Bring Your Whole Self To Work

In our desire to support those around us, we often offer suggestions, advice, and feedback.  And while this can be helpful and necessary at times, what’s usually most important, especially these days, is our ability to hold space.  On this episode, I talk about what it means to hold space, why it can be challenging, and some specific ways we can do it effectively for others, as well as for ourselves.   Resources: We’re All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Blog Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on Twitter Mike Robbins on Instagram Esther Perel Cy Wakeman The Importance of Showing Up (podcast episode)  

We’re encouraged in our society to be strong and confident, and not to be fragile.  While this makes sense, especially in our professional lives, we have someho bought into the erroneous notion that being sensitive is problematic and even weak.  On this episode, I talk about the important distinction between sensitivity and fragility.  I also talk about how important it is for us to embrace our sensitivity and tap into it as the superpower that it can be.   Resources: We’re All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Blog Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on Twitter Mike Robbins on Instagram Antifragile, by Nassim Nicholas Taleb  

We live in a culture that is obsessed with winning - in business, sports, school, and life.  And while I definitely prefer to win than to lose, there is often a real paradox in our pursuit of success.  When we get so obsessed with the outcome, we can lose perspective and forget what we’re truly wanting to accomplish and experience in the process.  On this episode I talk about some of the things that make our desire to win challenging.  I also share some ways we can alter our relationship to winning that can actually lead to more authentic success and ultimately to a real sense of contentment.   Resources: We’re All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Blog Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on Twitter Mike Robbins on Instagram The Enneagram Will You Still Love Me if I Don’t Win, by Christopher Andersonn  

Our relationship with ourselves is the most important human relationship we have, yet it tends to be filled with self-criticism, neglect, and lack of kindness.  Being compassionate and loving towards ourselves, while challenging, is foundational in our ability to support, care for, and empower others.  On this episode, I talk about some of the reasons our relationship with ourselves can be difficult.  I also share some specific things we can do to love and appreciate ourselves, thus allowing us to have the kind of fulfillment, relationships, and success we truly want.   Resources: We’re All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Blog Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on Twitter Mike Robbins on Instagram

Inspiration is so important, but it can be elusive, especially with the frenetic pace of work and life these days.  For us to tap into the creativity necessary for our own success and fulfillment and that of our teams, it’s essential for us to create the space for inspiration.  On this episode, I talk about why this can be challenging, particularly right now, and some specific ways we can do it, both individually and collectively. Resources: We’re All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Blog Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on Twitter Mike Robbins on Instagram Glennon Doyle Elizabeth Gilbert’s TED Talk  

This week marks the third anniversary of when the pandemic took over life as we know it here in the United States.  So much has happened over the past three years…lots of pain, challenge, loss, and disruption.  And at the same time, there has been so much growth and resilience.  On this episode, I talk a bit about what we’ve been through, where we are now, and how we can move forward in a healthy, authentic, and successful way, especially given all that we’ve been through. Resources: We’re All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Blog Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on Twitter Mike Robbins on Instagram

Albert Einstein famously said, “There are only two ways to live your life.  One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.”  I had an experience last week that reminded me of the power of synchronicity.  On this episode, I talk about how prevalent synchronicities are and how important it is for us to tap into them, especially these days. Resources: We’re All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Blog Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on Twitter Mike Robbins on Instagram Steve Jobs’ Commencement Speech at Stanford  

I went to see a powerful one-man show this week in New York called Without You, by Anthony Rapp, the actor who originated the role of Mark in the musical Rent on Broadway.  Anthony shared a moving story in the show about dealing with the loss of his mother and being told that “the only way out is through,” regarding his grief journey.  This phrase and concept, while challenging at times, is so important for us to remember as we navigate various aspects of work, family, and life, especially these days.  On this episode, I talk about why it’s essential for us to lean into discomfort, even when it’s painful or scary.  I also share some specific things we can do individually and collectively to make our way effectively through hard things. Resources: We’re All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Blog Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on Twitter Mike Robbins on Instagram Mel Robbins website Mel Robbins podcast Without You (book), by Anthony Rapp Witho

Having a beginner's mind means we look at every situation we're placed in as if it's the first time we’re seeing it.  On this episode talk about how this concept is easier said than done, and why it’s so important to our growth, wellbeing, and success.  I also share some specific things we can do to cultivate this powerful approach at work and in life. Resources: We’re All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Blog Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on Twitter Mike Robbins on Instagram Mel Robbins website Mel Robbins podcast  

Work and life are filled with constant changes and challenges, especially these days.  Our ability to navigate through uncertainty and difficulty has a lot to do with our level of success and fulfillment, both personally and collectively.  On this episode, I talk about some of the ways life can throw punches at us, particularly right now.  I also share some specific things we can do to more effectively roll with the punches and not just survive, but actually thrive, regardless of the circumstances. Resources: We’re All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Blog Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on Twitter Mike Robbins on Instagram  

