Awaken the Giant Within & Re-Awaken the Giant Within by Anthony Robbins

In this empowering episode of Mind Set in Stone Podcasts, Dave and Poppy dive into Awaken the Giant Within and Re-Awaken the Giant Within by Anthony Robbins, two transformative works on unlocking personal power and creating lasting change. 

They discuss Robbins' strategies for mastering emotions, setting powerful goals, and cultivating the mindset needed to achieve true fulfilment. This episode is packed with practical advice and motivational insights, ideal for anyone ready to take control of their life and realise their potential. 

Join us for an inspiring conversation that will encourage you to awaken the giant within!

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Mind Set in Stone Podcasts. If you enjoyed our deep dive, be sure to subscribe and leave us a review! Share your thoughts with us on social media, and let us know which book you’d like us to explore next. Until next time, keep your mind set in stone and your curiosity open.

This has been a Big L Riz Media Podcast—where big ideas meet lasting impressions.

Transcript

Welcome to Mind Set in Stone Podcasts, where we dive deep into the most compelling books on the shelf. Join hosts Dave and Poppy as they uncover the stories, themes, and ideas that shape our understanding and inspire curiosity. Get ready to explore the big ideas that leave a lasting impact.

Let's get started.

Ever dream of trading in your old beat-up car for a helicopter?

Oh, yeah. Well, who hasn't?

That's the kind of transformation Anthony Robbins is talking about in Awaken the Giant Within. And that's exactly what we're diving into today. We're going beyond just feeling pumped up though.

This deep dive is about understanding how to grab the reins of your life and steer it in the direction you want.

It's about taking control.

Exactly.

Robbins provides a toolkit, a master system he calls it, for understanding the forces behind our actions.

Right.

It all boils down to the decisions we make, the beliefs we hold, and the values that drive us.

The first thing that really struck me was how Robbins elevates the simple act of making a decision to something powerful.

He calls it the pathway to power.

Oh, interesting.

And argues that many of us are stuck in what he calls the Niagara syndrome.

The Niagara syndrome.

Like a raft caught in a current. We drift along in life, letting external forces dictate our path.

So, we're not really in control. We're just going with the flow.

Before we know it, we're right at the edge of a waterfall.

Oh no.

Headed for a crash.

That's a scary thought.

It is.

It's like we're passengers on a bus, just going along for the ride.

Right.

Instead of taking the wheel.

Exactly. And what's fascinating is that so many of our decisions are made unconsciously.

Really?

Especially those big ones.

Like what?

About what we believe about ourselves. Or what we're willing to tolerate.

Interesting.

These can steer our lives in ways we don't even realize.

So, if we want to break free from this Niagara syndrome and really take control.

Yes.

Robbins says the answer lies in making more conscious decisions, right?

Precisely.

Okay.

He suggests actively flexing that decision-making muscle.

I like that, flexing that muscle.

Starting with small choices.

Okay.

Even something as simple as choosing to finally clean up that cluttered desk.

You know, I've been meaning to do that.

These small acts of decision-making build momentum. Yeah. And empower us to take charge.

And that empowerment can ripple out to bigger decisions. Committing to a new health goal. Or pursuing a dream you've been putting off.

It's about shifting from being reactive to being proactive.

Right. I see.

What really stood out to me was how Robbins connects our beliefs to our actions.

Okay.

He says, beliefs are like commands.

Like orders.

Almost like internal programming. That dictates what we think is possible.

So, it's like we're programmed to think a certain way.

It's like having an internal GPS system that's guiding us.

Okay.

But sometimes that GPS is outdated and sending us down the wrong roads.

I've definitely been there.

And sometimes it's not even leading us towards our intended destination.

Oh, that's frustrating.

I love that question Robbins asks.

Which one?

What would I have to believe to succeed in this area?

Oh yeah, that's a good one.

It challenges us to reexamine those limiting beliefs.

