Sometimes it seems like everybody’s looking for something to believe in.
Last week, in Dallas, Texas, dozens of people found themselves believing in motivational speaker Tony Robbins, who was helping them by leading a self-help seminar.
Reuters reported that the event, entitled Unleash The Power Within, ended with 30 to 40 people discovering that burning coals will burn you if you stand on them for too long. Their fire walk may indeed have unleashed the power within but it also unleashed the emergency services and put five people in a hospital’s burns unit.
I have no idea who Tony Robbins is and the thought of spending valuable seconds Googling him just made me eat another Jelly Baby instead. However, on the off-chance he is holidaying in Courier Country and reads this, I will say I do not wish to impugn his character and I’m open to the possibility he has unshackled forces inside his clients in a dramatic and rewarding way.
I am, however, interested in motivational speakers, polished management consultants and, generally, anyone spreading a simple message that will solve all your woes. Like “Brexit”.
You know the type. They use meaningless phrases like “on a going-forward basis” and “deep dive” but never seem to say anything. They talk about working together, then roll up their sleeves in a matey way, revealing a healthy tan and a watch worth more than your last three cars combined. Sometimes they smile like they’ve just eaten a kitten.
Tony Robbins’ website promises to help clients “break through any limit” with his three-day seminar. I just feel sad that some people are so lacking in motivation that they will try to buy it.
We’ve all been at a low ebb, seeking something to believe in. Maybe it was a political soundbite, or a fad diet, or a horoscope that suggested space energy would make us find love.
The truth is there are no easy answers. We just need to get out of bed and get stuff done the best we can, if we can.
Damn. I should be running seminars with this material.