Exclusive Interview: Robin Sharma on His Morning Routine, Being a Dad and the Meaning of Success

 

April 16th, 2008 by Peter Clemens Print This Post

“The smallest of actions is always better than the noblest of intentions.” – Robin Sharma

Today I am thrilled to be able to share with you this interview with one of my heroes, Robin Sharma.

Robin Sharma is one of the world’s top experts on leadership and personal success. He is the author of 10 major international bestsellers, including The Greatness Guide and The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari. Robin is the CEO of Sharma Leadership International Inc., a global training firm whose clients include GE, Nike, FedEx, NASA, Unilever, Microsoft, BP, IBM, The Harvard Business School and Yale University.

If you enjoy the interview, be sure to visit Robin at his website robinsharma.com.

Pick The Brain: My first question relates to the life you were living prior to writing The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari (which is over 10 years ago now). I recall you saying that you were living your life from the outside-in rather than the inside-out. Can you explain what you meant by this?

Robin Sharma: like Julian Mantle in The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari, I had many of the trappings of success. I was a lawyer. I drove a nice car and I had nice things. But “things” don’t make a rich life. Making money isn’t a bad thing at all – it allows for a lot more freedom. But as a lawyer, money way my driving force. As the years passed, I accumulated more but was less happy.

It wasn’t until I began to work on my inner life and know myself that my life changed. Success really does begin within. The size and quality of your outer life is only limited by the size and quality of your inner life. And life is a mirror – giving us not what we want but who we are. It took me years to get that.

PTB: Perhaps the single most important lesson I have learned from you is the value in waking early and, in particular, the idea of having a “Holy Hour”. May I ask you what you how you spend your Holy Hour each morning and the importance of this ritual in your life?

Robin: The Holy Hour, as you know, is simply 60 minutes at the beginning of your day that you devote to self-mastery and personal development. If your outer life is really a reflection of the quality of your inner life, then it’s a brilliant move to spend at least an hour a day working on yourself. This simple idea alone has helped so many of our clients from around the world get to world-class in business and in life.

During my Holy Hour, I journal, I read inspirational books, I review my goals and plans and I simply make the time to think. Because clarity precedes mastery and the more clear you can get on what you want to create in life, the more focused you will be in your daily behaviors. Every day can be a platform to get you closer to your mountaintop. And yet, too many people live life by accident.

PTB: I know the most important thing in the world to you is your two kids, Colby and Bianca. I am a father myself, and I am interested to hear any suggestions you having for maintaining an optimal work-life balance.

Robin: My two kids are my heroes. As I wrote in The Greatness Guide, “the things that get scheduled are the things that get done”. So I spend a lot of time in planning (saves me time during the day because I’m locked in to what’s most important rather than reactive). I plan my time with my kids. As well, I see myself as a developer of them. So I travel with them and expose them to great art and great minds. And I encourage them to be their best.

With my kids, I know I only have a small window of opportunity before they get older – so I carve out time for them now. I’ve worked with too many CEOs who arrived at the mountaintop of success but got there alone. Family matters.

PTB: One of my favourite quotes which you introduced me to is: “the price of discipline is always less than the pain of regret”. I have used this quote a number of times in my articles, and it always gets a response. Do you have any specific advice for people who struggle with discipline?

Robin: To be more disciplined:

• Get up early for 30 days
• Surround yourself with excellent people
• Finish what your start
• Keep your promises
• Be punctual
• Set and realize small goals
• Get brilliant at visualization

I know you love to read whenever you get the chance. What was the last good book you read and why would you recommend it?

I re-read The Message of a Master – great book. I also read Outsmart by Jim Champy – a good new business book.

PTB: Robin, through my blog I come across a lot of people who want to change but don’t know where to start. What do you suggest people in this situation do? In particular, is there anything they can do today that can help put them on a new course?

The smallest of actions is always better than the noblest of intentions. High performers have a bias towards action. There’s great power in just starting. Taking a single step towards a goal/dream/result sets forces in play that create consequences. In my leadership programs I share an idea that has helped our clients like Microsoft, FedEx and Nike: “small daily improvements over time lead to stunning results.” Also remember that most of the things we fear never happen. So why let these hallucinations called fears keep us small in our lives.