And identify the ones that are holding us back.

It's about identifying the beliefs that would empower us to move forward. To reach our goals.

Right.

It's like upgrading that outdated GPS.

To a newer model.

To one that knows best routes to get us where we want to go.

So how do we actually change those deep-seated beliefs?

That's the big question, isn't it?

This is where things get really interesting.

Robbins dives into how our beliefs are built on references.

References.

Which are basically the experiences we've had in our lives.

Oh, okay.

And here's the kicker.

What's that?

Our nervous systems can't tell the difference.

Between what?

Between a vividly imagined experience and a real one.

Really?

Robbins highlights the example of Olympic athletes.

Okay.

Who use visualization techniques.

Right.

To improve their performance.

They visualize winning.

They vividly imagine themselves winning the race.

Okay.

And their nervous system reacts as if it's actually happening.

Wow. That's amazing.

So, we can actually change our beliefs.

By using our imagination.

And reprogram our nervous systems for success.

That's incredible.

By consciously choosing the references we focus on. Even if those references are imagined.

So, we can create our own references.

It's like creating a mental highlight reel of successes.

Before they even happen.

Exactly.

That's powerful.

It's about leveraging the power of visualization to shape our beliefs.

And ultimately our actions.

It's a powerful tool that many successful people utilize.

From beliefs, Robbins moves on to mastering emotions. Something I think we can all relate to.

He talks about action signals.

Okay.

Which are the emotions that drive us to act.

Oh, interesting.

Understanding our own unique emotional patterns.

All right.

Is crucial to understanding why we do the things we do.

And sometimes those emotional patterns aren't serving us, right?

Unfortunately, that's true.

So, Robbins suggests trying out different labels for our emotions. He does. For example, swapping frustrated for fascinating.

It may seem like a small tweak. Yeah. But the words we use have a powerful impact on our emotional state.

That's fascinating.

One of my favorite examples from the book.

Tell me about it.

Is when Robbins describes his own struggle with anger.

Oh, wow.

He realized that the label angry.

Yeah.

Was escalating his emotional state.

Interesting.

Making him feel more and more out of control.

So, he had to find a way to calm down.

So, he started using the word fascinated instead.

Instead of angry.

Yes.

What happened?

The simple act of changing his language.

Yeah.

Helped him deescalate the situation.

So, it worked.

To step back from the brink of anger. Wow. And gain perspective.

That's amazing.

He was able to shift his focus.

From what to what?

From feeling overwhelmed by anger.

Okay.

To becoming curious about the situation.

That's incredible.

Not by changing the word he used. He was able to shift his entire experience.

It makes you think.

It does.

About the words we use in our own lives. And whether they're empowering us or holding us back.

Exactly. It's about becoming aware of our language patterns. And choosing words that create a more positive and empowering emotional experience.

Robbins then goes on to discuss values. Which he sees as the compass guiding our lives.

Our internal compass.

They determine what we move towards and what we move away from.

He differentiates between moving toward values.

Things we want in our lives.

And moving away from values.

Things we want to avoid.

Think of it like this. Imagine two magnets.

Okay, two magnets.

One representing what you want.

Right.

And the other representing what you fear.

I see.

Both are pulling you in different directions.

Interesting.

Our decisions are often the result of these competing forces.

So, it's a tug of war.

In a way, yeah.

He uses the example of fear of rejection.

Yes, a classic moving away from value.

Which can be such a powerful moving away from value.

Absolutely.

That it stops us from taking risks.

Right.

And going after what we truly want.

It's like an invisible fence that keeps us trapped in our comfort zones.

Preventing us from growing.

Preventing us from exploring new possibilities. And reaching our full potential.

This resonates with me. Because I know I've let fear hold me back in the past.

We all have at some point.

Have you ever felt that pull of fear?

No, absolutely.

Preventing you from taking a leap of faith.

It's a common human experience.

Robbins reminds us that we have the power.

