, charismatic speaker - and of course salesman, and entrepreneur. Not for everybody of course, that goes without saying. He’s not God, not a guru, but he’s got a lot to give and he’s giving it. God bless him.
Yes! I agree with you!
I’m so glad I invested in this amazing experience
Just watched a film featuring T. Robbins and C. Madanes as the narrator. It was filming Tony at one of his events on 9/11/2001 in HA. It was both fascinating and disturbing all at the same time. I felt like I had seen some sort of cultist event and/or leader. I've never read on of Tony R's books. My brother gave me a tape years ago of the "Giant Within". I listened to it and found it wasn't that interesting or helpful to me. I was curious about him so looked him up online to see what people were saying about him.
Completely agree!
I love inspirational speakers, but he’s a little too much.
I have listened to him & probably won’t need to ever again.
I missed female speakers and i agree with some things u r saying. I missed interviewing people about their stories. I was on a high for one week and now it drops which is scary and i get lots of mails and phonecalls to sign up for the next events, fear is involved ... but i love him, i admire him. At the end of the day ... i am alone with this feeling and back into my life and routine. And my body is still soooo tired.
I haven’t been to a seminar, but I have heard loads of his stuff on YouTube. I like it, it helps me. The problem that I see with a lot of people in this post is you think he is supposed to be “a perfect man”, “Jesus”, persay. Tony is just a guide to help you, fulfill your life, but at the end of the day only YOU can do such a thing. He is not a god. He is a human being. None of us are perfect. It may help Tony’s credibility if he spent more time relating to people’s lives through love and compassion instead of telling them “this way or that way.” Maybe the money, or busy life he has has gotten to his head. But I do believe his intentions are pure and good, or he wouldn’t be doing it in the first place unless he’s hypothetically obsessed with money and learned psychology and human behavior for that reason. But I just don’t believe humans are designed to do such a thing and if that was the case he’s probably miserable or will at least die a miserable death. Not that I wish that upon him in anyway. At the end of the day it only matters how you feel and if you are happy not Tony Robbins. Do what makes you happy and fulfilled.
If what you say is true, then what is the purpose of such seminars. Can't we all do the personal development work on OUR OWN without attending seminars?
Now I know why Tony has so many companies. He gets his audience to experience 3 days of uplifting mantra then... Boom sell to them.
Last day at UPW 2018 was overselling. Left early.
I really appreciate your honesty. I'm at an UPW event in London, and I'm ready to walk out as well on day three. I think everything could have been compressed I to 2 days and 16 hours max. The firewall was fun, even though I did get burned, but I'm not the type of person who is ready to share his *true* deepest fears shortcomings and failures with random people around me, even if they are all wonderful. There is WAY too much selling during the seminars. WTF do you mean that "the next step" is for me to attend business mastery?? Shouldn't my next step be to employ what i just learned here and change my life forever??? I
I’m at the same event right now and am SO disappointed by the event! Tempted not to go in tomorrow, but then again that would leave me worried about having wasted so much money.. 🙁
Igor you're not alone. I walked out at 2PM on the 3rd day. Some really good stuff coupled with some stuff I didn't like...
* really terrible/dangerous advice (like turning shoulds into musts)
* pseudoscience (Kirlian photography)
* inaccurate stories (Robin Williams didn't kill himself because of depression, he had Lewy Body Dementia)
* terrible pitches (the bald guy who showed photos of his Ferrari was hilarious - but of course, it's not money that matters).
* and a very cult-ish overall experience.
I didn't want to wait another day to listen to nutrition advice from someone who's recovering from someone recovering from self-inflicted mercury poisoning. I love some of what Tony preaches, but he's a fine example of "often wrong, never in doubt".
Overall, a useful experience. I'm in marketing, I love to see how these tactics really do control the crowds and turn people into raving fans. I believe most people will get out of this feeling they got the experience of a lifetime.
Turning shoulds into musts is sound advice. It's not a concept that is exclusive to TR either. Folks like Stephen Covey and Brian Tracy also speak to this concept. As an executive who focuses on change management, I can tell you that this is not terrible/dangerous advice.
I've heard TR tell the Robin Williams story many times. He speaks to Robin's overall drug use and self depreciation. The moral of the story is that Robin had mastered the science of achievement, but not the art of fulfillment. Robin's wife has been quoted as saying that the reason he committed suicide is because he was losing his mind and he knew it. It was not the disease that killed him; he committed suicide because he was depressed.
I can appreciate constructive criticism, but some of the reasons you listed are baseless.
I recommend you read what Albert Ellis, one of the fathers of modern psychology has to say about "must-urbation", and the toxic power of "musts". I trust him more than I trust Covey / Tracy.
As for Robin Williams, the message was not about how he lived, but about his suicide. Was he depressed about the disease? Maybe - but I didn't hear Tony mention that. Doesn't have quite the same power, does it?
completely agree!!!!
I have just an hour ago been walking out of a UPW in London with 13,000 people. I really enjoy sitting outside in the sun, not having to dance and shout and jump anymore... they are preparing the firewalk a few meters away for tonight. I'm so happy having found your article while sitting here! I'm not the strange one! Think I will not go in again and give it a second try. And I will skip the firewalk... But I'm sure I will now have 3 spare sunny days to enjoy London - while my husband goes on with the "training". Best decision! 🙂
Tnks 4 sharing!! Just came out from a JTFoxx free seminar and I just felt wasting my time. Same same but different.
I love Tony Robbins. He has enlightened me many times and challenges me to grow and be the best version of myself. You do make some valid points and I enjoyed this article. Looking forward to your ideas and thoughts in the future and maybe we can grow together.
