Bring Your Whole Self To Work

We all compare ourselves to other people at times.  This can be benign and there can even be some positive aspects to it, but, for the most part, comparison is an ego trap that distorts our perception and causes harm.  On this episode I talk openly about some of my own struggles with comparison and some things we can do to navigate the comparison trap, especially these days. Resources: We’re All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins Bring Your Whole Self to Work (book), by Mike Robbins (now out in paperback) 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 Are You Jealous of Other People’s Success (blog post) Stop Comparing Yourself to Others (blog post)

Life is full of wonder and joy, although sometimes it can be challenging for us to see and experience this, especially these days.  On this episode, I talk to my longtime friend, Andrea Scher.  She’s an artist, life coach, and the author of the brand new book, Wonder Seeker: 52 Ways to Wake Up Your Creativity and Find Your Joy.  Andrea’s approach to life and creativity is inspiring, accessible, and practical...and it is so needed right now. Resources: We’re All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins Bring Your Whole Self to Work (book), by Mike Robbins (now out in paperback) 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 Wonder Seeker (book), by Andrea Scher (on Amazon) Andrea Scher Website Andrea Scher on Instagram Wonder Seeker (book), by Andrea Scher (special bonus page)

Gratitude is something that I’ve researched, written, and spoken about for the past two decades.  Even though I know how important, healthy, and powerful it is, I still find it challenging to be grateful, especially at certain times.  On this episode, I reflect on some of the things that can make gratitude difficult, particularly right now, and I share some specific ideas and practices for how we can tap into the power of gratitude during this holiday season and beyond. Resources: We’re All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins Bring Your Whole Self to Work (book), by Mike Robbins (now out in paperback) 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

For us to successfully create or experience something important - whether it’s a relationship, a project, a team, a family, a career, or anything else - a strong foundation is essential.  This foundation needs to be built and maintained consistently.  However, growth and evolution happen by us focusing on vision and embracing innovation.  On this episode I talk about the important balance of foundation and vision.  We need both in order to thrive.  For most of us, myself included, this can be challenging, especially these days.   Resources: We’re All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins Bring Your Whole Self to Work (book), by Mike Robbins (now out in paperback) 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 Take Care of Your Animal (video blog post) Keep Your Head in the Clouds and Your Feet on the Ground (blog post)

Fear is something we all experience as human beings, but it’s an emotion we often avoid, deny, or suppress to our own detriment.  With anxiety levels running high for many of us, especially these days, it’s important for us to have more space for our fear and to learn healthy ways to feel it and move through it.  On this episode, I talk about why fear can be so tricky and uncomfortable, and I share some specific techniques for how we can transform our fear, individually and collectively, and utilize its power in a productive way. Resources: We’re All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins Bring Your Whole Self to Work (book), by Mike Robbins (now out in paperback) 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 How to Move Through Your Fear (blog post) Feel the Fear and Do it Anyway, by Susan Jeffers

Patience may be a virtue, but it’s definitely something I find challenging.  Given the pace, uncertainty, and intensity of life and work these days, I don’t think I’m alone in the struggle with being patient.  On this episode, I talk about some of the reasons patience can be difficult, particularly right now, and I also explore some specific things we can do and focus on to be more patient with ourselves, with those around us, at work, and in life. Resources: We’re All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins Bring Your Whole Self to Work (book), by Mike Robbins (now out in paperback) 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 Trust the Process (podcast episode) The Power of Patience, by MJ Ryan

I can be pretty harsh and critical of myself at times.  And even though I know how important self-compassion is, I still find it to be challenging.  On this episode I talk about some of the reasons it can be hard for us to have compassion for ourselves.  I also explore the three components of self-compassion and talk about why it is essential for us, our relationships, and our teams.   Resources: We’re All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins Bring Your Whole Self to Work (book), by Mike Robbins (now out in paperback) 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 Dr. Kristin Neff Nothing Changes Until You Do (book), by Mike Robbins 

I have a bit of a love/hate relationship with accountability.  Similar to feedback, I know how important it is for us to hold ourselves and others accountable...it can just be hard and scary to do so at times.  On this episode, we discuss some of the specific reasons we avoid or run from accountability.  And we talk about why it’s so important and how we can more effectively embrace accountability ourselves and within our teams...for the benefit of everyone involved. Resources: We’re All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins Bring Your Whole Self to Work (book), by Mike Robbins (now out in paperback) 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

Forgiveness is so important for our relationships, our teams, and our overall well-being...and, it can be really hard, especially these days.  On this episode, we discuss some of the things that make it challenging, and we delve into some specific ways to embrace and practice the power of forgiveness in our work, our relationships, and our lives. Resources: We’re All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins Bring Your Whole Self to Work (book), by Mike Robbins (now out in paperback) 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 Forgive For Good, by Dr. Fred Luskin

Work and life seem to be getting busier and busier all the time.  Creating space in our schedules and in our minds is more important and challenging than ever these days.  On this week’s episode, I talk to my friend and colleague, Juliet Funt.  She’s the author of the new book, A Minute to Think, and an expert in training people, leaders, teams, and organizations specific techniques which allow them to reclaim creativity, conquer busyness, and do their best work.       Resources: We’re All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins Bring Your Whole Self to Work (book), by Mike Robbins (now out in paperback) 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 The Juliet Funt Group A Minute to Think (book), by Juliet Funt

