I’ve taken part twice in Tony Robbins’ 4-day Unleash the Power Within motivational extravaganza.

The event is like a cross between a rave in a warehouse, singing Kumbaya around a campfire and being screamed at by a staff-sergeant before charging into battle.

It’s truly a unique experience.

And I’ll never forget a short story big Tony told during a break from the fist-pumping, bum-wiggling and general merriment.

A simple story, but it’s certainly changed my perspective on a few things.

Especially when the shit hits the proverbial fan, as it does every now and then.

Here’s the ditty (in my own words):

Imagine you’re boarding a long haul flight.

As you board, the head steward makes an announcement, gleefully telling you and the rest of the passengers that the flight will have Wifi for the first time.

A small cheer erupts as everyone realises they’ll be able to check their emails, swipe on Tinder and play Subway Surfers for the next 12 hours.

15 minutes into the flight, the Wifi goes down.  

The head steward comes back on the tannoy and announces that the Wifi won’t be working for the rest of the flight. 

The passengers let out a huge groan.  And much muttering and shaking of heads ensues.

Of course, what the passengers missed is that this was the first time the flight has ever had Wifi.  And before boarding the flight, no-one even expected Wifi.

Towering Tony summed it up thus:

Trade expectation for appreciation to end suffering

And by golly gosh there’s a lot of wisdom in these 7 words.

The first time I heard them, it made me take stock.  And realise how appreciative I was for what I had.

I'm still appreciative today.

I can turn my tap and I'll get running water.

I have an amazing family, loving girlfriend and great group of friends.

I can go for a walk by the canal and relax by watching the ducks bobbing up and down.

I have the chance to earn a living sitting at a laptop, typing on a keyboard, chatting on Zoom and doing work I love.

And so on…

And I try to remember this when I get an unexpected bill in the post.  Or when my neighbours start blaring their drum and bass.  Or when it’s 11pm, and our 7pm Asda order still hasn’t arrived.

All this is small fry really.

I am immensely lucky, and I'm grateful for everything I have.

And keeping this in mind really does help put things in perspective.

That’s all for today.

 - Tom

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