Thank you for posting this. I found it by Googling, and up popped the link to your site. Now I know I am by no means the only one. I see him as one more proof that showmanship which combines condescension with flattery can yield a gusher of fortune -- for the showman. You and I differ on one point, though: I find his whole exploitive act dispicable.
I couldn't agree more with Kenneth.
Agreed - complete waste of money and time; over promises and under delivers
You don’t get to stay for part of a day and comment on the whole thing needing to be shorter and needing more focus. You speak from ignorance.
actually, the seminar got him to get up and take action, so it was empowering
have you read the entire article? Obviously this author is not ignorant. ...and he didnt walk out and started doing productive things because of the seminar. He walked out and started doing productive things in spite of the seminar....
He does have a very weird clap.
I'm an Aussie, so the 'ra ra' factor is difficult for me to swallow x 10,000 to what someone from Tony's part of the world may even struggle with. I haven't actually been to one his events for many years, but assuming they're still the same, I might make the following observations. Firstly, I'm always uncomfortable at the start and feel like walking out. Dealing with that discomfort rather than walking out and feeling empowered, is part of my process. It's how I learned stuff I wouldn't have otherwise. Some of which was valuable, some less so. I guess you'll never know what you missed out. I hope it was a really good coffee and healthy lunch you had instead.
Giving a summary on what people may or may not lie about the seminar you didn't actually stay at is probably quite a big call, on't you think? I could probably review the last Foo Fighters concert I didn't go to, but that wouldn't make much sense because, ah, I wasn't there. So by all means explain why you left, and what you thought of it BEFORE you left, you know, while you were actually still there, but quite how you get to say what Tony's seminars might do for people and what they should do differently based on the bit of one you saw just seems illogical to me. I really don't understand it all. And no, i'm not someone who puts him on a pedestal - i don't love everything he does, especially all that bloody hugging and singing and dancing. But at least I stayed til the end. Several times. So I can probably comment more accurately than someone who didn't. Anyway... just sharing my thought. Shall we hug now? 😉
Big Hug too... indeed, you have to get out out of your comfort zone, accept it and sometimes 'sit it out' and then inevitably SOME rare insight or decision will come.
Hope they all enjoyed their lattes and sunbathing ;-))
My long-time girlfriend is heavily involved in the TR organization....as a volunteer. I went to UPW in LA 3 years ago(I had to pay of course). And because she wasn't volunteering at this particular date, she had to pay also. About three grand for both of us, plus airfare. My GF believes in it, and it's become more of a social thing for her. Me? I didn't get much out of it.
And to be honest, $4000+ (total) could go towards real education, not some culty stuff, like walking on coals and "visualizing" fortunes and fame.
My biggest problem with Tony Robbins is that 90% of the general staff are volunteers. UPW and Date with Destiny (and most other events)are not free charity events. He is NOT a non-profit(most of the time). He's making millions at these events. And the two mentioned are just the beginning. It's a rabbit hole. His exploitation of volunteers is like Home Depot or Walmart using volunteers. It just wouldn't happen. The fact that so many people do end up volunteering after going to a few events, leads me to believe there is a underlying cult effect. It may not be as evil and undermining as Scientology, but...It's definitely cultish. Oddly, there are no perks to volunteering. You pay your own airfare, no free tickets to other events, programs or books. Most volunteers love him unconditionally, yet have never even met the man in person. He makes no effort to know who his legions of volunteers are.
I know the above article was written from a consumer point of view. But it's pretty slimy behind the curtain too.
Anybody considering spending money on this, throw that money at education instead. Some night school or something. Want to feel better about yourself or feel loved? Join a gym or a like-minded church, donate time at a animal shelter or soup kitchen. They really need your help. You can feel like a million bucks, without spending a dime. Don't join a cult.
The volunteers are just that--exercising their free will. Did you talk to any of them? Some of them gain just from being there. Some are wealthy and want to give back Where does it say that Tony Robbins has to be Obama?
Clap, clap!!
true!!!
I have been crewing... and I do not think this is a cult. There are indeed wealthy people that do it as a sign of their gratitude, and you meet amazing people. But a lot of the volunteers do not have the money for the actual event, and so can enjoy some parts of it.
I do not crew anymore as I do agree that a most profitable multi million project should at least pay for simple lodging facilities if asked. Now volunteers coming from afar do not get enough sleep and invest heavily in transport and parking fees. Just giving food and cheers does not reflect respect for the long and irregular hours (5 full days for UPW)
His seminars are his job...it pays for his lavish lifestyle. If you truly want to learn some life changing skills a good workshop with teams are the best.
Well said,
Yup. Amazing how people are willing to work their behinds off for free for a COMPANY! If your employer didn't pay you at the end of the month you would be livid. BUT you have to work like crazy in the hope that you will pick up a few nuggets of wisdom from somewhere behind the scene! Suckers.
Go and volunteer for a hospice or hospital or orphanage or join Junior Chamber or Rotary - where you can get to grips with people who are living their real lives.
Wow. This is amazing. Honest and balanced. I'm not a big fan of Robbins, although I have huge respect for his work and the sheer volume of people he has helped. I've had people urge me to go and for me, his methods just don't resonate. Thank you for saving me from wasting the money and more importantly, time I couldn't get back if I went. I still read his work and watch his videos. That's enough for me. There are other practitioners who I get more from that I will work with... but more than anything, I'm deciding I'm not broken, I'm OK and I just need to realize that rather than taking another self help seminar or buying another book.
This is so misleading. My friend Mary worked for Tony for 10 years. It is so wrong to say 90% was volunteers.
This blogger needs to do more work on his de-Robbinizing. That it is necessary is indicated by what he regards as deep thoughts worth emblazoning.
