Bring Your Whole Self To Work

What a challenging, bizarre, and painful year this has been in our country and our world.  As 2020 comes to a close, it is easy to just say “good riddance” and hope for brighter days ahead.  However, as difficult as this year has been for us collectively, and for many of us personally, it’s important for us to acknowledge all that has happened, as well as our growth and the fact that we made it through.  On this episode, I reflect on this unprecedented year.  I also provide a specific process and series of questions we can answer to bring completion to the year that is ending.  Conscious completion is important and allows us to step into the new year successfully. Resources: We’re All in This Together (new 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 Elizabeth Gilbert’s TED Talk on Creativity   Shareables:   “As challenging as this year has been, it’s important for us to ac

Things continue to be challenging these days with all that is going on in our country and our world, and as we make our way through the holidays.  Just about everyone I know and work with, myself included, is struggling right now mentally and emotionally.  On this episode, I share some specific tips and techniques for how we can enhance our mental and emotional well-being, especially when we’re feeling tired and weary. Resources: We’re All in This Together (new 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 Armchair Expert Podcast Unlocking Us Podcast   Shareables:   “Caring for ourselves and others mentally and emotionally is so important right now.” — @MikeDRobbins   “It’s okay to not be okay.” — @MikeDRobbins   “Mental and emotional well-being is essential for us and everyone around us.” — @MikeDRobbins

For us to be able to effectively navigate the challenges of life, it’s essential for us to embrace paradox.  Things can be messy and complicated, and the solutions we seek aren’t usually clear cut.  Our ability to hang out in ambiguity, see things from multiple perspectives, and understand the paradoxical nature of life are fundamental to our success and that of those around us.  On this episode of the podcast, we delve into the importance of paradox and balance, especially given all that is happening in our world these days. Resources: We’re All in This Together (new 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 Dare to Lead Podcast - Barack Obama and Brene Brown   Shareables:   “More than one thing can be true at the same time.” — @MikeDRobbins   “Life is complex and messy, and we have the ability to embrace all of it.” — @MikeDRobbins   “Embracing paradox is about acknowl

With things being as challenging as they are right now, many of us are struggling for a number of different reasons.  As we continue to navigate this difficult time and do what we can to support those around us, it’s really important to operate with compassion.  On this episode, we discuss specific ways to embrace compassion and practice forgiveness - both with ourselves and with others.  These things aren’t always easy, especially these days, but they’re essential for our own self-care and for the well-being of the people with whom we work and live. Resources: We’re All in This Together (new 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 Forgiving What You Can’t Forget, by Lysa TerKeurst   Shareables:   “Being kind to ourselves is one of the most important things we can do right now.” — @MikeDRobbins   “If your compassion doesn’t include yourself it’s incomplete.” — Jack Kor

Things are hard right now for me, just about everyone I know, and the vast majority of us.  Although Thanksgiving is this week here in the US and we’re entering the holiday season, it’s challenging for many of us to get into a festive mood with the coronavirus spiking, and all of the ramifications that entails.  On this episode, I talk about the importance of embracing where we are, giving ourselves permission to not be okay right now, and having compassion for ourselves and others during this difficult time.  I also talk about how and why embracing gratitude authentically right now is so important, although not that easy.   Resources: We’re All in This Together (new 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 Tim Ferriss and Dax Shepard interview   Shareables: “It’s okay to not be okay right now.” — @MikeDRobbins “There is always so much to be grateful for...if we choose t

The late Senator from New York, Daniel Patrick Moynihan, famously said, “You’re entitled to your own opinions, but not your own facts.”  These words are as true and important as ever right now.  On this episode, I share my thoughts on the Presidential election results, and more broadly, on the importance of truth in our relationships, our teams, our society, and in life in general.  For us to come together and create positive change, we have to be dealing with the same set of facts. Resources: We’re All in This Together (new 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   Shareables:   “For us to come together and create positive change, we have to first acknowledge the factual reality.” — @MikeDRobbins   “You’re entitled to your own opinions, but not your own facts.” — Daniel Patrick Moynihan   “The truth will set you free, but first it will piss you off.” — Gloria Steinem

Now that the election is over, it’s important for us to focus on the hard work of coming together.  What has been reinforced in recent days, weeks, and months is how divided we are as a nation.  This division doesn’t serve us and is incredibly detrimental to so many aspects of life and society.  On this episode, I share my reflections on where we are right now and offer some specific ideas of what we can do personally to create more unity and togetherness in our families, teams, communities, and our country. Resources: We’re All in This Together (new 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 Van Jones’ Reaction to the Election   Shareables:   “There is no THEM, it’s all US.” — @MikeDRobbins   “Listening to others with empathy allows us to find common ground.” — @MikeDRobbins   “It’s time for us to come together.” — @MikeDRobbins

