7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
A bit too simple. But inspiring, funny, and empowering, February 8, 2004
This review is from: PowerTalk!: The Master Key to Personal Transformation (Audio Cassette)
In his usual playful, motivating, and exciting tone, Anthony Robbins begins his tape with a question nobody can ever fully answer: "Who are you?"
Robbins presents a simple approach to expansion: the idea that if you want a better life, you need to define who you are right now, and act that way. Eventually, the outside world will begin to reflect what's going on inside via positive reinforcement. In a nutshell, his approach parallels an AA saying: "Fake it till ya make it."
Clearly, Anthony did this himself as an overweight loser years ago, and he presents general evidence that others have as well (drugs addicts who left the drug scene when they no longer defined themselves as drug addicts). Psychologically, he backs up this approach to personal development with the need that we all have to match our behavior to our identity - even if that identity is a negative one. By deciding to expand our identity, we can change our behavior - and ultimately, our destiny.
His message is both empowering, and overly simplistic. Based on one little experience, we often label ourselves - as well as others - stupid, ugly, a failure. By choosing to expand our identity, we can break these distorted barriers. This idea has tons of scientific merit thanks to Albert Ellis, Aaron T. Beck, and Dave Burns. Self-Esteem, by Matthew McKay, also thorougly describes this distortion (Chapter Five: Cognitive Distortions).
At the same time, behavior is not as simple as what one labels oneself, or a matter of reinforcement from the outside world. Unlucky genes, disabilities, and unjust social circumstances often influence the options available to you. Robbins fails to acknowledge this.
Finally, Robbins seems a bit biased towards expansion, achievement, and the traditional symbols of success. Great empowerment can be felt in accepting and embracing your limitations rather than trying to change them. Again, Self-Esteem seems to present a more holistic view of labels based on objectivity and acceptance, while also allowing for expansion and change.
Despite the faults, Anthony Robbins' tape his highly inspiring, motivating and entertaining. He can lift your spirits no matter what's going on. And, he always points you in the direction of possibility rather than limitation - a far more effective paradigm than pessimism.
Ironically, the second cassette is a casual conversation with Dr. Wayne Dyer. Wayne Dyer, as many know, seems to disregard labels altogether. Instead, he solely identifies as a "spiritual being having a human experience." This allows him to transcend any cultural labels while also respecting the limitations of his physical body. It's a more difficult way to identify yourself, but I think it's more empowering.
The interview explains Dyer's evolution as a person, writer, and speaker. He speaks of how he distributed his first book, Your Erroneous Zones and ultimately ended up on the bestseller lists through his own traveling and touring around the country on countless radio stations. In addition, he talks about the lessons his father gave him from his alcoholic lifestyle. The forgiving of his father marked a new journey for him, to the disappointment of his other family members who were fraught with hate. Forgiveness has been a constant theme in Dyer's work, and it seems to stem from that fateful day he forgave his father. In addition, his views on health and his general lifestyle are discussed in a lively, fun, and comedic way. You'll listen to this interview many times - if only for the humor.
I really enjoyed these tapes. They're inspiring, funny, and enlightening. But balance Robbins' optimism with a reading of Steven Pinker's The Blank Slate.
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12 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Interview with Dr. Wayne Dyer is superb!, April 27, 1998
This review is from: PowerTalk!: The Master Key to Personal Transformation (Audio Cassette)
As an author, therapist and a college educator I routinely recommend Tony's interview with Wayne Dyer to my students and clients. In fact, I often play that section of the tape for my classes. Wayne Dyer reveals the tremendous work he put into marketing his book YOUR ERRONEOUS ZONES to make it the best selling book of the decade. Nevertheless, it didn't seem like work inasmuch as he was doing what he loved, rather then trying to make money. The tape espouses the myth: Success is merely good luck . . . just ask any failure. If you want to learn to believe in yourself and follow your dream then this interview is for you. I highly recommend the interview to all aspiring authors when I give seminars on "How to Publish Your Book." Very lively and humorous.
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