So many aspects of life and work are paradoxical, especially these days.  Paradox is something that I’ve always been fascinated by - the notion that more than one thing can be true at the same time, and often these truths can contradict one another.  We seem to be having a hard time, especially right now, embracing paradox in our society, but it’s essential for us to do within our teams, our families, our communities, and our world.   Resources: We’re All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins Bring Your Whole Self to Work (book), by Mike Robbins (now out in paperback) 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 Brene Brown and Esther Perel on the Unlocking Us Podcast

If you’re anything like me and so many people I know, caring for yourself in a healthy and nourishing way these days may be a bit challenging.  Self-care is often difficult for many of us, and over this past year and half, it seems to have gotten even harder, for a number of understandable reasons.  On today’s show, I share some of my own current struggles with self-care and why it can be so tricky for so many of us these days (and in general).  I also offer some specific ideas that can allow you to more effectively and compassionately care for yourself right now. Resources: We’re All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins Bring Your Whole Self to Work (book), by Mike Robbins (now out in paperback) 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 Adam Grant’s TED talk - How to Stop Languishing and Start Finding Flow  

Today is a big day...it’s episode #250 of this podcast, which used to be called “Bring Your Whole Self to Work,” and it also happens to be the launch day of the paperback edition of my book, Bring Your Whole Self to Work.  On today’s show we talk about the five principles from this book: 1) authenticity, 2) appreciation, 3) emotional intelligence, 4) growth mindset, and 5) teamwork, and why these things are even more challenging and more important than ever these days, given everything that is going on. Resources: Bring Your Whole Self to Work (paperback) 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

On today’s show, I spoke with my friend, client, and colleague, Rebecca Macieira-Kaufmann.  Rebecca is an accomplished executive, board member, consultant, and the co-author of FitCEO: Be the Leader of Your Life, which officially comes out next week.  In our discussion, Rebecca and I talk about her remarkable journey through education and business, as well as some of the core pillars of her leadership philosophy and key ideas from her powerful new book. 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 FitCEO book website RMK Group LLC FitCEO on Amazon

I’m back after a two month hiatus!  On this return episode, I talk about some of the current challenges and continued uncertainty facing us on various fronts.  In the face of all that is going on right now, it’s important to be able to surrender in an authentic way, and also to focus on what we’re grateful for.  These things can be hard to embrace and embody for a number of understandable reasons, but they’re essential for our mental and emotional well-being, and necessary as we navigate work and life 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 Mike Robbins on YouTube

Most of us could use a break these days.  However, for a number of reasons, taking breaks can be challenging.  This difficulty is often practical, financial, emotional, relational, social, or some combination of these factors.  And, no matter how hard it may be, it’s critical for us to pause from time to time, not only for our own wellbeing, but for the health of our relationships and teams as well.  On this episode, I talk about both the challenge and importance of taking breaks, as well as some of the specific dynamics that make doing this even harder and more essential these days.  I also share that I’ll be taking a break from this podcast and some other things over the next few weeks or months. 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

Positivity is something that most of us consider, well, positive, right?  However, when positivity is used to cover up or silence our authentic human experience, it can become incredibly toxic. With all of the challenges, stress, and struggle many of us have been facing these days, it can be difficult, but really important, to remain optimistic. And, at the same time, we don’t want to sugarcoat things or diminish the experience of others. On this episode, we talk about this complex dynamic and look at ways we can balance our desire to be positive and create a positive environment around us, while at the same time being real and giving people space to express themselves authentically.  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

Covid has, obviously, turned our lives upside down in so many ways.  The distribution of the vaccine has been a game-changer these past few months.  However, not everyone have access to the vaccine, and there are people who are hesitant to get it or simply refuse.  On this episode, I talk openly about my own journey with the vaccine and share some thoughts about how we can have more authentic conversations about this incredibly important and emotionally charged topic.  While everyone has the right to make their own personal choice, what we each decide to do in this regard does impact those around us and all of us collectively.  And, given how essential this is, it’s important for us to find more effective ways to discuss it openly. 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

Telling the truth about how we really feel is so important, especially these days.  At the same time, operating with this type of vulnerability can be challenging for many different reasons.  On this episode, I share some of how I’ve been feeling lately, and we discuss not only the importance of being real, but some specific ways to engage with those around us authentically.  There is so much freedom and power in the truth...and it takes courage for us to operate this way. 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 We Can Do Hard Things with Glennon Doyle (podcast) Five Wishes (book), by Gay Hendricks Five Wishes (movie)

So many of us, myself included, are struggling with mental health challenges these days.  Even if we aren’t, we probably know people who are and want to be able to support them.  While we’ve made progress in recent years in how we think about, talk about, and treat mental health, there is still a lot of understandable yet unnecessary fear, shame, and stigma connected to it. On this episode, I talk openly about my own mental health journey and the importance of being real about how we feel and asking for the support that we need.  Caring for our mental health is as essential, if not moreso, than caring for our physical health, especially 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 Mike Robbins on YouTube The Me You Can’t See What Happened to You (book), by Oprah Winfrey and Bruce Perry   Shareables:   “Focusing on our mental health is as important