This has been an extraordinary week here in the United States with an unprecedented Presidential election.  And, while at the time of recording and posting this episode the final results of the election are not in, what has been reinforced by how it is playing out, is that we’re a deeply divided nation.  On this episode, I share my thoughts about the election, where we are, and how we move forward on the other side of this.  Resources: We’re All in This Together (new 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 Unlocking Us Podcast - Brene Brown Dare To Lead Podcast - Brene Brown WTF Podcast - Marc Maron   Shareables:   “Even though it may not seem like it right now, we truly are all in this together.” — @MikeDRobbins   “Listening to others with empathy allows us to find common ground.” — @MikeDRobbins   “We’re way more alike than we are different.” — @MikeDRobbins

I’ve been thinking about fairness a lot recently.  We’re less than a week away from the election here in the United States and while I have both strong opinions and deep concerns about the outcome, what’s most important to me is that everyone who wants to vote is able to do so...and that all of the votes are counted fairly.  On this episode, I talk about the election, the recent Supreme Court confirmation, and the World Series, all in the context of fairness.  And, we discuss how essential fairness is to the integrity of outcomes, as well as to the morale, trust, and culture of any group, team, family, community, or society. Resources: We’re All in This Together (new 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 I Will Vote Let’s Get Real About Cheating (podcast episode)   Shareables:   “Fairness is essential for an outcome to have integrity.” — @MikeDRobbins   “Lack of fair

We’re less than two weeks away from the election here in the United States, and it’s hard not to be aware of the intensity and importance of it.  For a number of reasons, I’ve been feeling scared - anxious to see how it all plays out and nervous about the outcome.  On this episode, I talk about my personal feelings about the election and also about some of the challenges we face in our relationships with people who may be voting for a different candidate than we are.  I offer some ideas for how we can navigate these challenges before and after the election.  I also talk about how we can take positive actions before the election, and then focus on healing and coming together after it’s over. Resources: We’re All in This Together (new 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 I Will Vote William McRaven’s Op Ed   Shareables:   “We’re All in This Together.” — @MikeDRobbins

With so much going on these days, many of us are feeling stressed, weary, and burned out.  What most of us need, as much as almost anything right now, is empathy.  However, given all that is going on, there seems to be an understandable empathy deficit within many teams, families, and relationships.  On this episode, I talk about why empathy is both so important during this difficult time and why it is also incredibly challenging.  Additionally, we discuss some specific things you can do to both give and receive more empathy these days, so that you can care for yourself and those around you most effectively. Resources: We’re All in This Together (new 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   Shareables:   “Empathy is both more challenging and more important than ever right now.” — @MikeDRobbins   “The natural human response to vulnerability is empathy.” — @MikeDRobbins

Things have been and continue to be crazy right now in our country and our world...and they seem to be getting crazier by the day.  In the midst of all that is going on, it is completely understandable to feel overwhelmed, outraged, and crazy ourselves.  However, it’s important to remember that we’re not crazy, we’re just living in crazy times.  On this episode, I talk about some of the ridiculous and upsetting events of the past few weeks and how we can stay engaged in all that is happening, without making ourselves insane in the process. Resources: We’re All in This Together (new 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   Shareables:   “You’re not crazy, this is crazy.” — @MikeDRobbins   “You’re not insane, this is insane.” — @MikeDRobbins   “It’s okay and appropriate to be outraged right now.” — @MikeDRobbins

Things continue to be incredibly intense in our country and our world these days.  At times, like last night as I watched the first Presidential debate, I find myself feeling sad, angry, and scared - wondering how we’re going to make our way through this dark period.  At the same time, I’m often reminded of how strong and resilient we are as human beings.  The only place we can find peace and tap into our power is in the present moment.  As challenging as this can be in general, and especially right now, it’s essential for us to operate moment by moment. Resources: We’re All in This Together (new 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 Unlocking Us Podcast with Brene Brown   Shareables:   “Step by step, moment by moment.” — @MikeDRobbins   “Let’s focus on being fully present in this moment.” — @MikeDRobbins   “We have more than this requires.” — @MikeDRobbins

If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably been feeling outraged in recent days, weeks, and months, with all of the traumatizing things happening in our country and our world.  While this outrage is understandable and normal right now, it’s also volatile.  Instead of either avoiding our outrage or using it in damaging ways, we have the opportunity to turn it into positive action.  I imagine you’re probably also feeling exhausted, as am I.  However, if we’re willing to dig deep, step up, and act with courage and commitment, we can have a real impact on this election, and on the future of our country and our world.  We can’t control the outcome, but we can control our attitude and our effort...and we can leave it all on the field over these next 40 days. Resources: We’re All in This Together (new 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 Glennon Doyle on Instagram Together

