Tony Robbins

Anthony Robbins (born 29 February 1960) is an American motivational speaker and writer.

Robbins is the inventor and proponent of what he refers to as neuroassociative conditioning, which is based on neurolinguistic programming (NLP).

Robbins has authored a number of best-selling books, including Unlimited Power and Awaken the Giant Within. His best known tape program is known as Personal Power II; other programs include Get the Edge! and Lessons in Mastery.

He also conducts a number of seminars, most famously one where the participants walk over hot coals on bare feet by employing the psychological techniques Robbins promotes.

Among the techniques Robbins teaches are the following:

• Altering the body's physiology to achieve a change of emotional state.
• Asking specific questions to direct one's attention to aspects of human experience that create a more favorable psychology.
• Getting leverage to create change by associating a person's old behavior with massive pain and the desired new behavior with massive pleasure.
• Interrupting one's limiting pattern by doing something totally unexpected.
• Conditioning behavior by visualizing it over and over again.
• Goal-setting
• Creating a "Compelling future", vividly imagining one's end result to generate enthusiasm and power to work towards one's goals.

Robbins also promotes a vegetarian lifestyle and endorses the views of Dr. Robert Young regarding the need for an alkaline diet.

Supporters argue that Tony Robbins' books, tapes and seminars have given hope to thousands of people and there are many testimonials to the changes brought about by applying the methods he expounds. Critics claim that the methods are really nothing new, but are simply attractively packaged pieces of current psychological knowledge borrowed from other sources, mixed with hyperbole and anecdotal evidence. Robbins himself does not dispute that the material he teaches is taken from other sources; he credits some of these sources in his books.

Robbins is involved in a number of charitable works, including his "basket brigade" which helps feed the homeless and poverty-stricken. He also appeared as himself in the Farrelly brothers movie Shallow Hal.

Controversial issues regarding Tony Robbins:

• In 2001 Robbins was divorced from his wife Becky. This disturbed some who had read his books (one of which is dedicated to her) and listened to his cassette programs, since both liberally dispense advice on how to have a happy marriage relationship.

• Dreamlife.com, a company founded by Tony Robbins failed and went bankrupt. This obviously shocked some who depended on Robbins for business and investment advice.