Example. What does "Your worst day can be your best day" mean...if your "worst day" is getting shot in the head or losing your son in a car accident? But of course, that's not the kind of "worst day" that was meant. And there's this qualification: "can be." Of course, not every "worst day" can be transmogrified into the "best day." Sometimes though, maybe. And it sure sounds good anyway.
"The whole sequence was superficial." That's exactly how I feel the few times I have listened to Tony Robbins speaking. Especially when he cusses as if it accentuates his point better. The whole thing feels like a sales transaction rather than a serious journey into the self.
Thank you for your input. The best help I have found in my life from others are the ones that help me help myself. There are very Few things that I don't taylor to my own experience. I was wondering how Tony effected his audience. I suppose my enthusiasm has to authentically mine. doesn't hurt to get boosted a little bit, but unfortunately that kind of stuff doesn't last very long. I have been the happiest in my life when I am able to be true to myself and see myself as I see myself with no one else's filters. I have Incorporated self-help, a few churches spiritual enlightenment, I think what we need from others is encouragement but also acceptance to the direction that we want to place that encouragement
Went to HPA a few weeks ago, which was my first event ever, and had the same feeling of superficial cheesiness and of taking for a fool was undeniably present. Although I did not walk out, probably out of fear being judged and out of curiosity to see how Brendon was going to structure the rest of the seminar, hoping it might give me at least some valuable insights, I found most information very basic, and the stories and everything else are designed with such precision, that it just obvious that the event was a great funneling system of converting warm prospects into loyal customers. I think that people need to stop thinking about personal development from the stand point of check list of all the things they need to improve in order to feel worthy or enough, and start looking deeper at what the underlying patterns of their behavior might cause their misfortunes, stagnation, confusion, fears, etc.
I loved reading it all. You're clear in the structure how you present it. It makes it so easy to read and not be overwealmed but instead to really see the point and it feels very fresh to read. Thanks.
If anyone flies around in a jet and makes millions of dollars from desperate souls seeking answers,they're not helping you,you're helping them.In an age where information is readily available at a click of a mouse,it amazes me how people can't help themselves by typing in whatever is troubling them for a solution because that's what self-help is...helping yourself.Not paying a load of cash to someone else to do it for you.If they capitalise of your troubles,that's not help,that's a ministry.Advice should be free.Even Buddha didn't charge a cent.That's just my take on snake-oil narcissists.Agree to disagree.
The ministry part is too real!
I agree 100%.
you are awesome! I agree 100%
I couldn’t agree more! Total snake-oil salesman and he has also said some horrible victim-blaming things to sexual and physical abuse survivors. I think he’s vile.
I also think if people invested their money into proper evidence-based therapy with a licensed psychologist to work on their self-esteem and other deep-seated issues, instead of looking for a quick-fix (there is none, BTW), they wouldn’t be throwing their money down the drain and lining the pockets of these charlatans who have zero qualifications to offer vulnerable people advice.
Frederick L Covan, chief psychologist at Bellevue, wrote the forward to his book
Chloe Madonnes, top five family therapist, keynote speaker at American Psychological Association, is in partnership with hime
I absolutely agree! It appears he uses or needs the crowd to pump up his own insecurities. I quit following his social media content because I don't believe it to be authentic. It appears he seeks power and money. If so, be honest about that. Yet, he brags of "breakthroughs." The name dropping gets old when anyone does it. If he's so authentic, why does he name drop so much?
You have this mention of Buddhist monks all wrong. First under Buddha rules - monks go around to homes every morning and in the monestary - to accept donations of food, shelter, medicines, and clothing. While a monk may not accept actual money (gold, credit cards, paper, travel tickets, etc) - the stewards of the monestary may and do so often. In Buddha’s actual time - they did the same. How would they live in today’s world or back thousands of years if they had so source of income to provide that they don’t produce. Many monhave winerys and other agricultural means and businesses to make money. Read this Lay Guides To Monk’s Rules (Buddhist Studies) https://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/buddhistworld/layguide.htm
Also - on your “ If they capitalise of your troubles,that's not help,that's a ministry.“ - I believe you are way off here. First, not all ministries nor do all TV ministries make money off people. In fact, most do not do anything but barely cover expenses. Many preachers today have to work several churches each Sunday to make a full salary and some work a regular job in addition to their ministry job. churches have a board who determines the funds needed for capital improvements, utilities, salaries, etc. and they try to raise that through tithes which most people of religion (no matter the denomination) believe based on the bible is their responsibility to share 10% of their income with their church. If you look at most churches budgets - you’d understand they might be collecting revenue but aren’t making a profit and are just barely getting by. NOW - if you are talking about the mega type churches - well yea they sure rake in the money and pay millions to their preacher(s). I myself have difficulty understanding why preachers have to be paid millions in salary while their members average $30-50,000 a year (some much lower, some much higher) but I’m not on their board making those decisions. Of course, again, these mega churches have huge bills to pay and if on TV - that is a very expensive proposition. But as a member of a local midsize church with a Sunday TV hour - I’m well aware of their budgets and short falls. However, without TV church ministries - many people would never hear the word of God. This includes those who are already saved and those who have never been exposed to God. Those already saved - many are elderly or have chronic or terminal illnesses and can no longer get out physically to attend church anymore though they attended all their life. Other saved folks always attended but for some reason they currently aren’t able to do so ( job schedule requires working on Sunday’s or they are the sole caregiver for a bed confined family member, etc). And for the unsaved, it is very sad if they are never exposed to God so they are able to determine if he is for them. God’s love is available to everyone; however, not everyone wants or sees the merits of a life under God and that is a personal decision. But it would be sad if those who believe in him couldn’t receive weekly inspiration. I might point out that ministries/ churches who asked for and received formal non profit status (it is not required for them to do so) - you can look them up on Guidestar to see their financial statements and non profit tax filing. Again - it isn’t required like it is for other non profits so not all will be listed but some of the larger ones are but what they provide might be limited.
his material is indeed available online and in the library. The point of the tuition is to have what he calls immersion, 12 hours and day for six weeks, to affect change. Also if I pay that much, I'm much more likely to get the most out of it. Some people don't appreciate value if its free, and therefore will not go full out.