We do.

To examine our values. And make sure they're aligned with the life we want to create.

It's about taking stock of our internal compass.

Yeah.

And making sure it's pointing us in the direction we want to go.

One of the most thought-provoking ideas Robbins presents.

Which one is that?

Is the concept of the rules we live by.

Oh, yes. The rules.

He argues that we all have these unspoken rules. We do. For happiness, success, love, and so on.

Right. But there's a catch.

What's that?

These rules are often arbitrary.

Meaning what?

And can create unnecessary frustration. He tells a story about a man.

Okay.

Whose only rule for feeling successful was being above ground.

Being above ground.

It's a humorous anecdote.

I can imagine.

But it highlights how simple our rules for happiness can be.

It makes you wonder.

It does, doesn't it?

What are the rules we've unconsciously set for ourselves?

Right.

And are they truly serving us?

That's the key question.

Are they empowering us?

Or are they holding us back? It's about challenging those self-imposed limitations.

I like that.

And asking ourselves if our rules are based on truth.

Okay.

Or on limiting beliefs that we've picked up along the way.

This leads us to Robbins' concept of identity.

Yes.

The core of who we believe ourselves to be.

He emphasizes how our identity shapes our actions.

And ultimately, our destiny.

He highlights the power of the Pygmalion Effect.

The Pygmalion Effect.

Which shows how our beliefs about ourselves Okay. can become self-fulfilling prophecies.

Interesting.

If we believe we are capable, Yeah. we are more likely to act in ways that lead to success.

That makes sense.

Conversely, if we believe we are limited, we are more likely to sabotage our efforts.

So, our beliefs really do shape our reality.

Robbins shares the inspiring story of Marva Collins.

Who's that?

A teacher who instilled a powerful sense of identity in her students.

Oh, wow.

Even those labeled as unteachable.

She believed in them?

She believed in their potential.

Yeah, and she treated them accordingly.

As a result, they flourished.

That's amazing.

Proving that our beliefs about ourselves and others can have a profound impact. Absolutely.

This is a great place to take a quick pause.

All right.

We'll be right back.

Sounds good.

To continue our deep dive into Awaken the Giant Within.

I'm ready.

And explore how Robbins' insights can help us transform our physical well-being relationships and financial destinies.

Looking forward to it.

Welcome back to our deep dive into Anthony Robbins' Awaken the Giant Within.

Glad to be back.

Before the break, we were exploring the power of identity and how our beliefs about ourselves shape our reality.

Absolutely.

Now, let's shift gears and talk about something a bit more tangible, our physical well-being.

Our bodies.

Robbins goes beyond the usual eat your veggies and exercise advice, doesn't he?

He does. He goes much deeper than that.

He emphasizes the importance of understanding our metabolism and how to train it effectively.

It's not just about what we eat, but how our bodies use that fuel.

He dives into the differences between aerobic and anaerobic exercise and how to use both to optimize our fitness.

It's about finding the right balance for your body.

He shares a fascinating example.

Which one?

Of Stu Middleman.

Stu Middleman, the ultra-marathoner.

An ultra marathoner who ran 1,000 miles without injury.

That's incredible.

Middleman's secret?

Of all years.

He focused on metabolic training, assuring his body could efficiently use energy.

So, he was optimizing his body's fuel system.

Even during extreme physical challenges.

Like having a high-performance engine.

It's a great example of how pushing our physical limits requires more than just brute force.

You need strategy.

It demands an understanding of how our bodies work.

Robbins' approach to health and fitness isn't just about looking good in a swimsuit.

No, it's about so much more than that.

It's about cultivating energy and vitality to live life to the fullest.

Absolutely.

It's about maximizing our physical potential.

So, we can do the things we want to do.

So, we can tackle those challenges and pursue those adventures that inspire us.

Speaking of connections...

Okay, what about them?

Let's dive into Robbins' insights on relationships.

Alright, love and all that.

