Awaken the Giant Within

A different type of inspiration for today’s RA Favorite Book, motivation to how you live your life!  Yes, self-help time.  The quintessential motivational speaker provides his life lessons on “being who you can become” in life in Awaken the Giant Within by Tony Robbins.  This 1991 published book provides lessons that are embedded in all I learned through the NYU Life Coaching program I took in 2005.  Robbins is the life coach for the stars and every CEO who has made millions, or at least he says he has.  The book is broken into four parts: unleash your power; taking control-the master system; the seven days to shape your life; and a lesson in destiny.  Robbins stories are grounded in well-known people (celebrities, athletes, politicians, military heroes, and yes, the common person who has overcome great adversity).  His own story of growing up poor, working hard with no direction, is the perfect foundation for others to view themselves through.  He has compelling arguments and his suggestions make… perfect sense.  I did get a little worried when he said he actually counsels people (he has no formal training).  Other criticisms include: his use of some border-line sexist language and examples (hey its 19991, does that make it ok?).  I also am not sure how much he notes that changing thinking, I mean REALLY changing your thinking is really hard work.  I think he presents plans and gives the impression that it is easy… how come the 1% has the vast majority of power/money/wealth in society today.   He provides the seven areas to focus on change: Emotions, Physical well-being, Relationships; Financial; Conduct of Self; Use of Time; and Relaxation.  The book serves as a workbook, where you capture your thoughts, goals, aspirations, emotions, etc. (serving as a journal of sorts).  The most compelling area of Robbin’s work is his suggestion for mastery in the area of emotions.  Here are his steps:  1.) Identify what you’re really feeling 2.) Acknowledge and appreciate your emotions, knowing they support you 3.) Get curious about the message this emotion is offering you 4.) Get confident 5.) Get certain you can handle this not only today, but in the future as well 6.) Get excited, and take action.  All of this is great, smart and worthwhile advice.  My favorite Robbins acronym: CANI – Constant and Never-ending Improvement.  Shouldn’t we all be looking to have that happen in our lives?  Overall, a long read, but flows as you think through who you want to be, connecting your values to your actions, documenting as you go along.  Why shouldn’t we want to reflect on being better, having better relationships, seek to understand others, take care of your health, be there for others, and connect to a spiritual side of life.  All so important.  I think everyone should read a book like this, but I would suggest timing is important, i.e. are you ready to put in the work to get to where one could be a better person?  Pick it up!