As I turn 49 years old this week, I’m thinking a lot about my age and age in general.  While age is just a number, it is a pretty significant one for most of us.  On this episode, I talk about some of the things that can make our relationship to our age complicated and challenging, especially in our society.  I also share some things we can do to make peace with ourselves and our age wherever we are in our journey of life. Resources: We’re All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Blog Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on Twitter Mike Robbins on Instagram Appreciate Your Age (video blog)  

There seems to be quite a bit of uncertainty and fear in the air these days, economically and otherwise. Even though we’ve been through so much uncertainty over the past few years (and throughout our lives), whenever it gets significant, it can cause quite a bit of stress and challenge.  On this episode, I talk about some of the things that make uncertainty difficult and scary. I also share some specific things we can do to more effectively navigate it ourselves and support those around us. Resources: We’re All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Blog Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on Twitter Mike Robbins on Instagram Don’t Freak Out (podcast episode)

For many reasons, both practical and emotional, it has been more challenging for us to connect with one another over the past few years.  And while things have improved on this front in recent months, it still seems more difficult for us to engage with one another these days both professionally and personally.  On this episode, I talk about some of these challenges, as well as how important it is for us to connect with each other and specific ways we can do that more effectively right now. Resources: We’re All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Blog Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on Twitter Mike Robbins on Instagram We Are Not Alone (podcast episode) The Importance of Showing up (podcast episode)

Trust, patience, and letting go of control are all things that are important to our success and wellbeing, and that of our relationships, families, and teams.  However, these things can be challenging.  On this episode, I talk about some of what makes them hard and I share specific ways for us to be more trusting and patient, and less controlling - both at work and at home.  Resources: We’re All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Blog Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on Twitter Mike Robbins on Instagram The Power of Patience (podcast episode) The Importance of Letting Go of Control (blog post)

I spent this past weekend at a wonderful meditation retreat.  Although I have had my own meditation practice for almost three decades and have been attending workshops of all kinds for years, this was the first time I’d been at a multi-day event like this.  I found being in silence as much as we were to be both challenging and enlightening.  There is so much power in silence, if we’re able to slow down and embrace it.  On this episode I talk about the importance of going within and how we can live, work, and relate to others in a mindful and conscious way when we embrace silence. Resources: We’re All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Blog Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on Twitter Mike Robbins on Instagram 1440 Multiversity Jon Kabat-Zinn Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Wisdom 2.0 Headspace

As the New Year gets underway there is a lot of focus on resolutions, goals, and intentions, which makes sense and can be both important and impactful.  However, what we’re usually wanting to experience with whatever healthy practices or desired achievements we focus on is feeling good about ourselves.  And what can often get in the way of our success and fulfillment is being harsh and critical of ourselves.  What if we started with self-kindness and made a commitment to be kind to ourselves, regardless of the circumstance, situation, or outcome?  On this episode, I talk about how important this is and I share some specific techniques for how to accept, appreciate, and have compassion for ourselves. Resources: We’re All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Blog Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on Twitter Mike Robbins on Instagram Mel Robbins podcast The High 5 Habit, by Mel Robbins Louise Hay Robert Holden Brene Brown New Year, Be You (blog post

Joy is something most of us want to experience in life, yet it can often be elusive.  For a number of reasons, especially these days, it is challenging to be joyful.  On this episode I talk about some of the specific things that make joy difficult.  I also share some ways we can more authentically and effectively experience joyfulness in our lives. Resources: We’re All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Blog Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on Twitter Mike Robbins on Instagram

Our ability to support and empower others, as well as create success and fulfillment in our lives has to do with if and how we show up.  For a number of reasons, especially these days, this isn’t always easy.  On this episode I share about some recent struggles and a tragic loss and what they have taught me about the importance of showing up.  I also talk about how we can show up for ourselves and others, even and especially when things are hard. Resources: We’re All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Blog Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on Twitter Mike Robbins on Instagram Mel Robbins podcast episode

Being grateful doesn’t mean everything is great, it means we’re willing to look for, find, and acknowledge the gifts, lessons, and blessings in our life.  Doing this in an authentic and effective way can be challenging for a number of reasons, especially these days.  In the spirit of our Thanksgiving holiday this week here in the US, I talk about the importance of gratitude in this episode, and share some specific techniques for tapping into the power of it, regardless of the circumstances we may be facing. Resources: We’re All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Blog Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on Twitter Mike Robbins on Instagram The Power of Gratitude (blog post) The Power of Gratitude (podcast episode)

Many years ago, I heard Dr. Michael Beckwith say, “Don’t waste a good crisis.”  At first, I thought this was a bit strange and even harsh, but the more I thought about it and experienced it, the more I understood the importance of this paradoxical wisdom.  On this episode, I talk about how we can authentically reframe difficulty and I share some specific things we can do to navigate crises as effectively as possible. Resources: We’re All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Blog Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on Twitter Mike Robbins on Instagram Don’t Waste a Good Crisis (blog post)