Tony Robbins asks why we do what we do

While I'm not a devoted follower of Tony Robbins, I did find this particular talk to be quite insightful. His talk focuses on why we fail to accomplish goals--what separates those who succeed from those who fail. The defiining factor is 'resourcefulness', which he defines as the ability to 'find a way'. Emotional fitness or 'psychological strength' is the differentiator amongst people--he points to Lance Armstrong as a model.

What are you going to focus on? This creates emotion (negative or positive, happy or sad). Perception is all (do we view circumstances as proof of negative beliefs or an exciting challenge or merely a roll of the dice?) Our model of the world filters our experiences. The way to change the world is to understand the model of the world held by others.

Tony defines 6 'human needs':
Certainty
Variety
Significance
Connection/Love
Growth
Contribute to others

Which of these 6 needs is an individual's strongest driver is what shapes his/her decisions and ultimately determine the course of their lives.

He uses one exercise in which he asks people to envision the decisions that they would make if they faced death-today. How many of us would make different choices? Would we spend more time with loved ones, take the trip we have spoken of for years? How many of us can honestly say that we wouldn't change a thing?

What feeds our souls?
The last 2 items are what feed the soul, and what Robbins believes shaped his life and shapes the life of those who are successful and happy. Giving back to others may be a cliche but it is one based in truth.

Listen and learn from one who truly has traveled the route from 'rags to riches' and endeavors to show others the path.