He offers six principles for building strong lasting bonds.

Six principles.

And one that really resonated with me is the idea of focusing on what you love about your partner daily.

It's so easy to forget to do that.

It's so easy to get caught up in the daily grind and overlook those little things.

The little things that matter.

That make us appreciate our partners.

Robbins stresses the importance of actively cultivating appreciation.

Of making that conscious effort to notice and acknowledge the good.

It's like making a deposit in the emotional bank account of the relationship.

I like that analogy.

Building up a reserve of goodwill and appreciation.

Another principle that stood out to me is the idea of never threatening the relationship itself.

Oh, that's an important one.

Even during heated arguments.

It's about creating a safe space.

Where both partners feel secure.

And respected.

Even when disagreements arise.

Arguments are inevitable in any relationship.

That's true.

But it's how we handle those conflicts.

Right.

That determines whether they strengthen or weaken the bond.

It reminds me of the importance of choosing your battles wisely.

Picking your battles.

And focusing on resolving the issue at hand. Yes. Rather than attacking the person.

Exactly. It's about shifting from a win-lose mentality.

To a win-win approach.

Where both partners feel heard.

And understood.

Now, let's talk about something that many of us grapple with.

Okay, what's that?

Finances.

Money, money, money.

Robbins' perspective on wealth creation is intriguing.

What does he say?

He says it's not just about working hard.

There's more to it.

It's about adding value. Adding value. He uses a powerful analogy of economic alchemy.

Economic alchemy.

The process of transforming something ordinary into something extraordinary.

Like turning lead into gold.

Take silicon, for example.

Okay, it's a whole ton.

It's derived from sand.

Sand.

A relatively inexpensive resource.

Right.

But through human ingenuity and technology, that sand is transformed into silicon chips.

The brains in our computers.

The backbone of the modern digital world.

So, it's about taking something common and making it valuable.

It's the ability to add value, to transform the mundane into something valuable.

That creates wealth.

Robbins believes we all possess the potential for this economic alchemy.

That's encouraging.

Regardless of our background or circumstances.

So, anyone can do it.

It's about finding ways to contribute, to solve problems, to create something that benefits others.

And in doing so, we not only create wealth for ourselves, but also make a positive impact on the world. All of this talk about transformation.

It's exciting, isn't it?

You can feel exciting.

But it can also be a bit overwhelming.

I can see that.

The good news is, Robbins doesn't advocate for an all-or-nothing approach.

So, it's not about changing everything overnight.

He emphasizes taking small steps.

Okay.

Making gradual progress toward our goal.

One step at a time.

He talks about the power of momentum.

Momentum, like a snowball effect.

How even small actions, repeated consistently, can build up to significant change.

It's about consistency over time.

It's like that old saying. Which one? A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

It's about focusing on those small wins.

Celebrating those incremental achievements.

To keep us motivated.

And letting that positive reinforcement fuel our motivation.

He also stresses the importance of reframing setbacks.

Setbacks are inevitable.

Instead of viewing them as failures, he encourages us to see them as opportunities.

For learning and growth.

It's about developing that resilient mindset.

Understanding that setbacks are inevitable.

But they don't have to define us

One of my favorite quotes from the book is, Oh, let's hear it. Success truly is the result of good judgment. Good judgment is the result of experience.

And experience is often the result of bad judgment.

So, we learn from our mistakes.

Robbins' message is one of empowerment.

Reminding us that we have the capacity to overcome any obstacle.

Achieve any goal.

Now, to make this transformation tangible.

Right.

Robbins provides a wealth of practical tools and techniques.

He doesn't just leave us hanging.

He talks about setting clear, compelling goals.

Yes, goals are crucial.

And breaking them down into manageable steps.

To avoid feeling overwhelmed.

One step at a time.

He also highlights the importance of establishing rituals and routines.

Rituals and routines.

That support our goals.

Make it part of our daily lives.

