A Tony Robbins First

tony-robbins.jpg A crowd of maybe 8,000 people stood and screamed their lungs out as legendary self-help teacher Tony Robbins led them through a three-hour dynamic whirlwind of entertaining transformation.

It was the usual high-energy talk by Robbins, with cheerleader activities, inspiring stories and reflective questions.

But Tony did something he’s never done before at this event.

I was there. This was the Chicago Wealth Expo sponsored by Learning Annex. I would be speaking the next day, before Donald Trump.

At one point Tony stood only a few away from me and talked about the movie The Secret.

He said it was good but not the whole story.

He said there were other laws besides the Law of Attraction.

He said sometimes you don’t get what you want right away because there’s a greater lesson to learn first.

I agreed with everything and used Tony’s comments as the lead to my own presentation the next day, when part of the same crowd yelled and screamed and stood on its feet to greet me.

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(The picture is of my friend Peter Wink being overly impressed to see Joe Vitale listed on the same bill as George Foreman, Alan Greenspan, Donald Trump and Tony Robbins.)

I told the crowd about three other laws besides the Law of Attraction:

  • The Law of Love
  • The Law of Action
  • The Law of Clarity

People scribbled notes as I explained the laws and asked them questions to help them engage the laws.

I ended my thirty minute turbocharged presentation by explaining how they could “get clear” to get faster results by using the Zero Limits method.

Apparently the message connected as I got a standing ovation at the end, which Nerissa caught on video.

But Tony’s comments about The Secret wasn’t the thing he did for the first time anywhere.

When I got off stage, I was instantly met by Bill Zanker (pictured), founder of Learning Annex.

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He and I met months ago, right before my second appearance on Larry King’s television show.

Bill raved about my talk, shook my hand and signed a copy of his book to me: Think Big and Kick Ass!, coauthored of course with Donald Trump.

Bill said he’s been working with Tony more than thirty years, but he’s never heard Tony mention God before.

During Tony’s talk, he asked, “Who is the toughest personal trainer?”

He answered, “God.”

I’m told Tony went to India and had a change. I’m not sure what occurred yet but it may tie in with Tony now talking about God as the source of some of your greatest lessons.

Tony has always been focused on cognitive and behavioral change. He’s never gone deeper than that, to my knowledge. His mentioning God is a step up for him, and refreshing to hear.

Who knows, maybe he’s ready to read Zero Limits or The Key now. 🙂

Donald Trump spoke later in the day after me, but I didn’t stay for him. 

Instead, my friend Peter Wink and his wife Stephanie took us to the Volo Car Museum, where we saw 300 classic cars, movie cars, and early cars.

vovo-cars.jpg

Even Homer Simpson was there, who Nerissa seemed to like.

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It was far better than seeing Trump. (Sorry Donald.)

If you were at the event and I missed you, I apologize. I was often surrounded by people, and tried my best to let everyone have autographs or photographs with me.

If you ever get a chance to attend a Learning Annex Wealth Expo, please do. (The next ones are in New York and then Toronto.) They are high energy events with some great speakers, one of the best being Tony Robbins.

Ao Akua,

joe
www.mrfire.com

PS — Learning Annex started “one minute videos” a few weeks ago. They get speakers, such as George Foreman or Lisa Nichols or me, to teach a method or insight in under one minute. I filmed two while in Chicago. I’ll let you know when they are posted.

Note:  My Miracles Coaching program is currently accepting new applicants. See www.miraclescoaching.com 

26 Comments

  1. November 7, 2007 at 1:03 pm

    Wow! I have read and heard about the Learning Annex Wealth Expo, but the truth is, until I read what you wrote about it, I didn’t think it was something I wanted to go to. Now, I can’t wait! Will you be posting your one-minute clips here? I am looking forward to seeing what you have to say :>

  2. November 7, 2007 at 1:20 pm

    Hi Joe,

    It’s no secret to anyone reading this blog that me and you are GREAT friends and always will be. With that is my obligation to be open and honest with you and your readers always.

