Anthony J. Robbins (born 29 February 1960, Glendora, California) is an American life coach, motivational speaker and bestselling writer.
Robbins has authored a number of best-selling books, including Unlimited Power and Awaken the Giant Within. His best known tape program is known as Personal Power II; other programs include Get the Edge! and Lessons in Mastery.
Robbins has coached a number of world leaders, including several US Presidents, as well as Mikhail Gorbachev, Princess Diana and others. He has presented at the White House for both presidents George H. W. Bush and Bill Clinton.
Robbins is the inventor and proponent of what he refers to as neuroassociative conditioning, which is based on Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP). Robbins studied NLP under NLP co-founder John Grinder, who encouraged him to look into the firewalk, experience which became the foundation of his popular firewalk seminars. The book Unlimited Power offers a number of examples of how to employ elements of NLP in day to day situations.
He also conducts a number of seminars, most famously his four-day Unleash the Power Within, during which the participants walk over hot coals in bare feet. The aim of the seminar, demonstrated in the firewalk, is to illustrate that the main quality shared by those who achieve greatness is the ability to act ('Personal Power'). Robbins asserts that fear often holds people back from achieving what they desire with their life. To walk safely on burning coals requires few physical skills, but it does require the mental discipline to overcome one's inner doubts. Applying that same principle to other aspects of life can, it is claimed, empower the individual to attempt tasks he or she would previously (erroneously) have considered impossible.
Robbins also promotes a vegetarian lifestyle and endorses the views of Dr. Robert Young and Natural Hygiene practices regarding the need for an alkaline diet.