Making those positive actions a part of our daily lives.

One of the most powerful tools Robbins introduces.

What's that?

Is the concept of neuro-associative conditioning.

Neuro-associative conditioning.

For NSC.

NSC, okay.

It's a six-step process for creating lasting change.

Six steps, sorry.

In any area of our lives.

Interesting.

The first step is to decide what we truly want.

So, getting clear about our goal.

To get crystal clear about our desires.

Robbins points out that many of us have only a vague sense of what we want.

I can relate to that.

But haven't taken the time to define it specifically.

Then we need to get leverage on ourselves.

Leverage.

This means honestly associating massive pain to not changing.

Okay.

And massive pleasure to change it.

So, we need a strong motivation.

We need to tap into our deepest motivations. Right.

The why behind the goal.

That burning why.

That will fuel our efforts.

The third step is to interrupt those limiting patterns.

Limiting patterns like bad habits.

Those negative thoughts and behaviors that are holding us back.

Robbins suggests a variety of techniques for this.

Like what?

From changing our language, to changing our physical posture.

Interesting.

It's about disrupting those automatic, often unconscious responses.

As things we do without thinking.

That no longer service.

Once we've interrupted those limiting patterns.

Then what?

We can create a new empowering alternative.

So, we replace the bad with the good.

This step is about designing a new set of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that align with our goals and values.

And then we need to condition those new patterns.

Conditioning, like training.

Until they become consistent.

Making them a habit.

Making them so ingrained that they become our new default mode.

Robbins emphasizes the power of repetition.

Repetition is key.

And emotional intensity in creating lasting change.

The more we practice those new patterns, the more natural they become.

The final step is to test those new patterns.

Testing, okay.

To put them into practice in real life situation.

And see how they work.

And gather feedback.

It's about remaining adaptable.

Making adjustments as needed.

Realizing that personal growth is an ongoing journey.

This NAC process is incredibly powerful.

It sounds like it.

Because it gives us a framework for tackling any area where we feel stuck.

Any area

Whether it's procrastination, unhealthy habits, or limiting beliefs.

A central theme woven through Awaken the Giant Within is the idea of taking radical responsibility for our own lives.

Radical responsibility.

Robbins challenges us to stop blaming external circumstances.

So, we can't blame others for our problems.

And to recognize the power we have.

The power we have to do what?

To choose our thoughts.

Okay.

Our beliefs, our actions.

And ultimately, our destinies.

He emphasizes that happiness is a choice.

Happiness is a choice.

A state of mind that we cultivate.

Not something that just happens to us.

He encourages us to focus on being the cause in our lives.

The cause.

Rather than just dealing with the effects.

What does that mean?

Instead of simply trying to change our circumstances.

Okay.

We need to understand the underlying beliefs and values.

That are creating those circumstances.

It's like a gardener tending to the roots of a plant.

I like that analogy.

If we only focus on the leaves and flowers.

We might miss the underlying issues.

We might miss the underlying issues that are preventing the plant from thriving.

Robbins provides us with tools to understand those deeper levels.

To get to the root of the problem.

To become aware of the unconscious patterns that are shaping our lives.

And once we have that awareness.

Then what?

We can start to make changes from the ground up.

Building a stronger foundation.

Creating a more solid foundation for growth and transformation.

Now, let's bring this back to you, the listener.

Okay, back to the listener.

Take a moment to think about an area in your life where you're facing a challenge.

Maybe it's related to your health, your relationships, your finances, or your career.

What are the effects you're trying to change?

Right.

And more importantly, Yes. What might be the underlying causes?

The root of the problem.

The beliefs, values, or rules.

That are contributing to those challenges.

It's like we're peeling back the layers of an onion.

To get to the core.

As we delve deeper into Awaken the Giant Within. It's clear that Robbins' message is about empowering us.

To take control.

To become the architects of our own lives.

Designing our own destiny.

