Maintain the Fire!

By Jillian Maas Backman

In a time of reality TV, shock jock radio and bully commentators, how in the world has self-help gurus like Dr. Oz, Jillian Michaels, and now , Anthony Robbins been able to infiltrate closed media programming? What could be the driving force behind this cultural open-minded media phenomenon? Maybe I am going out on a limb but I believe we are primed, willing, and able to see ourselves as WINNERS again. Have we had enough of powerful people telling us we are stalling out with our perpetual potential? Are they really self help gurus or possibly intense dynamic peaceful warriors coming forth to gather the troops to exclaim once again the battle cry of our American spirit………”YES WE CAN.”

By the grace of NBC and Anthony Robbins for the next couple of weeks, we are being allowed free prime time access to the highly successful world of what I call the “Anthony Zone.” This self-help entertainment encouraging us to think positive, go for it and let nothing stand in the way of your own success. An over worked battle cry we have heard many times before, ever so logical, but nearly impossible to replicate in our daily life. We will be inspired by human triumphs over the saddest of challenges. We will cry together, laugh aloud together, and recite simple mantras in unison with the intent of igniting the fire of greatness within each one of us. However, what happens to this “spark” after our high priced cheerleader is no longer available? Like anyone who has attempted to start a fire in the forest – it is one thing to have a spark but it is something all together different to create a fire capable of burning all night long. How do you sustain the spark so that it can ignite a fire within? Robbins is a world -class public speaker capable of creating that spark. As a spectator in the television audience how can you capitalize on this once in a lifetime event? Here are my suggestions:

He will cover a lot of ground in several weeks of life coaching material. Listen with great intent to what he is saying. Focus on the information and take notes on the material that resonates with you. Ignore the rest. Work with your notes and break them down into workable pieces that you can implement as you go. Your understanding will come after the weeks of faithful work and repetition.

The goal here is sustainable changes inside and out. Anthony Robbins is a well-known figure in the world of life coaching but there are also exceptional life coaches in your local communities who are readily accessible to help you maintain the “fire” of your newfound course of action.

The simplest part of self-improvement is striking the spark for change. The most difficult part is maintaining the “fire.”

In loving gratitude, Jillian Maas Backman