The country and the world lost a significant and legendary leader this past Friday with the passing of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg (RBG).  My guest today, Susan B. Katz, knows a lot about RBG.  She’s the author of the bestselling book, The Story of Ruth Bader Ginsburg: A Biography Book for Young Readers, which came out in March.  Susan is an award-winning children’s book author and a friend.  Her forthcoming book, Meditation Station, teaches kids about the power and importance of mindfulness.  We discuss the incredible life of RBG, how we can keep our kids and ourselves grounded during these challenging times, and more. Resources: We’re All in This Together (new 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 Susan Katz Website The Story of Ruth Bader Ginsburg by Susan Katz Meditation Station by Susan Katz   Shareables:   “Ruth Bader Ginsburg was an icon who tau

As we continue to navigate through these unprecedented times of change and challenge, there’s a trap that we can fall into - thinking there is some “right” way we’re supposed to be handling it all.  The truth is, there is no right way to do this.  Each of us is doing the best we can with the resources we have.  And, while we can definitely make positive and healthy choices and changes, shaming ourselves and putting pressure on ourselves to do things “right,” especially these days, is detrimental to our well-being, success, and connection with others.  In this episode, we talk about some ways to let go of our obsession with “doing it right,” and instead, focus on trusting ourselves and operating with compassion. Resources: We’re All in This Together (new 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 Nothing Changes Until You Do, by Mike Robbins   Shareables:   “There’s no righ

As we hit the unofficial six-month mark of the pandemic here in the United States, I’ve been reflecting on some of what I’ve seen, heard, and learned - both personally and from the people around me during this time.  In this episode I highlight five specific lessons from this experience, and also speculate on five things we can do and focus on as we move forward and navigate the uncertainty that lies ahead for us, our families, our teams, our communities, our countries, and our world. Resources: We’re All in This Together (new 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 Unlocking Us Podcast with Brene Brown - Day 2 The Gifts of Imperfection, by Brene Brown Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff, by Richard Carlson The Universe Has Your Back, by Gabby Bernstein Life Loves You, by Rober Holden and Louise Hay   Shareables:   “We have more than this requires” — @MikeDRobbins   “We’re

Taking care of ourselves and focusing on our well-being are important, as we all know.  Right now most of us, myself included, are finding it even more challenging to focus on these things effectively.  My guest today, Deborah Bonzell, is a good friend and an expert in well-being.  She’s a coach, consultant, and the founder/creator of the Well Workout.  Deb works with people, leaders, teams, and organizations - helping them find fun and creative ways to care for themselves, balance their lives, and support their well-being, so that they can keep things in perspective and perform at their best. Resources: We’re All in This Together (new 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 Deborah Bonzell Website The Well Workout Deborah Bonzell on LinkedIn   Shareables: “Being well allows us to do well.” — @TheWellWorkout “We are human beings, not human doings.” — @MikeDRobbins “It’s

With fires raging in Northern California, a hurricane down in Texas and Louisiana, 180,000 Americans dead from Covid-19, and the horrific shooting of Jacob Blake by the police and two people killed during the protests in Kenosha, WI, I’m feeling incredibly sad and angry.  In this intense episode of the podcast, I address these things and share some of my thoughts, feelings, and perspectives on where we are and what we can do right now.  It’s a time for truth, change, and prayer. Resources: Campaign Zero NAACP Black Lives Matter (organization) Trevor Noah talking about Jacob Blake Doc Rivers talking about being Black in America Black Lives Matter (podcast episode)  Mike Robbins Website   Shareables:   “It’s time for truth, change, and prayer.” — @MikeDRobbins   “Black Lives Matter.” — @MikeDRobbins “This is not okay - we must do better than this as a country.” — @MikeDRobbins

My guest on this episode is the Athletic Director and Head Football Coach at Laney College in Oakland, CA, John Beam.  John and I have known each other since 1989 when I arrived at Skyline High School in Oakland where he coached football for 22 years.  John and his Laney College Eagles are featured in the current season of Last Chance U on Netflix.  As an incredibly successful high school and college football coach over the past 40 years, John knows a lot about what it takes to succeed and how to build a winning culture - in football, business, and life. Resources: We’re All in This Together (new 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’re All in This Together - virtual program Last Chance U (Netflix) - Season 5 Trailer John Beam on LinkedIn   Shareables:   “If you want people to trust you, you’ve got to keep it real.” — @beam_coach   “Winning teams create a culture