He encourages us to shift our focus.

From what? To what?

From what's holding us back.

Okay.

To what's possible.

To see the potential.

To see the potential within ourselves.

And in every situation.

It's like upgrading from a black and white television.

To a color TV.

To a high-definition color screen.

Suddenly a whole new world of possibilities opens up.

Robbins reminds us that we are not defined by our past.

Our past doesn't have to dictate our future.

Mistakes or limitations.

We can learn from our mistakes.

We are not the labels others may have placed upon us.

We are more than just labels.

We have the power to choose who we want to be.

And to create a life that aligns with our values and aspirations.

He challenges us to step outside our comfort zones.

To push our boundaries.

To embrace the unknown.

And to believe in our capacity to achieve extraordinary things.

It's a message of hope, possibility, and empowerment. I know some people might find Robbins' approach a bit too optimistic.

A little too rah-rah.

Or even a little cheesy.

But I think it's important to remember.

What's that?

That he's not advocating for ignoring the realities of life.

So, it's not about pretending everything is perfect.

Or pretending that challenges don't exist.

His message is about choosing to focus on solutions.

Rather than dwelling on problems.

It's about recognizing the power we have.

The power to do what?

To influence our own thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

We have more control than we think.

It's about taking responsibility for our own happiness and well-being.

Even in the face of adversity. Robbins emphasizes that we have more control over our internal world.

Our thoughts and feelings.

Than we often realize.

And by cultivating a positive and proactive mindset.

Right.

We can navigate those challenges more effectively.

And create a more fulfilling life.

What I find truly inspiring about Robbins.

Yeah.

Is his genuine passion for helping others.

He goes beyond just being a motivational speaker.

His work extends to philanthropy and social change.

He's founded several organizations dedicated to empowering people.

And addressing issues like hunger and poverty.

He's not just talking the talk.

He walks the walk.

He's not just talking about making a difference.

He's actively working to create positive change in the world.

And in doing so, he inspires countless others to take action. To contribute to making the world a better place.

As we wrap up our deep dive into Awaken the Giant Within.

Hey, time to summarize.

I want to highlight a few key takeaways.

All right, let's hear them.

For our listeners, The main points.

First and foremost, The most important thing.

Remember that change is possible.

Change is always possible.

No matter where you are in your journey.

You can always make a change.

You have the power within you to transform any area of your life.

Don't underestimate your own power.

And don't let fear paralyze you.

Fear can be crippling.

Even the smallest step in the right direction.

Any step is better than no step.

Can create a ripple effect.

Like a domino effect.

Setting in motion a chain of positive changes. It's important to remember that you're not alone on this journey.

You're all in this together.

Robbins' book provides a road map.

A guide to help you.

A set of tools and strategies to guide you along the way.

But the real magic happens.

When what happens?

When you take action.

When you put those ideas into practice.

An experiment to discover what works best for you.

And never ever give up on your dreams.

Dreams are important.

The world needs your unique gifts and talents.

Everyone has something special to offer.

Each of us has something special to offer.

A unique contribution to make.

So, if there's one thing, I hope you take away from this deep dive.

The one big takeaway.

It's this.

What is it?

You have the power to awaken the giant within you.

Embrace your potential.

Embrace that power.

Choose to live a life of purpose.

Passion and fulfillment.

We encourage you to explore the resources mentioned in this episode.

And most importantly, Take action. To take action and start creating the life you truly deserve.

You deserve to be happy.

And remember, as Robbins so aptly puts it, One last quote. It's not what we can do, but what we will do that makes us great.

Words to live by.

Until next time.

See you then.

Keep diving deep. We hope you're leaving with fresh insights and a spark of inspiration. Remember to subscribe, leave a review, and check back for more episodes as we dive into new worlds of thought, one book at a time.

Until then, keep your mind set in stone and your curiosity open. This has been a Big L Riz Media Podcast, where big ideas meet lasting impressions.