* * *

You can learn more about Robin Sharma by visiting robinsharma.com, one of the most popular leadership and personal success destinations on the Internet. You may also like to download Robin’s free audio program, “Extraordinary Leadership: 5 Best Practices to Lead the Field“.

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55 Comments

1. Ganesh Iyer on 16.04.2008 at 05:51 (Reply)

   I am a big fan of Robin Sharma.
   Thanks for the enlightening interview

   Cheers
   Ganesh

   1. dhairya.lakhera on 22.09.2008 at 02:59 (Reply)

      i like u because ur thinking is very much similar to mine i also want to a famous wriiter in short &sweet i want to work on ur foot step

2. Simon on 16.04.2008 at 07:18 (Reply)

   Thanks Peter for bringing this interview to us. I really like Robin’s thinking and especially liked his line “small daily improvements over time lead to stunning results.” I’m going to use that with my people at work.

   Great stuff!

   Simon

3. The Financial Philosopher on 16.04.2008 at 09:43 (Reply)

   Sharma does a fine job of communicating what the greatest thinkers in history have been saying for over 3,000 years: Self-awareness is the key to success in all areas of our lives, whether it be relationships, personal finance, or business.

   I would add that followers of Sharma and people like him should not remain followers but find their own way — just as Sharma did…

   “Do not seek to follow in the footsteps of the wise. Seek what they sought.” ~ Basho

4. MrAchievement.com (Stanley Bronstein) on 16.04.2008 at 09:54 (Reply)

   I don’t call it “Holy Hour”, but I spend about 90 minutes, first thing every morning, meditating in my dry sauna in my garage. It’s quiet (at least most of the time) and very relaxing.

   It’s amazing how that can start out your day.

   Stanley F. Bronstein
   Mr Achievement
   Attorney, CPA, Author & Professional Motivational Speaker

5. Will is GALVANIZD on 16.04.2008 at 12:46 (Reply)

   Whether it’s your “Holy Hour” or “Hour of Power”, “small daily improvements” or living a philosophy of “Constant and Never-Ending Improvement” or whatever it is you want to call it, time for daily self reflection is crucial to self awareness and keeping in mind of where we ultimately want to be or achieve.

   I don’t know what else there is to say about or research that needs to be done in attaining success apart from the usual visualization, affirmations, daily reflection … Tony Robbins, Robin Sharma, Brian Tracy, Jim Rohn (the list goes on..), are they coming up with new ways to state the same principles perhaps?

   I guess there will always be a market for self improvement, no matter how good or bad the product it may be.

   - Will

6. Eugene (Editor, Varsity Blah) on 17.04.2008 at 01:40 (Reply)

   I love the idea of a morning ritual. Doing an hour of yoga everyday and then having a quiet breakfast really sets me up for success. Great interview!

7. links for 2008-04-18 on 17.04.2008 at 20:42

   [...] Exclusive Interview: Robin Sharma on His Morning Routine, Being a Dad and the Meaning of Success | P… “The smallest of actions is always better than the noblest of intentions.” (tags: quotes leadership interview motivation success personalgrowth) [...]

8. Life Without Labels: How to Rediscover the World | PickTheBrain | Motivation and Self Improvement on 28.05.2008 at 01:46

   [...] one of my heroes, Robin Sharma, once said: “children come to us more highly evolved than adults to teach us the lessons we [...]

9. Sonam Sherpa on 04.06.2008 at 05:03 (Reply)

   hi there…..
   i never use to read books apart from the regular school books but after i graduated is started working with the BPO industry there i met one of the best person who is now my close and best Friend she referred me to read books by Robin Sharma so i started the moment i started my life changed totally i started implementing those things on the books in my life and since then i m a great follower of Mr.Sharma.

10. Monika on 05.06.2008 at 07:42 (Reply)

    Hi

    I really Admire Robin Sharma .

    His Every Single Word Inspires you to Actually Imagine that its Possible …….Just Keep your thought Process Simple !!!!!

    Thanks Robin !!!

