The Commodity of Kings:
"Unlimited Power" by Anthony Robbins
Unlimited Power" is a tantalising idea. It's also the signature
work that propelled the young Anthony Robbins from late night infomercial king
to his current status as a world-famous personal development coach. So does
this book still weave its magic 22 years after its explosive launch? What does
the man who has counselled Andre Agassi, Bill Clinton and Greg Norman have to
offer within its pages?
Section 1 - "The Modelling of Human Excellence"
This is a thorough review of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) as
taught by Bandler and Grinder. If "Unlimited Power" is the "new
science of personal achievement" (the book's sub-title), then NLP is its
periodic table. Robbins explains NLP as a science that reveals how language, both verbal and
non-verbal, impacts on the human brain. Through self-hypnosis, you can use
words to mould and create your own reality. He encourages us to
"model" the behaviour of successful people - because NLP shows that
if one person can do it, anyone can.
Robbins goes on to explain some classic techniques to discover if people
prefer words, images or touch ("auditory, visual or kinesthetic") and
to read and mirror body language. He then moves on to strategies that he claims
can boost your energy levels, including renouncing all dairy products through
adopting a vegan diet.
Verdict: The writing is fast-paced and absorbing. Yet while NLP boasts
some useful and important insights, I am not a true believer. Several of its
theories are contestable at best while others are so useful they have now been
popularised into many management training courses. The dietary advice was also
not convincing enough to break my cheese and milk addiction :-)
Section II: The Ultimate Success Formula
This section of the book contains some real gems. "Winning starts
with beginning", claims Robbins - and he urges us to commit six month, one
year, two, five, ten and twenty year goals to paper in great detail. He lists some "outcome questions" that will help
deliver the answers - "What do I want? What is my objective?" Then he
shows specific techniques to build rapport with people and take the sting out
of problems through mentally "reframing" them.
Verdict: This section is jam-packed with useful practical ways you can
apply his concept. It is fun to experiment with some of the techniques, phrases
and methods just to see what works.
Section III: Leadership - the Challenge of Excellence
In the closing section, Tony seeks to apply his techniques to global
problems. He also lists the "five keys to wealth and happiness" - the
ability to handle frustration, rejection, financial pressure and complacency,
and always to give more than you expect to receive. Lots of good, sound
practical advice here.
Unlimited Power can be summarised in one message - that "the
quality of your life is the quality of your communication". This means
communication with others, but just as importantly, with yourself. As an
exploration of the then radical and cutting-edge theories of NLP, it is first
class. Many of the anecdotes exude a 1980s retro charm. As a personal
development book, it is absorbing, vital and insightful. However in the final
verdict it does not boast the scope, range or power of later Tony Robbins
works.
Unlimited Power is a worthy silver medallist. But If you are only going
to buy one Tony Robbins book, then "Awaken the Giant Within" takes
first place by a country mile.
