Not Everything Needs Your Opinion

There can be an interesting tension between accepting ourselves as we are and wanting to grow, improve, and become better. We sometimes think these two things are in conflict, but they don't have to be. On this episode, I talk about the paradox of self-acceptance and self-improvement, why it can be so challenging to embrace both, and how we often make our worth conditional on our achievements or progress. I also share some specific ways we can be more compassionate with ourselves while continuing to challenge ourselves to learn, grow, and evolve.   Resources: Mike Robbins Website (Newly Updated) Mike Robbins Blog Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on LinkedIn Mike Robbins YouTube Channel Mike Robbins on Instagram Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on TikTok Mike Robbins on X Mike Robbins on BlueSky We're All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins Gretchen Rubin on the Midlife Chrysalis Podcast with Chip Conley Modern Elder Academy Gretchen Rubin Robert Holden

We all have opinions about what's happening in our lives, our relationships, our families, our work, and the world around us. But just because we have an opinion doesn't mean we always need to share it. On this episode, I talk about why we often feel compelled to weigh in, offer advice, or react to things, especially with so much division, uncertainty, and noise these days. I also discuss the importance of knowing when to consciously speak up and when to deliberately hold back, and share some simple ways we can be more intentional about where we put our attention, energy, and opinions.   Resources: Mike Robbins Website (Newly Updated) Mike Robbins Blog Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on LinkedIn Mike Robbins YouTube Channel Mike Robbins on Instagram Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on TikTok Mike Robbins on X Mike Robbins on BlueSky We're All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard (podcast) Smartless podcast episode with Dax Shapard Not Everything Needs Your Reaction (blog post)

As AI continues to expand its capabilities and many of us find ourselves utilizing it in new ways, both personally and professionally, it's easy to become quite reliant on it, for better or worse.  In doing this, we can sometimes stop trusting ourselves and others. On this episode, I talk about some of the reasons it's both essential and problematic for us to use AI as much as we do these days.  I also share ways we can continue to trust our own instincts, creativity, critical thinking, and other skills, while still tapping into the power of AI and keeping it in a healthy perspective as we navigate the ongoing disruption it is causing.   Resources: Mike Robbins Website (Newly Updated) Mike Robbins Blog Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on LinkedIn Mike Robbins YouTube Channel Mike Robbins on Instagram Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on TikTok Mike Robbins on X Mike Robbins on BlueSky We're All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins  

Life moves quickly, and sometimes we don't fully appreciate the moments we're experiencing until they're behind us. On this episode, I talk about why it can be so challenging to appreciate the moment we're in, especially with all the stress, uncertainty, and distractions in our lives these days. I also discuss why being present and appreciating what's happening right now is so important, and share some simple ways we can do this more consciously, even when things aren't exactly how we'd like them to be.   Resources: Mike Robbins Website (Newly Updated) Mike Robbins Blog Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on LinkedIn Mike Robbins YouTube Channel Mike Robbins on Instagram Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on TikTok Mike Robbins on X Mike Robbins on BlueSky We're All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins  

We all hold onto things—resentments, regrets, disappointments, expectations, old ideas, and even versions of ourselves that may no longer serve us. On this episode, I talk about why letting go can be so difficult, how holding on can consume more of our energy than we realize, and why releasing what we no longer need can create space for something new. I also share some simple ways we can loosen our grip, while still honoring what we've experienced and what matters most to us.   Resources: Mike Robbins Website (Newly Updated) Mike Robbins Blog Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on LinkedIn Mike Robbins YouTube Channel Mike Robbins on Instagram Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on TikTok Mike Robbins on X Mike Robbins on BlueSky We're All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins

We're constantly telling ourselves stories about what's happening in our lives, our relationships, our work, and the world around us. And while some of these stories may be true, many are based on fear, assumptions, and incomplete information. On this episode, I talk about why we tend to fill in the blanks in disempowering ways, especially during times of uncertainty, and how these stories can impact how we feel and how we show up. I also share some simple ways we can separate facts from the stories we're telling ourselves and consciously create narratives that are more accurate, compassionate, and empowering.   Resources: Mike Robbins Website (Newly Updated) Mike Robbins Blog Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on LinkedIn Mike Robbins YouTube Channel Mike Robbins on Instagram Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on TikTok Mike Robbins on X Mike Robbins on BlueSky We're All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins

It's easy for whatever is happening right in front of us, especially when it's stressful, frustrating, or scary, to feel bigger than it actually is. On this episode, I talk about the importance of keeping things in perspective and learning to "right-size" the situations we're dealing with. I also discuss how we can take the challenges in our lives seriously without allowing them to consume us, and share some simple ways to give the things we're facing the appropriate amount of attention, energy, and care.   Resources: Mike Robbins Website (Newly Updated) Mike Robbins Blog Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on LinkedIn Mike Robbins YouTube Channel Mike Robbins on Instagram Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on TikTok Mike Robbins on X Mike Robbins on BlueSky We're All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins  

We're living through a time of significant change, uncertainty, and disruption, which makes it easy to feel overwhelmed or reactive. On this episode, I explore the importance of staying grounded and paying attention to what's actually happening, instead of simply defaulting to our usual patterns. I also discuss how asking, "What does this moment require from me?" or "What does this moment require from us?" can help us show up more effectively in our relationships, our work, our teams, and our lives.   Resources: Mike Robbins Website (Newly Updated) Mike Robbins Blog Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on LinkedIn Mike Robbins YouTube Channel Mike Robbins on Instagram Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on TikTok Mike Robbins on X Mike Robbins on BlueSky We're All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins Curiosity Shop Podcast with Brene Brown and Adam Grant  

Wanting can inspire us, energize us, and help us create meaningful change, but it can also bring up fear, attachment, and the possibility of disappointment. On this episode, I explore my own complicated relationship with desire, why we sometimes limit our dreams to what seems achievable, and how wanting more can coexist with genuinely appreciating what we already have. I also discuss how we can become more honest about what we truly want, pursue our desires with intention, and remain open to receiving what comes without making our happiness dependent on a specific outcome.   Resources: Mike Robbins Website (Newly Updated) Mike Robbins Blog Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on LinkedIn Mike Robbins YouTube Channel Mike Robbins on Instagram Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on TikTok Mike Robbins on X Mike Robbins on BlueSky We're All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins  

On this episode, I talk with my friend Shawn Vanderhoven about his brand-new book, Pause: How to Lead Brilliant Work in a Busy World. We explore why slowing down is essential for meaningful work, how leaders can create the conditions for their teams to perform at their best, and why intentional pauses are more important than ever in today's fast-paced, AI, distraction-filled world. Whether you lead a team or simply yourself, this conversation offers practical wisdom for finding greater focus, clarity, and impact.   Resources: Mike Robbins Website (Newly Updated) Mike Robbins Blog Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on LinkedIn Mike Robbins YouTube Channel Mike Robbins on Instagram Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on TikTok Mike Robbins on X Mike Robbins on BlueSky We're All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins Pause: How to Lead Brilliant Work in a Busy World, by Shawn Vanderhoven