Talking about this event is difficult. I’ve spent weeks distilling my experience here for you all. Tony Robbins’ Unleash the Power Within, a $1,000 4-day event that can supposedly break through any psychological, medical, or physical barrier you can imagine sounds
exciting, eye-opening, impossible, ludicrous, awe-inspiring, ridiculous, foolish, manipulative, and cultish.
The event is so malleable to help anyone that it fits into any preconception. These preconceptions only hit me because I posted this photo and forgot about it.
I was swiftly reminded of this photo when I arrived home and felt overwhelmed by aunties concerned that I’d been sucked in, cousins asking if I’d gone mad, and very curious or confused friends. I’d explained myself about 50 times and felt buried under all the ideas of what the event might be. What made this heavier was that I struggled to summarise WHY I felt so strongly about my experience. It was like explaining why a card trick was so jaw-dropping without knowing how to even shuffle a deck. I realize now, that explaining the show falls flat, but what those interested understand is a highly contagious excitement about life.
Leaving the event is empowering. Not only because I could finally get a full night’s rest but because I had an unwavering draw towards achieving goals I had put off as more I hadn’t bothered writing down. Now, after the dust had settled, the words my girlfriend told me linger. “You’re the same person I had a crush on 3 years ago.”
Yes, the event is eye-opening, awe-inspiring, AND ridiculous. Tony has honed in his event so carefully that it flows like a wonderfully ludicrous magic performance. Listening to a weak explanation of the sleight of hand manipulation and impossible stunts only discourages letting yourself be fooled by the thrilling live experience.