    I just finished your new book “The Key.” It’s by far your best self-help work (still loving “There’s a Customer Born Every Minute” on the marketing side). I spent more than ten years working with authors and celebrities developing books, CDs, videos, tapes, and other information products. And I must say you’ve set the bar higher than I’ve ever seen. And of the hundreds I’ve reviewed on behalf of the Nightingale-Conant Corporation…almost invariably they were a bunch of fluff. No “BEEF!” “The Key” ranks higher than my favorite Jim Rohn, Tony Robbins, Harvey MacKay, and Dan Kennedy programs. And that’s saying something because they too are excellent at what they do.

    For some reason I was overly compelled (maybe it was divine intervention) to read the autographed copy of “The Key” you gave me last Friday night. (And by the way…the inscription you wrote was among the nicest things anyone has said to me in my 41 years. May be the best!)

    Anyway…

    “The Key” is so darn powerful, I’ve used just two of your clearing methods (“Opting to Change Inner Beliefs” & “I Love You”) to get clear of something and take immediate, decisive action on an idea that I’ve been fearing for a long time. Best part…it was not all that difficult. It just took some mental re-wiring which your techniques explain! You also make a VERY riveting statement that I’m going to copy and design to frame for my office…”If I fear it – I must do it!” How profound.

    On another note…

    I also thought your speech was tremendous at the Chicago Learning Annex. You treated the crowd to a “smoking” presentation on “The Key” and the clearing techniques. People around me were commenting about how they’ve never heard of these clearing techniques and were anxious to try them. They are in for a treat. I was almost moved to tears when you got a standing ovation! In fact, I did not see another speaker get one. Not even Tony Robbins!

    In closing, keep up the GREAT work my friend! I cannot believe how privleged I am to have a friend like you. You’re a great person who does great things. You deserve all the success you get because of what you give. The world could use a few more Joe Vitale’s – I’m happy there’s at least one.

    Peter

  3. November 7, 2007 at 9:28 pm

    Hi Joe,

    I own a copy of Tony Robbins book “Awaken the Giant Within”.

    Its an awesome read as I’m sure you must know.

    I dont remember for sure, but I think he mentiones God in that book once or twice.

    Again not completely sure.

    Peace

    Koorosh

  4. November 8, 2007 at 12:04 am

    Dear universe,

    I wish I can see bigger photos. 😛

  5. November 8, 2007 at 6:15 am

    Wow.. there is really no words that I could possibly say after reading Peter’s comments to you… but here is what I came to say anyway. 😉

    You ended the above with “They are high energy events with some great speakers, one of the best being Tony Robbins.”

    Joe you are TOOOOOO modest. I have been learning from you since 2000 and I have to say my friend that I have learned more in the past 7 years about myself and my true nature than I had learned in my first 26 years of life.

    I have learned to let go of my past and grab hold of my future taking my life into my own hands instead of letting those around me mold it for me.

    I have so many things to be grateful to you for that you’ll never know the extent of my true heartfelt thanks… but maybe these words will give you just a glimpse.

    Rock their worlds like you have mine and the world will be a better place for it!

    Namaste’
    Tonya

  6. Shar-Reply
    November 8, 2007 at 10:35 am

    Hello Joe – I was at both days of the Learning Annex Real Estate Wealth Expo. And yes, Tony was phenomenal, excellent, superb – Lisa was fantastic, great and very spiritual (people were crying right there in her sessions). Lisa definately gave the audience a “breakthrough”. I never knew so many people could cry without being in a religous service (But then, they were all probably having a spiritual experience which is far greater!) and you…, Joe, WOW!, You had only (30) thirty minutes, but you rocked our worlds!. The gentle man next to me had not heard of you. I told him he must get “Zero Limits, and how I have seen so many miracles happening since I have been saying those four little lines. I have told those four lines to people and they call me back telling me of “instant”, I mean “INSTANT” healings in financial and personal relationships.

    I wish the world would just practice those four little lines for one special day in history – I do believe that that will be the most magnificient day in history since Jesus giving up His life on the cross for humanity. After all, that is exactly what Jesus was giving to us, forgiveness, love, mercy (not apathy, or sympathy) and an overwhelmingly opportunity to understand what true gratitude really is.