    Happy Reading Guys

    1. Sukhdev on 31.10.2008 at 22:34 (Reply)

       Hi,
       I am also a great fan of Great Guru-Robin Sharma,
       The way he shows to us has a great potential to deal with real life situations!

       Thanks a lot!

       Best Regards,
       Sukhdev

11. Nagendra C. Singh on 19.06.2008 at 00:24 (Reply)

    Robin you are really awesome

    Digging out the hidden potentials is really a great art and you are definitely a geuine artist.
    Thanks a lot for all your values and quality wisdom.

12. afzal hanif on 26.06.2008 at 07:40 (Reply)

    Mr. Robin is endowed with special gifts (qualities) by God. And the good thing is that he wants everyone to acquire/ develope these qualities. I love a man who likes something for others what he likes for himself. Thats great.

13. Simon Hill on 26.06.2008 at 15:06 (Reply)

    Very excited. Just confirmed my place at Robin Sharma’s one day workshop next month in Sydney. It’s his first time here in Australia. I can’t wait!

    Simon

14. Brendan on 02.07.2008 at 08:29 (Reply)

    Robin as ever neever ceases to impress by providing insights into living a full life. Of late though my deal for a subscription has run out i miss those monthly messages.
    Please Sharma get me back on.

15. adarsh vijayant on 06.07.2008 at 11:35 (Reply)

    i feel proud to think that this remarkable work have been done by an indian. i place Robin along with Bhagat SINGH and arindam chaudhary. i dare say robin is near perfection

16. sumit thakur on 10.07.2008 at 04:02 (Reply)

    hi sir
    this is sumit thakur here.i’ve read your 2 books,the monk who soldhis ferrari and the greatness guide.im still unable to what to do.why i am here
    please tell me im very much disappointed by the reaction of people to whom i have told about my thinking and about you.please make reply

17. sumit thakur on 10.07.2008 at 04:05 (Reply)

    male 20, from bhopal india

18. daniel s mahanty on 19.07.2008 at 09:15 (Reply)

    I read Robin Sharma’s ‘The Monk who sold his Ferrari’ recently and found it absolutely amazing. I just wish I had read it earlier.

19. 10 Morning Habits to Build Your Day Upon | PickTheBrain | Motivation and Self Improvement on 19.07.2008 at 12:58

    [...] of my favorite personal development coaches, Robin Sharma, advocates taking a “Holy Hour” each morning. Basically this is an hour you devote to working [...]

20. 10 Excellent Self Improvement Podcasts | PickTheBrain | Motivation and Self Improvement on 19.07.2008 at 12:59

    [...] Robin Sharma is one smooth talker – I love listening to his voice. He backs this up with some of the most inspiring, yet down-to-earth, advice you will come across. While he doesn’t seem to record many new podcasts these days, there are 35 podcasts available free on his site. [...]

21. G V S Sastry on 20.07.2008 at 21:09 (Reply)

    Robin

    You are great. I first read your book THE MONK WHO SOLD HIS FERRARI and yesterday when I was browsing through your collections in book store the catchy book title”WHO WILL CRY WHEN YOU DIE” really jolted me. The books nowadays are so costly that sometimes I have to do windowshopping but your above book who will…..
    inspired me to read for which I may have to curtail
    my expenses.

22. Simon Hill on 26.07.2008 at 22:29 (Reply)

    I was very fortunate to participate in an all day workshop with Robin last week. It was a thought provoking, inspiring day that saw me take copious notes and leave with so many ideas on how I can improve myself. There were some great one-liners and a bunch of fantastic lists that he shared. I have documented some of this here:

    http://freeflowlife.net/2008/07/27/an-open-thank-you-to-robin-sharma/

    Cheers

    Simon

23. Ravi Rajpurohit on 20.08.2008 at 01:46 (Reply)

    great interview,

    1. Lizann Pinto on 21.09.2008 at 13:39 (Reply)

       the book “the monk who sold his ferrari”
       is awsome..no words to express.very motivational.
       simply awsome.
       i really love the book

24. B.K.Saha on 25.08.2008 at 11:46 (Reply)

    Excellency your honour,
    You have shown the art of living to the planet…
    Personally,I have benifitted a lot from your book-’The monk who sold his ferrari’and ‘Megaliving’.
    You have enlightened me…

    Thank You So Much!!!
    -B.K.Saha

25. G V S Sastry on 25.08.2008 at 12:06 (Reply)

    Robin I have read your book “THE MONK WHO SOLD HIS FERRARI” and I am an ardent fan of yours. I use to browse many of your books in the bookshop but they are too costly and unaffordable for me. I would be really obliged if you can present atleast two of your latest publications at my address: G V S SASTRY, Lane No.4, House No.VS 30, Bank Colony, Kokar, Ranchi 834 001, INDIA. That would really motivate me.

