Bring Your Whole Self To Work

For many reasons, both practical and emotional, it has been more challenging for us to connect with one another over the past few years.  And while things have improved on this front in recent months, it still seems more difficult for us to engage with one another these days both professionally and personally.  On this episode, I talk about some of these challenges, as well as how important it is for us to connect with each other and specific ways we can do that more effectively right now. Resources: We’re All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Blog Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on Twitter Mike Robbins on Instagram We Are Not Alone (podcast episode) The Importance of Showing up (podcast episode)

Trust, patience, and letting go of control are all things that are important to our success and wellbeing, and that of our relationships, families, and teams.  However, these things can be challenging.  On this episode, I talk about some of what makes them hard and I share specific ways for us to be more trusting and patient, and less controlling - both at work and at home.  Resources: We’re All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Blog Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on Twitter Mike Robbins on Instagram The Power of Patience (podcast episode) The Importance of Letting Go of Control (blog post)

I spent this past weekend at a wonderful meditation retreat.  Although I have had my own meditation practice for almost three decades and have been attending workshops of all kinds for years, this was the first time I’d been at a multi-day event like this.  I found being in silence as much as we were to be both challenging and enlightening.  There is so much power in silence, if we’re able to slow down and embrace it.  On this episode I talk about the importance of going within and how we can live, work, and relate to others in a mindful and conscious way when we embrace silence. Resources: We’re All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Blog Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on Twitter Mike Robbins on Instagram 1440 Multiversity Jon Kabat-Zinn Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Wisdom 2.0 Headspace

As the New Year gets underway there is a lot of focus on resolutions, goals, and intentions, which makes sense and can be both important and impactful.  However, what we’re usually wanting to experience with whatever healthy practices or desired achievements we focus on is feeling good about ourselves.  And what can often get in the way of our success and fulfillment is being harsh and critical of ourselves.  What if we started with self-kindness and made a commitment to be kind to ourselves, regardless of the circumstance, situation, or outcome?  On this episode, I talk about how important this is and I share some specific techniques for how to accept, appreciate, and have compassion for ourselves. Resources: We’re All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Blog Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on Twitter Mike Robbins on Instagram Mel Robbins podcast The High 5 Habit, by Mel Robbins Louise Hay Robert Holden Brene Brown New Year, Be You (blog post

Joy is something most of us want to experience in life, yet it can often be elusive.  For a number of reasons, especially these days, it is challenging to be joyful.  On this episode I talk about some of the specific things that make joy difficult.  I also share some ways we can more authentically and effectively experience joyfulness in our lives. Resources: We’re All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Blog Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on Twitter Mike Robbins on Instagram

Our ability to support and empower others, as well as create success and fulfillment in our lives has to do with if and how we show up.  For a number of reasons, especially these days, this isn’t always easy.  On this episode I share about some recent struggles and a tragic loss and what they have taught me about the importance of showing up.  I also talk about how we can show up for ourselves and others, even and especially when things are hard. Resources: We’re All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Blog Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on Twitter Mike Robbins on Instagram Mel Robbins podcast episode

Being grateful doesn’t mean everything is great, it means we’re willing to look for, find, and acknowledge the gifts, lessons, and blessings in our life.  Doing this in an authentic and effective way can be challenging for a number of reasons, especially these days.  In the spirit of our Thanksgiving holiday this week here in the US, I talk about the importance of gratitude in this episode, and share some specific techniques for tapping into the power of it, regardless of the circumstances we may be facing. Resources: We’re All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Blog Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on Twitter Mike Robbins on Instagram The Power of Gratitude (blog post) The Power of Gratitude (podcast episode)

Many years ago, I heard Dr. Michael Beckwith say, “Don’t waste a good crisis.”  At first, I thought this was a bit strange and even harsh, but the more I thought about it and experienced it, the more I understood the importance of this paradoxical wisdom.  On this episode, I talk about how we can authentically reframe difficulty and I share some specific things we can do to navigate crises as effectively as possible. Resources: We’re All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Blog Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on Twitter Mike Robbins on Instagram Don’t Waste a Good Crisis (blog post)

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential in business and life.  They can be challenging to understand, discuss, and implement for many reasons.  My friend and colleague, Ray Arata, is an expert in inclusionary leadership and the founder of the Better Man Conference.  He joins me  again on the show today to talk about these important topics and about his upcoming event. Resources: We’re All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Blog Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on Twitter Mike Robbins on Instagram Mike Robbins on YouTube Showing Up: How Men Can Become Effective Allies in the Workplace (Amazon) Better Man Conference (use promo code BMCMR10 for a 10% discount) Ray Arata (website) Showing Up: How Men Can Become Allies in th

Even though things are much “better” these days in terms of our ability to gather with others, travel, go into the office, and more…it still feels weird in so many ways, doesn’t it?  As I speak to people, leaders, and teams throughout the country and world, I’m hearing a lot about exhaustion, awkwardness, and difficulty, given all that we’ve been through the past few years.  On this episode, I talk about some of the messy and confusing aspects of life and work right now…and some specific things we can do to support ourselves and others as we continue to navigate these uncertain times. Resources: We’re All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Blog Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on Twitter Mike Robbins on Instagram