    May God continue to bless you Joe. You bless me – I am reading up a storm of every book of yours I can get my hands onto. Thank you – for allowing the Universe, Our God; The Holy Spirit to govern and direct you to be a great giver in Life.

    Shar

  7. Lorraine-Reply
    November 8, 2007 at 9:36 pm

    Hi Joe: Tony Robbins was one of my first famous teacher of inner-self discovery (in addition to my Unity Church connection which showed me the inner connection) and I listened to his tapes constantly. Here is a poem he suggested to repeat to shift one’s life(he repeated it constantly as he ran along the beach):-
    “God’s wealth is circulating in my life,
    His wealth flows to me in avalanches of abundance,
    All my intentions, goal and desires are met instaneously.
    For I am one with God,
    And God is everything”.
    He did add that if you preferred you could the word “Spirit”
    He started out in an almost empty one room apartment and after repeating this phrase on his morning runs along the beach he turned his life completely around within the next year. So he did use the word “God” a way back then.

  8. Allen-Reply
    November 9, 2007 at 2:03 pm

    FYI – I just listened to “Get the Edge” by Tony Robbins, released 5 or 6 years ago. He made the exact same comment on the second CD – “God is our toughest personal trainer” so… that’s not the first time

  9. November 10, 2007 at 7:11 am

    I enjoyed your article BUT…I have been a Tony “addict” for a number of years. In fact Tony mentions God all of the time. Attend one of his seminars you will see. He and his wife are very spiritual people and they have been for as long as I have “known” him.

  10. Tony Guy-Reply
    November 10, 2007 at 7:15 am

    Hey Joe:
    I was at your 30 minute presentation in Chicago at the Expo. You manifested a very powerful presentation that moved the crowd. You indeed have a very special gift my friend. Your message in re Zero Limits is indeed your finest message to mankind to date. I spoke to many in the audience and your cleaning ( Zero Limits) technique really touched their hearts. Congratualtions on your standing ovation my friend and please always remember to stay in “SPIRIT” and not in “EGO”!

    Kindest Personal Regards,

    Tony Guy

  11. November 10, 2007 at 8:58 am

    Thank you, my friend. And keep in mind no one is here without an ego. As Tony said on stage, “If it’s real, it’s not ego.”
    🙂

  12. Christopher-Reply
    November 12, 2007 at 6:24 pm

    Hi All,

    I think I know what’s going on with Tony. It’s the Oneness movement or Deeksha. The 7 day training ( it was a 21 day but we are speeding up) will now be in Fiji where previously it was in India. Along with Ho’oponopono you really start remembering who you are what we came here for.
    Love and Joy
    Christopher

  13. Debra-Reply
    November 14, 2007 at 12:10 am

    Oneness Blessing are abundant these days. Tony & his Wife Sage talk of their experiences with Oneness University in India. It is a blessing to have Tony in the movement. I for one am grateful. As we wake up to Lifes abundance. Thank you Joe for your words of wisdom, your willingness to explore and report on your findings. Austin Tx has a large number of Oneness Blessing givers. http://www.onenessmovement.prg will get you to connect with US operations. Much Love, Debra

  14. Debra-Reply
    November 14, 2007 at 12:14 am

    Sorry that is www. onenessmovement.org and http://www.onenessuniversity.org

  15. November 19, 2007 at 9:41 pm

    wow!! You are truly amazing.. great inspiring man!! can i model you?

    estee
    http://www.attractyourabundance.com/interview.htm

  16. December 7, 2007 at 5:19 am

    Hey Joe (hard to not think of Jimi Hendrix when I write that),

    Thanks for the blog post about Tony & God.

    I was referred here from my buddy Ricky after I made this blog
    post about Tony…

    http://www.jasonmoffatt.com/dir/292

    It’s currently 4:06 AM, and I’m in Scottsdale Arizona about to attend Tony’s
    Date With Destiny for the first time tomorrow.

    A few months ago I too heard him mention God, and it was done in
    a very elegant and graceful way that was sure to include everyone
    and not just one denomination or faith.