Absolutely Correct. Average ticket to his seminar, $300-600 times 10,000 seat area. Math doesn't
Lie and the riches keep coming. But Robbins and everyone else have to use the restroom and have limitations like everyone else. It's great to pursue your dreams and to be better in all areas of your
Life. Most of these great changes are free, and there is no need to waisted your money on a guru.
I recently attended the UPW in Singapore. Your sentiments are shared. He is great at what he does, but the bragging became annoying. I made some business contacts while there, but will not attend another of his events. I am not interested in jumping up and doen again. Once was enough.
Thanks Noah, great story as usual.
It is such a great feeling to have the strength to leave a workshop or seminar when we are guided by our own body and intuition to do so.
I love Deida's work. Sadly I have been unable to get to the US to attend one of his workshops. I will look at Gayle Hendricks.
I cracked up when he wrote he doesn't enjoy random dudes touching him, Lol.. Good article. I don't think I would enjoy it either. Especially not for that price. I would rather go to Miami with the $. Best therapy and motivation for me.
Great article. I was curious how much it cost for Tony to speak at an vent and found your article. I am a proud summoling. I had never heard any of your back story. Your are inspiring in that you like to challenge yourself. I’ve learned few new things about a company I support and visit about four times a week. Great engaging writing too. On TR I subscribed to his podcast with disappointment. It’s a lady often interviewing people. Not what I expected from a TR podcast. TR has helped many people, I am a roundabout fan. I’ve only seen him in movies and listened to one side of a cassette tape, but had friends that did listen to him support me through tough times. I am thankful he labels himself a motivational speaker though and not a pastor.
not a motivational speaker, a life coach
Great article. I love how you're not bashing anyone. I saw him at an Isagenix event in vegas last summer. I got such weird vibes from his "performance". The weird arm shake clap thing he does (with music and I think some kind of noise he makes) when people applaud to sort of shift the energy, the "strangest clap you've ever seen", the dancing, the uncomfortable massages from neighbors, etc... it almost felt as though energy from the crowd was being... harvested and used. As strange at that may sound. I left there feeling very drained. It was annoyingly hyped up. I was glad I only paid $250 plus airfare and there were other reasons I had gone to the convention. Plus it only lasted for maybe 4 hours. I couldn't have handed much longer.
Its super that you notice how the energy in the crowd is being harvested and used. Huge groups of people are prone to cult like trance. The attention in the room is somewhat herding the sheep's mind. If the woman that recently spoke and stood up to the man Tony didn't discern his point of view. There wouldn't be a backlash or some sort of up-rise towards his speech in his event. No matter who is the Master or Expert in whichever field. Humans have flaws and can be wrong. Tony's abuse towards to woman is enraging. To push her when she stood up for herself and other woman in the movement called the MeToo. Just a good point and I applause your ability to discern this hidden energy playing in the background.
Stop Gaslighting. When you pay thousands for coaching, you expect coaching- not a sales pitch.
I read this before I went to UPW in San Jose. I took it with a grain of salt because I wanted to play full out. I wish I saw it as more of a red flag. I stayed longer than I wanted- left 2 days in on Saturday. On day one, Tony managed to follow through with his presentation on Steve Wynn's success while bashing the #metoo movement. Although he says he wasnt bashing it-only the false claims- it seemed to be suspicious and not at all coincidental that #metoo was brought up the same day we cover Steve Wynn's successess. Many participants, including myself did not appreciate having his politics shoved in our faces and the dismissiveness that followed. I love the disclaimers in this article because TR fans and the like resort to major gaslighting as soon as you have a criticism or different POV. I agree that this even could be 1 or 2 days max! Lets stop dancing around and get focused. Also, event programs do not list who is facilitating each day- a lot of folks were very upset to find out Tony is only there a day and a half out of the four days. We were even told for Saturday, "Get here early, Tony wants to start at 8:30!" Then he didnt even hit the atage until after 11am! Wtf? That's when I left. Overall it wasnt horrible, but I would not recommend it. I like my meditation retreats much better.
I thought Tony handled himself quite well after the #metoo woman attempted to hijack the seminar to promote her politics. There's a time and place for that discussion. I didn't go there to listen to an audience member promote her ideology. In my opinion, she made a complete fool out of herself.
Nanine wasn't promoting her politics, as you say, in the least. She was simply questioning what she heard something from him that didn't make sense to her.
How did the woman (Nanine McCool) embarrass herself? I thought she remained very calm and dignified in the face of Tony’s ranting, rambling attack.
IMO Tony showed his true colours during that episode and it turns out his true colours ain’t pretty. He came across as an ignorant mysogynist who is more interested in defending his entitled position than listening to other’s viewpoints. And his subsequent apology was glib and vague.
On a different note, I like the way that this article has been written and I appreciate its balanced approach 🙂
I watched the clip of that metoo bit by Tony Robbins. I think he just lost a bunch of customers ...He is definitely part of the problem and he demonstrated some of his true colors when he was being very gently challenged and the 6’5” man couldn’t take it. Just a bit of narcissistism/gaslighting? ..Easy for motivational speakers to talk in one direction, probably the tens of millions of people he said he’s spoken too but the moment he gets challenged.... he fell apart and makes the falsely accused men the focus and the victims. And his very wealthy powerful friend that didn’t hire a more qualified female over a male candidate because he was “scared” of this movement? So there you go women, now men are such victims in this whole movement they can’t hire you because they can’t understand what qualifies as harassment or chauvinism - it’s that confusing for them. Maybe Tony and his poo friends should pay money to do seminars so they aren’t scared of attractive women. Hopefully people just get behind the useful messages and not this messenger... not a good pattern with anyone.
