Let Your Heroes Be Fallible: Tony Robbins #metoo

There has been a recent outpouring of hate and support for Tony Robbins about an intervention he did at a recent Unleash the Power Within (UPW) in San Jose. Many of the critical think he went too far in his intervention and bullied and intimidated the woman who was representing the #metoo movement. Others say he may have went too far, but if you listen to the content, he was not bullying or intimidating but trying to make a point about being a victim. Supporters say he was doing no wrong and proving a point.

This blog is not a judgement about any of the above. This is a rant about how cruel we are to each other now that we can do it semi-anonymously via social media. So many use it as a platform for hate, divisiveness, and derision. It is amazing, the pile on that occurs today on social media. I am using Tony as the example because so many people have been influenced, for good or bad, by him over the last 40 years. I could have used many other examples such as Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sly Stallone, Donald Trump, Brittney Spears, Taylor Swift, or Bill Gates.

I have always believed criticism is a fundamental part of success. You have to be a bit like a duck and let the water flow off your back. That has always been true, but today, due to the anonymity of social media, we are able to take it to a whole new level.

I have become a bit of a freak just watching how incredibly rude people are. There seem to be no limits, including people’s looks, their children, or their sex lives.

What drives this insane movement? I think it’s two things.

First, people’s need for significance. They are creating their 2 minutes of fame. Maybe they can say something witty and others will notice. If not, well, no harm. No one knows who they are anyway. We live in a time where being recognized or famous is as important as actually doing something.

Second, we hate a hero. Whenever it appears there may be a person who has actually done great things, our tendency is to immediately find out how they are not perfect and then exploit it to the maximum degree. It doesn’t matter all the good they have done in the world. All that matters is they are not perfect, and then the “dogs of social media” attack. Ruthless attacks. Hey, it’s their only opportunity to say whatever the hell they want to say with no repercussions.

I am making two commitments today. I will not be part of this. I have been caught up in the past. It is so tempting, but no more. Second, I will not read or indulge those who are caught up in it. Get a life. DO something, anything.

I personally want heroes and mentors. I am in with them not being perfect. No one is. I don’t need people pointing it out for me. I want to live in my own wonderland.

Dr. Tim