    It was a beautiful thing!

    Tony has done so much to help me change my life and really kick ass.

    This week is just going to be more icing on the cake.

    Thanks for the blog post.

    Great stuff!

    Take care,

    Jason Moffatt

  17. December 8, 2007 at 8:44 am

    Amazing first day at Date With Destiny.

    I got to asking around and apparently Tony has often used the word “God” in his
    talks quite often. In fact, he mentioned it quite a few times yesterday. I don’t think it’s a
    entirely new thing.

    Much love,

    Jason

  18. February 1, 2008 at 10:57 am

    Hello everyone, I’m a long time Tony Robbins fan, read all books and bought all tapes, but I only saw him live for the first time at an event that told me I was for sure on the right path: He spoke at the ONENESS conference in LA. I know I was walking this path for a long time, but I had suffered like crazy, and I actually went to India ON THE SAME WEEK that Tony went, so even though I was a bit tentative about being there, knowing that he was there too was incredibly reassuring; the man knows his choices. And as luck would have it, I was sent this year to his Date With Destiny by the Oneness University, and then made ONENESS COORDINATOR FOR THE EAST COAST!! I always knew I had a path of service, but this has been a surprise, borne of finding my essential truths, which Tony helped me with greatly. The Oneness Blessing is not a religious thing, although it works with the energy within you that is Divine, because you are creation, it’s actually the BEST TRANSFORMATIVE TOOL EVER! It will change your life, your relationships, your career, your finances, anything and everything because it has the wisdom to know where you need to go, it’s emanates from your HIGHER SELF. So, if you want to try it out, we are starting the Fiji programs in March. Tony has donated a SPECTACULAR campus overlooking the river and the ocean, 600 acres of protected forest, it’s heaven. If you are interested you may email me at [email protected], and I will help you find someone in your area who can give you the Blessing, or send you right off to Fiji, where The Man himself was transformed. Best to all, Evelyn

  19. Ciprian-Reply
    April 11, 2008 at 2:46 am

    NLP Weekly has an interview with Tony Robbins where they ask him a lot of questions related to spirituality and God, and he gave some very interesting answers. The interview is still online, I found it not long ago.

  20. July 13, 2008 at 12:13 pm

    Why not try with personal trainer while exercising ?

  21. July 13, 2008 at 12:15 pm

    My personal trainer is Scott York.

  22. Sue-Reply
    July 26, 2008 at 1:39 pm

    The schedule for the transformational course in Fiji mentioned above is posted at https://www.onenessmovement.org/Level1_course.cfm . Amazing!

  23. February 7, 2009 at 12:20 pm

    Tony is a Rock Star! He would never talk about the standing ovations he received…his audio program doesn’t feel like a commercial for all his referral paying friend’s audio and self help programs. There are alot of wannabes out there. Just because they have made millions doesn’t mean they are the real deal.
    Joe your great too..

  24. wasim-Reply
    July 2, 2010 at 9:16 pm

    Hi Joe its an honour to be interacting with you for the first time this way. I have gone through almost all of your works and I must admit they truely have changed my perspective towards life and abundance. I just want to say THANK YOU to you from the core of my heart.

    However I would also mention that Tony is extra-ordinary. He has a gift. He has the gift to inspire and he has touched my life to the core. He himself is an example.

    Both of you exist in my world because I can learn from both.And both of you are diffrent also. I thank the ALMIGHT for creating variety.

    Thank You Joe. You are a gift to my life just like Tony.
    And remember Dr.Lan
    I AM SORRY
    PLEASE FORGIVE ME
    THANK YOU
    I LOVE YOU

  25. May 6, 2012 at 10:23 am

    I do accept as true with all the ideas you’ve introduced to your post. They are very convincing and can definitely work. Still, the posts are too quick for newbies. May you please extend them a bit from next time? Thank you for the post.

  26. Carol-Reply
    January 20, 2016 at 5:00 pm

    And now Tony Robbins is using Ho’oponopono at his events!

    I AM SORRY
    PLEASE FORGIVE ME
    THANK YOU
    I LOVE YOU

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