I find it interesting that Tony tells people to stop being victims, but then complains about the MeToo movement victimizing men.
That is such a good point.
I am a PhD in Psychology with over 35 years experience and a tenured full professor in Psychology. Everything that Tony Robbins does is based on good psychological theory...even the celebration and upbeat chanting. If someone does not like that, then they should not attend his seminar. I just did my first one this past weekend in San Jose and came away more convinced than ever that his approach is brilliant.
I have not been to a seminar in the past 20 years where other seminars or products weren't promoted, even the so-called non-profit professional organizations. Yes, there is marketing done at the seminar, but the amount he does is small compared to any other I have attended.
Sorry people are so skeptical. I found the weekend amazing and walked away with tons of skills that I can use with my clients.
Re: "Everything that Tony Robbins does is based on good psychological theory... ."
First, as to your 35 years of experience, you must be aware that urologists with 35 years of experience are still employing the PSA test as viable screening mechanism for prostate cancer even though the inventor of the test conceded it does nothing to reduce deaths from prostate cancer.
There are also gastroenterologists who will suggest colonoscopy screening is similarly effective in preventing 90% of cancers of the colon even though the procedure cannot detect the 40% of cancers that originate in the ascending (right side) colon.
My point: you're attempting to justify Robbins' credentials by citing your credentials. More problematically, your contention that everything he says is based on "good psychological theory" is a sweeping generalization.
One example: in a recent Wall Street Journal article Robbins advocated that we should allocate only 90 seconds a day to suffer.
This doesn't pass the laugh test.
You must be aware of the landmark research by Daniel Wegnerin which subjects were told to avoid thinking about white bears and failed miserably. Even when the ban was lifted, the group thought about white bears much more than the control group which was permitted to think about white bears. Robbins' advice to allocate only 90 days to suffering could also compromise reflection on the etiology of our suffering that will bring us wisdom and less suffering in the future.
A second example: Robbins places the need for certainty as the preeminent need of all human beings.
This, again, is utter nonsense for two reasons: first, our brains are hardwired to estimate probabilities, not to look for certainty. We're that the case and the fundamental human need was for certainty, the human race would not have had its explorers and scientists that took life-threatening risks despite knowing they were going to confront the unknown.
If you're a true believer, so be it. If you think Robbins is a brilliant theoretical psychologist good luck.
He is not. He is a commanding presence with a degree of charisma the kind of which L. Ron Hubbard Joseph Smith possessed--a man who has the ability to make others believe he has the secret sauce.
John thankyou for responding so comprehensively to James that I have no need to add anything 🙂
John Carpenter nailed it.
Totally agree Joanne! He acted as though he had something to hide himself. He was being an intimidating bully and using his physical size to try and get the lady to back down too. I was glad to see she tried to stand her ground in the face of his overbearing arrogance. I can’t stand the guy personally. It’s not the first time he’s done something like this to an audience member.
I'm a doctor of psychology, and I could not disagree with you more. People are not healed by self-help cliches and watching narcissistic "gurus" flap around on a stage. He masterfully manipulates emotions, puts on a good show, and gives people enough good advice (which you can find all over the place in books, on google, in talking to good friends), combine with an highly emotive and emotionally arousing experience that they feel hopeful. It's not that everything that Tony or any of these other self help/life coach/preacher types do is always bad or unhelpful. Some people are on a growth journey, and will continue on that trajectory, however his message and the way he interacts with people can be seriously damaging to people with enough risk factors, and mental health struggles. Particularly those who lack a good support system. And he is making bank off of it, it's disgusting.
James Larson you are an intelligent and enlightened man, and more than qualified to assess, based on your academic credentials. Thank you for balancing out the biases here.
So you are a PhD in psychology and you don’t see any trace of narcissism in TR...? Not even a thin trace?
I was just at his San Jose UPW event. Walked out from the event but during the 3rd day as I wanted to see/hear all that he had to say. I think he is brilliant and obviously a very helpful personal coach (validated by numerous successful people who vouched for him). However, in addition to the points that you made, which I agree fully, I have 2 additional observations:
1) he gives the audience a burst of confidence that may very well last throughout the seminar. The incantation used to quash an individual's limiting beliefs , when said during peak state along with 12 thousand other participants in the arena can be very powerful and gave a sense of euphoria. Its like a pep rally on steroids. However, I wonder how long those new beliefs last once people fly back to their homes
2) With each day, a higher percentage of the time is spent promoting other seminars. I got the sense that UPW is a feeder seminar ($1k to $2k depending on your seats) for other more expensive ones. During the 2nd and 3rd days, they blatantly allocated blocks of time during the program dedicated to selling the benefits of the seminars that costed $5k to $10k. They even used pressure selling tactics that asked people to make the decision on the spot for 59% off - with a kicker that research shows successful people make decisions quickly, so you should too if you are successful. On top of it, they had financing programs for $300 down. That really rubbed me the wrong way. If someone is not able to afford these seminars, should Robbins company apply pressure on them to go into debt if they truly cared about their well being. Reminded me a bit of predatory lending.
Thank you for that information! I personally haven’t attended because I don’t have such a big amount of money to spend on a seminar and the overpriced tickets really give me the wrong impression...
Thank you so much for this review. I have always been leery of Tony Robbins, I think with good reason. I don't think I'm a hater, but much of what you wrote in your article were the things I was leery of. He seems a little like a wolf in sheep's clothing to me, preying on people to get rich. I think he means well, and I also think he wants to be rich. I have a friend that I highly respect who is currently attending a conference and is super excited about it. I want to get behind her, but I just can't. This led me to do a Google search on Tony, which is how I came upon your review. Thanks for posting--it was enlightening!