At 44, Sarah McDonald was newly married, newly promoted, and planning pregnancy. It felt like a time of new beginnings in her life when suddenly she was diagnosed with a rare, incurable cancer. Two months later she was diagnosed with another, unrelated cancer.  Ten years later, Sarah is healthy, the mother of a beautiful daughter, and the author of a brand-new memoir called The Cancer Channel: One Year, Two Cancers, Three Miracles.  In our conversation, Sarah and I talk about her remarkable journey, how leaders can most effectively support their team members when they are going through hard things, the power of perspective, and more. Resources: We’re All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Blog Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on Twitter Mike Robbins on Instagram The Cancer Channel Website The Cancer Channel (book) on Amazon Podcast interview with Sarah from 2017

This is the 300th episode of this podcast.  As a way of acknowledging this milestone, I reflect back on some of the journey over the past six years - both with the show and my work, and with all that has happened in the world. I also discuss the importance of marking occasions in our lives and our work, and the impact celebration has on us personally and collectively.    Resources: We’re All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Blog Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on Twitter Mike Robbins on Instagram The Importance of Celebrating (blog post)

I was quoted in a recent New York Times op-ed entitled, “Do Not Bring Your ‘Whole Self’ to Work.”  While I appreciated being mentioned in this piece, as you can imagine, I disagree with it on many levels.  On this episode, I talk about some of the misconceptions and challenges of bringing our whole selves to work.  I also discuss some of the specific reasons why it's important to do so these days. Resources: We’re All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Blog Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on Twitter Mike Robbins on Instagram Do Not Bring Your Whole Self to Work (NY Times op-ed) The Power of Proximity with Tyler Merritt (last week’s interview) What Psychological Safety Looks Like in a Hybrid Workplace (HBR article)

My guest on this episode, Tyler Merritt, believes that proximity breeds empathy…and that with empathy, humanity has a fighting chance. I agree and am so inspired by him, his work, and his books.  Tyler is an actor, activist, founder of the Tyler Merritt Project, and the author of the remarkable memoir, I Take My Coffee Black, as well as the brand new children’s book, A Door Made for Me.  In our wide-ranging conversation, Tyler and I discuss race, religion, inclusion, authenticity, and the importance of proximity. Resources: We’re All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Blog Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on Twitter Mike Robbins on Instagram The Tyler Merritt Project Before You Call the Cops (video) I Take My Coffee Black (book) I Take My Coffee Black (audiobook) A Door Made For Me Jen Hatmaker 

Change may be inevitable, but it definitely can be tricky, especially these days.  Most of us seek and fear change at the same time, which is part of what makes it so complicated to navigate.  On this episode, I talk to my friend and colleague, Elizabeth Hamilton-Guarino, about her new book, The Change Guidebook.  Elizabeth shares some specific things we can do to more effectively embrace change and create what we truly want in our work and our life. Resources: We’re All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Blog Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on Twitter Mike Robbins on Instagram Magic Mind (use promo code Together20 for a 20% discount) The Change Guidebook on Amazon Best Ever You

Self-reflection is an important and necessary part of growth.  Self-criticism, while common and understandable, is almost always detrimental to us and those around us.  On this episode, I talk about the important difference between self-reflection and self-criticism, why we can sometimes collapse them together, and ways we can truly create positive change.   Resources: We’re All in This Together (new paperback edition), by Mike Robbins Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Blog Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on Twitter Mike Robbins on Instagram Self Improvement vs. Self Acceptance (blog post)

Trust and surrender are two things that I’ve found challenging for much of my life.  I’ve recently been reminded of both the difficulty and importance of both of these…and have been working on embracing them more deliberately.  On this episode, I talk about why trust and surrender can be so hard, especially these days.  I also discuss how essential they are for our own wellbeing, as well as the health and success of our relationships, families, and teams.   Resources: We’re All in This Together (new paperback edition), by Mike Robbins Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Blog Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on Twitter Mike Robbins on Instagram Acceptance, Surrender, and Embracing Powerlessness (podcast episode) Embracing Powerlessness (blog post) The Importance of Surrender and Gratitude (podcast episode) Embracing Powerlessness (medication audio)

I’ve often thought of vigilance as just a more intense version of discipline.  And while there is some truth to this in a practical sense, as I’ve been unpacking it more for myself recently, I’m now realizing that there’s a big difference between these two which is important for us to understand.  On this episode, I talk about this essential distinction and how we can shift from fear-based vigilance to choice-based discipline.   Resources: We’re All in This Together (new paperback edition), by Mike Robbins Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Blog Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on Twitter Mike Robbins on Instagram

For a number of reasons, especially these days, it’s easy to feel like we’re alone.  When things get hard, scary, and even painful, many of us, myself included, have a tendency to judge and isolate ourselves.  However, one of the best things we can do when things are challenging (and even when they aren’t), is to remember that we’re not alone and to reach out to those around us.  On this episode I talk about how easy it is for us to feel alone right now, even though that’s not usually the case.  I also offer some specific things we can do to stay connected to one another and to make sure the groups we’re a part of are as healthy as possible in this regard.   Resources: We’re All in This Together (new paperback edition), by Mike Robbins Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Blog Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on Twitter Mike Robbins on Instagram You Are Not Alone (blog post) Challenge Day 

I’ve been dealing with some setbacks recently - both personally and professionally.  I’m also aware of the collective struggles many people and groups are dealing with these days.  The nature of progress is often messy, and it can be hard to navigate for a number of reasons.  On this episode I talk about this phenomenon and why it can be so challenging.  I also offer some specific things we can do to make our way through setbacks as effectively and compassionately as possible.   Resources: We’re All in This Together (new paperback edition), by Mike Robbins Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Blog Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on Twitter Mike Robbins on Instagram