26. prasanta kumar bisoyee on 05.09.2008 at 08:50 (Reply)

    Really I liked all your books. The Monk who sold his ferrari and Mega living are the best and life changing. This can mould a person. those are really master piece.

27. Abhilash Kumar on 14.09.2008 at 15:44 (Reply)

    Robin,

    you know the secret of life…and has applied that as a channel for today’s prosperity….you are really living in the present………and also building the same in others..

28. VIKRAM SALVI on 22.09.2008 at 02:54 (Reply)

    hello well i m fan of chetan bhagat &shiv khera but 1 of my friend told about u i recently read about u that why my keen interest to know abou u &i really impressed by your idea of early awakening &holy hour

    i promise u to go through ur best book THE MONK WHO SOLD HIS FERRARI

29. Indah on 04.10.2008 at 03:46 (Reply)

    Hai there, thank you for sharing your interview with Robin Sharma

    The first Robin Sharma’s book that I read is : Discover Your Destiny and I have to admit that I haven’t finished reading it, haha, that book is a lot deeper than I thought it would be

    But so far I enjoy what I read and can’t wait to get it done

    Happy weekend ^o^

30. adharsha on 17.10.2008 at 05:29 (Reply)

    i simply love him b’coz most of his books deal with my own problems.thank u for thi nice interview!

31. Deepa on 08.11.2008 at 03:12 (Reply)

    I am very thankful to Peter for sharing this interview with us.Robin Sharma has changed my life through his books.

32. juhi singh on 19.11.2008 at 10:33 (Reply)

    Robin Sharma is one of my favourite and his book discover the destiny has really inspired me.

33. nagarjun kotyada on 12.12.2008 at 00:44 (Reply)

    Mr Robin is really awesome.I really got motivated with his ideas which he gave for a good leader to have.I wish he will keep on motivating people all over the World. k.nagarjun.

34. Jimmy Ong on 21.12.2008 at 18:38 (Reply)

    Good news to share with everyone, readers in singapore and malaysia readers are going to have a close encounter with robin.

    He is coming to Singapore (15th May 2009), Malaysia (11th May 2009) for a one day workshop, entitled : Lead without title, high performance leadership in turbulent times.

    Contact me for details!

35. shashank on 23.12.2008 at 23:22 (Reply)

    Sharma does a fine job of communicating what the greatest thinkers in history have been saying for over 3,000 years: Self-awareness is the key to success in all areas of our lives, whether it be relationships, personal finance, or business.

    I would add that followers of Sharma and people like him should not remain followers but find their own way — just as Sharma did…

    “Do not seek to follow in the footsteps of the wise. Seek what they sought.” ~

    SHASHANK 3563

36. juju on 04.01.2009 at 00:49 (Reply)

    can u give me mr sharma’s email id..wanna mail him..

37. mayuri n vrushali on 05.01.2009 at 02:12 (Reply)

    we sisters are great fans of yours.u have truely changed our life. v really want to meet u or speak to you personally.can that be done?

38. Bijaya R. Tuladhar on 19.01.2009 at 02:01 (Reply)

    Dear Friend or concern,

    Being a great fan of Guru Robin Sharma, can someone be able to send me a short note (4 pages) about him (his autobriography). I need it very soon. I am sorry for that. Please do send me in my e-mail id bijayatuladhar@gmail.com. Your kind help into this matter would be highly appreciated. Thank you in Dhamma. Bijaya R. Tuladhar

39. Jabez on 29.01.2009 at 19:25 (Reply)

    Hi, We are the official organizer of Robin Sharma’s Live in SG Event on 15th May 2009. Special Rates are available – Drop me a mail/sms now to jabezyan@hrnet-consulting.com or 9072 1661 now to book a life changing experience or enquires for more information!!! Tickets are running fast!!!