Great post! I hate fluff and silliness and all of that clapping and dancing bs would make me feel like I was totally wasting my time. On the positive side, I've enjoyed watching videos of him talk and figure that the 1 hour I spend watching a video of him talking about (whatever he is talking about on any particular topic) is probably not a complete waste. It's nice to see that I'm not the only one who doesn't go for that kind of ra-rah motivational gobbledey-gook.
I agree with you about the all the jumping up and down and clapping and handshaking. I have a problem with it in church when they tell you to look at your neighbor and say so and so. I feel like I just want worship God not to perform all the commands/gestures that the preacher/teacher/minister instructs; then you are shamed into doing it. That doesn't sit well with me. So lately I've been worshiping alone at home. What's the difference, the church is not a building anyway; its in the soul (if you believe in God). Sorry for getting a little off topic but I see similarities here.
Wish I read this earlier.... just walked out after three hours. I agree - it makes me want to go out and work on being better on my own terms.
I felt it was too hardcore and there were so many lost souls there looking for something to make them feel better. I hope they find what they’re looking for.
For me - I need something more real and genuine where I don’t have to act out skits with strangers in an arena of 13-thousand people.
Also - I’m not interested in Tony Robbins protein powder supplements.
How did they react to you walking out? Did they try and convince you to stay? I am going in November and am a bit nervous, b/c I am a bit of a cynic.
I attended the just registration process with daughter who attended the seminar. From the beginning when we stood in line for hours for the "privilege" of getting registered to the end of the chaos in the area while getting registered, it was embarrassing. It was clear to me (as a licensed psychologist and counselor with thirty five years in the field) that there is a great deal of emphasis on superficial [and often childish] behavior designed to keep peoples minds distracted with 'energizing' themselves. This is common technique to give people a false sense of purpose and meaning, and works well with those who are struggling with low self esteem. Of course there is the issue of not wanting to admit that they have been scammed, so many folks will fiercely insist that these types of self-focused seminars have somehow helped them. We live in an era where self is worshiped and elevated/over-rated, and self-sacrifice and focusing on the needs of others is scorned.
Many are secretly questioning if all the money, and all the effort they have put into getting into the area to register is worth it. So having the volunteers roam through the crowd 'high-fiving', whooping, yelling and clapping their hands is designed to keep people from having time to really think about the whole decision--and from leaving--or asking for their money back. It is amazing how gullible some people are, and sad how desperate many people are that they would feel the need to waste such large amounts of money on something that is so obviously not effect in the long run. I am glad that you have the courage to speak out about why you left, as well as clarifying the details about the seminar.
I only hope that my daughter has the wisdom to seek real help and real direction from guides that do not put the emphasis on self above all else.
"So having the volunteers roam through the crowd 'high-fiving', whooping, yelling and clapping their hands is designed to keep people from having time to really think about the whole decision"
That is highly assumptive. in fact you make more than that assumption about people attending. I know a lot of people who attend these seminars out of exasperation from failed psychologist programmes where they see no improvement in their metal well being.
People are looking for solutions that work, that improve the quality of their lives and traditional therapies have fallen short in a lot case (especially psychiatric drug therapies). And that is not being assumptive I can assure you.
Greg.
Excellent point. I come from the therapy "business" and I wish more therapists knew his way of applying therapy techniques. That is what he does...apply proven methods from a different and simpler perspective. I wish I had been taught what he talks about in my doctoral program in psychology. BTW, I have seen a video of Tony presenting at an international therapy conference with Cloe Madanes (who is a highly respected marriage and family therapy expert). It was amazing to see what they did with a couple who were both therapists themselves. What I see in most of the negative comments are basically people who don't like his "style." And anyone who knows anything about human change knows that learning from watching a video is NOT the same as being there, in the same way that watching the Superbowl on television is not the same as being at the event.
Hi James!
Just wondering what the link to the awesome video of Tony and Cloe coaching the therapists is (or what its title is)? I tried searching for it on Youtube but no avail. It sounds super interesting.
Thanks!!
Yes, there can be unsuccessful therapists as there can be unsuccessful coaches... But if I had $7,000 to spend on my self growth, I would rather take the effort to find a good psychologist to work in one on one basis on long term and would still have some money left to buy myself a nice trip to Thailand or Burning Man if dancing and hoopla hoopling is what’s doing the priming for me
Nicely put
Thank you. Attending tomorrow’s event in San Jose. I feel exactly the same way.
Heading in open minded, however I’m not looking for massages or cheerleaders. I’m looking for more growth and the “breakthrough”.
The name-dropping alone would have done it for me. Cannot STAND it when people do that. But I already had made a decision about whether or not to ever attend one of his events. I've read several of Tony's books, mind you, and he's got some good--and some great!--advice and points. But when I saw the video where he splashes water on a participant's face in order to "redirect" them, I was like, "Hellll to the NO!" Can you not interrupt people in order to manipulate them? Can you possibly just ask a question without asking if you can ask it? I can only watch so much, and I certainly wouldn't pay for 3 days of the same!
