Unlocking Your Potential: The Power of Changing Your State
A few years back, I went to see Tony Robbins at one of his "Unleash Your Potential" weekend seminars in Dallas, Texas. I left inspired, with a notebook full of ideas and principles to integrate into my everyday life. Out of all the valuable lessons I learned that weekend, one practice stood out above the rest and has truly transformed how I navigate tough moments: learning how to Change Your State.
This simple yet powerful technique has been my go-to whenever I’ve felt stuck, overwhelmed, or in need of a quick reset. It’s a practice that reminds me how much control we have over our emotions and energy, no matter the circumstances.
Let’s dive into what it means to change your state and why this principle can be a game-changer for anyone looking to reclaim their power and build a more fulfilling life.
Unlocking Your Potential: The Power of Changing Your State
When life feels overwhelming or your energy is low, it’s easy to get stuck in a cycle of negative thoughts and emotions. But what if you could instantly break free from that mindset and tap into a more resourceful, positive version of yourself? This is the essence of Tony Robbins’ concept of “changing your state”—a powerful practice that teaches you to shift your emotions and energy in the moment to unlock your true potential.
What Does “Changing Your State” Mean?
Tony Robbins defines your "state" as the combination of your physiology, focus, and language. In simple terms, your state is how you feel and behave in any given moment. When you’re in a positive state, you radiate confidence, creativity, and resilience. On the other hand, a negative state can make you feel stuck, uninspired, and even defeated.
The good news? Your state isn’t fixed. Robbins teaches that you can consciously change your state—quickly and effectively—by altering your physical movements, what you focus on, and how you use language to frame your thoughts.
Why Changing Your State Is Important
Your state impacts everything—how you approach challenges, interact with others, and even how you perceive the world. Staying in a disempowering state limits your ability to take action, find solutions, and experience joy.
Changing your state, on the other hand, allows you to:
Regain control over your emotions.
Boost your energy and focus.
Improve your decision-making and communication.
Create a more empowered mindset to tackle challenges.
By mastering this practice, you can stop reacting to life’s stressors and start responding with intention and purpose.
The Three Key Elements of Changing Your State
Physiology: Move Your Body
Your physical body has a profound effect on your emotions. When you’re feeling down, your body reflects it—you may slouch, avoid eye contact, or move sluggishly. Robbins emphasizes that by changing your posture, breathing, or energy levels, you can instantly shift your emotional state.
Try this: Stand up tall, take deep breaths, and move with purpose. Dance, stretch, or even do a quick set of jumping jacks to get your blood flowing. This burst of energy can disrupt negative patterns and help you feel more alive. I find the more I jump around and let go of feeling silly, and just feel myself in my body, and in my environment, the better.
2. Focus: Shift What You’re Thinking About
What you focus on determines how you feel. If you dwell on past mistakes or fear the worst, your emotions will mirror those thoughts. Instead, redirect your attention to something positive or empowering.
Try this: Ask yourself empowering questions like, “What am I grateful for right now?” or “What’s one thing I can do to improve this situation?” By focusing on solutions and gratitude, you can create a mindset that feels more productive and hopeful.
3. Language: Reframe Your Inner Dialogue
The words you use—both out loud and in your mind—shape your reality. Negative self-talk can keep you trapped in a low-energy state, while empowering language can lift you up.
Try this: Replace limiting phrases like “I can’t” or “This is impossible” with affirmations like “I’ve got this” or “I am resourceful and capable.” Notice how your energy shifts when you choose words that inspire confidence.
Practical Ways to Change Your State
Use a Power Pose
Adopt a posture that makes you feel confident, like standing tall with your hands on your hips. Research shows that “power poses” can improve your mood and reduce stress hormones.Create a Playlist That Elevates You
Music has a unique ability to affect your mood. Play your favourite upbeat songs to instantly elevate your energy and shift your perspective. I have a POWER UP playlist on my website for this EXACT reason. They are songs that PUMP me up and put me in a positive state.Engage in Gratitude Practice
Take a few minutes to list things you’re grateful for. Gratitude helps to redirect your focus from what’s wrong to what’s right in your life.Change Your Environment
If you’re feeling stuck, sometimes a simple change of scenery can work wonders. Step outside, take a walk, or work from a different space to refresh your perspective.Anchor Positive States
Tony Robbins teaches a technique called anchoring, where you associate a physical gesture (like snapping your fingers or clapping your hands) with a powerful memory or positive emotion. Use this anchor to trigger that feeling whenever you need a boost.
Final Thoughts
Changing your state is a simple yet transformative practice that puts the power of your emotions back in your hands. By making intentional shifts in your physiology, focus, and language, you can break free from limiting patterns and create a life filled with energy, confidence, and purpose.
The next time you’re feeling stuck, remember: your state is within your control. All it takes is a few conscious actions to change how you feel and reclaim your day.
How will you practice changing your state today?