40. Naren on 27.02.2009 at 04:01 (Reply)

    I want to become a Robinsharma

41. Monica on 29.03.2009 at 15:03 (Reply)

    The smallest of actions is always better than the noblest of intentions. and i have taken tha action …..

    Nice Interview
    gr8 work….

42. Tomaz Osterman on 27.04.2009 at 00:21 (Reply)

    Dear Friends!

    Robin will have workshop also in Shanghai, China on 21st. of May.
    If enyone is interested to attend, contact me anytime at mykind@gmail.com will send you registaration form and offer you 20% discount on the tickets as part of ‘tomaz network’!
    Event organiser website: http://www.chinaeconomicreview.com/conferences/upcoming-events/info/leading-through-uncertainty/?act=leading-through-uncertainty

    Kind regards,

    Tomaz Osterman

43. swee foon on 13.05.2009 at 20:19 (Reply)

    can i ask a silly question? I the monk who sold his ferarri is a true story? julian mantle = robin sharma?

44. Mehzbeen Sadriwala on 20.05.2009 at 11:50 (Reply)

    Hello Sir,
    What you are and what all magical power you have now thats known worldwide…but all i want to say is short n sweet is is necesary to write every thing in so called ‘English’ because something can’t be described in that…so specially for you…
    “Apki baato ne diya hai naya hosala,
    apki soch mein hai ek toofan,
    rakhe khuda salamt apko,
    apke jazbe ko karti hun me salam”

45. Manikanth on 09.08.2009 at 02:53 (Reply)

    first of all thanks 4 PTB 4 bringing out dis wonderful interview….n yeah thanks 4 dis great man….robin sharma…for makin ppl understand d real purpose n perspective of life…..cheers 2 oll…manikanth

46. Life Without Labels: How to Rediscover the World « Change Starts With Me on 10.08.2009 at 15:43

    [...] one of my heroes, Robin Sharma, once said: “children come to us more highly evolved than adults to teach us the lessons we need [...]

47. Meg on 29.08.2009 at 03:15 (Reply)

    This man is a genius…Here, in India people believe that for an enlightenment we need a guru, who can guide u, and Robin Sharma stands as a perfect example of a guru, who cud lead millions and not just one… Im insanely in love with him…
    God bless him…

48. Morning Domination | New Hustle on 20.09.2009 at 17:31

    [...] Robin Sharma promotes the idea of giving ourselves a ‘holy-hour’ in the morning. Waking up an hour earlier than we’re accustomed to to devote time to the self – this makes sense, it’s just hard to get our bodies (and minds) accustomed to doing. During my Holy Hour, I journal, I read inspirational books, I review my goals and plans and I simply make the time to think. Because clarity precedes mastery and the more clear you can get on what you want to create in life, the more focused you will be in your daily behaviors. Every day can be a platform to get you closer to your mountaintop. And yet, too many people live life by accident. ~Robin Sharma [...]

49. Amar sharma on 22.09.2009 at 10:48 (Reply)

    Hi!!
    Robin’s words have always given something new to me,this time too.
    The words which took my brain to my soul right now is “to live not outside-in rather live inside-out.I agree personally that the real success to life initiates from here only and the success of life starts when one searches within.I feel that there are two people inside one.First-the mind and second-the soul.Try to make them one.Let the soul dominate the mind because the mind can be wrong but the soul can never be.Soul has an uncomparable energy than the mind.Follow it and feel it!!definitely you will improve.You will get the best human life which just countable people live.

    Waiting for such more golden words of Robin.

50. fateha on 08.10.2009 at 00:14 (Reply)

    is there anyone knows what is the latest book of robin sharma? i need to know ASAP

51. venkatesh on 17.10.2009 at 08:35 (Reply)

    ‘take time to think’ by robin sharma has changed me

52. Mohan on 12.11.2009 at 23:09 (Reply)

    I started cultivating the habit of reading after reading his books which are short and sweet.

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