Thanks for this. I attended a similar workshop this weekend and had to sort through a bunch of my feelings about it and your article helped with that. Cheers
Well, you had me interested when you told me you run AppSumo and Sumo cause Mr Robbins runs about 15% of his advertising from what a read over Sumo. That aside I noticed it was not so much Tony rather the format, I have seen one video of him where someone asked WHY he does what he does and I truly believe he is genuine in his own way and its a sad fact we as humans believe celebrities more often than the people who have facts, with no story and face attached to a cause it gets nowhere. Whether Tony is ra ra or not REALLY look at youtube we know the format what are you expecting with 10K people in the audience and as with any seminar it's those that go there that make it special (btw THAT'S ALL EVENTS) yes you can get it for free but will you do it. My experience - let's take a simple example we all need maths for life and reading - do you do that on your own? iI you do which I doubt, do you find it easier in company with a teacher (we are socially programmed to learn together)? People that go to his stuff, well you can see it's a rock concert and with 10K people some are not going to like it, as long as you get your money back, then I would as you have done just walk out to preserve the most important asset we have TIME and the only one really in our control, if you are lucky to live in a country that allows you to make your own choices. Not to say those countries don't manipulate us from a very early age, its why its called SOCIETY 🙂 we all manipulate each other some for the good and others for the better. The outcomes are important and you choose that it's PERSONAL to each individual. I agree smaller, quieter events is something Tony does not have and I doubt he ever will.
Just listen to any of the hundreds of free YouTube videos of the friendly, down to earth monk Ajahn Brahm. He's an instant stress reducer and you don't even have to do any homework. I love listening to him on walks
I stumbled on this and the title interested me. I was actually looking for a quote and somehow your site popped up...the title intrigued me. You conveyed your sentiment is a refreshing self reflective manner. I really enjoyed it and am going to go back now and look into your hyperlinks.
Can you tell me what he stated (worth 3-5 thousand dollars) that can not be found on youtube ? Apart from entertainment elements -which quite frankly TV does a better job with the evangelist preachers- and a few well rehearsed drama scenes what does he have to offer which can not be gained for FREE ?! I think he's a crook, and at best another evangelist who knows very well how to play on peoples emotions, for his own personal gain.
I would never in a million years spend that kind of money to go to a ra-ra event. Which, as the writer as stated, is essentially what it is. I'm personally fascinated with Tony Robbins, primarily his charisma. So, I've watched his documentaries and have listened to some of his YouTube talks. And you're right. What does he say that's worth $2,000 that you can't get for free? And the answer is - nothing.
The people that go there strike me as lonely, empty vessels who are looking for meaning and purpose. Nothing new. It's the story of humanity....."who am I?" "Why am I here?" "What is the meaning of life?" I found it rather sad to see so many hungry, lost, lonely people looking for purpose. So, hungry, so lonely, so lost, they are willing to pay ridiculous amounts of money to find it.
Does that make Tony Robbins a crook? Meh. I wouldn't go that far. I personally think Tony Robbins is still working on Tony Robbins. I think he still wrestles with his own pain and damage done from his own life....which, by the way, he freely admits. He's a powerful, charismatic man who has the ability to inspire people. And people pay him a lot of money to do it. We pay for a lot of things to help us through this life. That doesn't make those that we pay, crooks. It makes us desperate for meaning and purpose and willing to go to great lengths to get it.
~"The people that go there strike me as lonely, empty vessels who are looking for meaning and purpose".
Perhaps, but that doesn't make them inferior to you. Everybody finds different ways of growing personally. I've tried many ways of growing in my life (including psychologists and psychiatrists). I'm still learning and searching for meaning. As Viktor Frankl said in his book - the search for meaning in life never stops, no matter what.
If you don't mind, can you share which techniques work for you? I truly want to learn...
I think the money that you pay for a seminar like this, is so that you know that you have paid that amount of money and you know that you want to get something out of it... It is a promissory note to yourself...
He states it in Personal Power, because you have bought the tapes, because you have physically paid the money, you are more likely to take something seriously.
The immersion of the course, the 3-5-7 day period (can't remember what it is sorry), is so that you can live in that mode for that long, and you can give yourself the ability to live in that love, that room (essentially) around other people who want to improve, maybe meet others that want to do the same as you, and then carry that feeling into your every day life..
I guess, especially as it is as much as you would spend on a semester at university in England, you are paying for something similar.... if you have an events degree, or a music degree, you are paying money to get given the ability to build an instant network of others that feel like you, and then you are also given the skills that you need to learn to do what you want, in Tony's case that would be change your life..
If, at the end of the day, much life the author of this piece, you do not need this, and you feel that you are complete, then it is a waste of money for you, and if you can find and action the information in your own time, then I guess you are saving yourself $2000. But the sad truth is, as magnolia has stated, some people just aren't that lucky :S.
"because you have physically paid the money, you are more likely to take something seriously."
In reality, once you have paid the money you are very open to being manipulated because you need to convince yourself that you were not really scammed....
This man plays on the fear that many people have--that they will somehow miss out on something of "amazing value".
paragaph 1 you hit the nail on the head
I'll go one step further: for less than $10.00 you can buy three books for amazon that can be read in a week and which, if you believe testimonials, have brought people the same kinds of gains--financial security, improved health, better relationships, and greater life satisfaction.
These are: "The Magic of Believing " which Lee Liberace--one of Las Vegas' greatest ever performers claimed was the catalyst for his success. (Today he would have been worth $200,000,000 and was adored by millions of fans.)
"It works"--a free pdf download on the internet that thousands of true believers who claim the author's simple three-step process brought them the perfect marriage, their dream house, and other unrealized dreams.
And, finally, Norman Vincent Peale's "The Power of Positive Thinking" which, love him or hate him, Donald Trump credits for the success he has enjoyed.
So, why would anyone spend $6,000 for Robbins' strutting, hand clapping, and eardrum-shattering music when they could get these books for less than breakfast would cost you at one of his "Mastery Weekends"?
John you missed the point
in fact, his book Awaken The Power Within contains most of the material from the seminar
So to answer your question- IMMERSION in order to reinforce
I attended the UPW event in Singapore. Accompanying me is my friend who is a CEO of a publicly listed company. We kept an open mind esp after we saw the theatrics at the start. Good thing because it changed my life, my mindset and my priorities. I respect the negative opinions here but it worked for me. The change in mindset resulted in having more business opportunities which exploded because of a small change I made, saved my family and relationship and I think made me a better and more optimistic person. I consider myself as an intellectual and I am happy that bec I kept an open mind I genuinely feel the changes happening in my life almost like a miracle. I am confident that I would up my game and achieve breakthrough. Someone mentioned about the hefty price tag of platinum membership but I am really considering after I bring my wife to another UPW event or to Business Mastery. While it’s through that the content is available on youtube, I felt that the experience onsite is just amazing... sharing with different people from different backgrounds with extremely high stamina and energy made it an experience worth remembering. It came at a right time when I am ready to up my game and leverage my success/momentum. Plus it saved my relationship. So i would pay 15x over by gifting this experience to close friends!
Well said! It did the same for me, got me out of my own way...
I also attended UPW. because my friend did not wanted to go alone. First day I was surprised by the dancing and hugging but I decided to keep an open mind. I had a lot of break throughs and destroy some limiting beliefs that i didn't even knew I had. I later took my husband who doesn't like all the dancing, massage, etc but I felt there was value to attending business mastery. We learned so much about ourselves, our relationship and our business. Our business grew 33%, our relationship was elevated to extraordinary because we put new habits in place. We joined plat and it has been one of the best year of our lives. We travel around the world with our new plat friend, We are living life in our own term. Funny one of the best advice was stop suffering and live life in a beautiful state. We give more, we love more and we serve others more.
Very balanced and well articulated...There is a great deal of profound mentorship and support in far less frenetic and far more personal and beneficial settings. But somehow I would like to go just to experience it first hand simply for the phenomena it is. I know it would creep me out but I think I might find curiously entertaining.
Right on. I mean, really. Right on.
Hi there, I totally agree - there seems to be a lot of fluff, hoopla and dancing. No I've never been but I was thinking of going to Aust. NOT anymore. Cos all his videos I've watched - a whole lot of the fluff and 10,000 people?! It's too vague - his messaging. No, I'll save my money and work on my personal development on my own
Check out Dr. John DeMartini. He has a 2 day seminar called The Breakthrough Experience. I keep on hearing its better than Date with Destiny.....
I have been to both, Dr. J. Demaartini "Breakthrough Experience" and T. Robbins's "UPW." Definitely would recommend T. Robbins. Dr. Demartini's one is more expensive, about £1250 in London. UPW about £ 1000 0r £ 800 if you buy in advance. For me UPW was life-changing.
Demartini's Breakthrough has left me quite overwhelmed and slightly disappointed.
They are however both great men, who have a lot to share.
We all have different tastes, different needs, are at different points of our life. No one teacher, teaching can fit all.
BINGO. Thank you for pointing out that major disconnect.
Just watch on u tubes and save mucho time and money. DIY - do it yourself with pen and paper.
Killer article. I did buy "Get The Edge" and it ok. I never got the edge to go to one of his seminars... I like Tony's stuff but something never quite sat well with me about these ra-ra-events. Instead, I took a nice trip to the Dominican Republic and continued to listen to Tony on Tape. 🙂
You made the WISE choice, by far.
the trip to DR is over once you're back home.
The point of his seminars is everlasting change.
One is a purchase, the other an investment, that keeps on giving long after its over
Hi I just wanted to know did they refund your money?
silly question... of course not. Loads of people would have walked out if they thought they could get a refund. I'm sure that's precisely (at least in part) why he felt "empowered". He wasn't driven by the money he paid, he wasn't going to "tough-it-out" 'cause he paid 2K, (as I'm sure many of them did) he was driven by his personal commitment and what HE wanted to get out of it, not what Robbins wanted him to get.
TR's refund policy is this: providing attendees who have registered stay for 1.5 days of the seminar, and are still unhappy and want a refund, they will get one.
Of course he did! As did my sister!
I loved the seminar. Same blood but not the same experience...which is perfectly fine...we are all different.
I felt the exact same way!! I just walked out of the session in Singapore!!
My boss was at that seminar in Singapore, and my working life is now insane as a consequence! Seriously considering resignation right now...
What made it so insane? Just curious.....
I fully respect your opinion and enjoyed reading it. I'm not trying to defend the event, as I've never gone, and I understand why you left.
But at the same time, your personal development day seemed like a dud.
The seminar inspired you to what?
discuss personal development with a friend for 3 hours,
Record yourself discussing personal development for an hour and a half,
Read about personal development,
and then discuss personal issues for another hour.
Sounds like lots of talking and not a lot of action.
It's very easy to have conversations and make plans. I'm not saying it's bad, just that it's easy.
It's action that brings change.
For many people, is not most people---those things he mentioned doing are taking action.
No everyone has to take action in the same ways or at the same time.
Thank you for your post. Ive checked out TR on utube. I tend to lean towards your way of thinking. I ended up calling a coaching program to get some help and enlightenment with some deep issues and ended up enrolled in a coaching coarse the ultimately cost me $30, 000. I dont regret it although i still dont feel prepared enough and it has left me financialy strapped. Most likely my own issues with money, and i also felt it was also about selling. Every time you turn around someone is trying to sell you something, frankly it makes me a bit sick. Also i feel the deep blocks in a person need to be resolved and worked out first, its like taking medicine for an issue that justs masks the problem but doesnt take care of the real issue. If you get rid of blocks then the path i feel is more to achieve the dreams with the help of the universe of course. Just needed to share.
Great article!! Some of us don't need this type of seminar. There are so many inspiring people to learn and grow and have a seminar with. I met some TR admirers and they act like there is no other person in the world. Don't get me wrong I liked some presentations of TR on youtube. Helped me a lot.