Podcast Summary: The School of Greatness – "What Motherhood Teaches You About Life, Love, & Chasing Approval"
Episode Information:
- Title: What Motherhood Teaches You About Life, Love, & Chasing Approval
- Host: Lewis Howes
- Guest: Sage Robbins
- Release Date: August 6, 2025
Introduction
In this heartfelt and insightful episode of The School of Greatness, Lewis Howes sits down with Sage Robbins to explore the profound lessons motherhood imparts on life, love, and the pursuit of validation. Sage Robbins, a seasoned speaker and longtime collaborator of Tony Robbins, delves into her personal journey of growth, the challenges of letting go of old patterns, and the transformative power of embracing discomfort to live authentically.
Overcoming External Validation
Key Discussion Points:
- Struggles with External Approval: Sage reflects on her younger years, highlighting the exhaustion of people-pleasing and the relentless search for external validation.
- Impact of Social Media: Sage discusses the intensified pressure from social media on young women to meet unrealistic standards of beauty and success.
Notable Quotes:
- Sage Robbins [08:15]: "Once again, I think that goes back to conditioning the feeling of, like, holding up the energy. That's exhausting."
- Lewis Howes [10:35]: "What do you have now that you didn't have in your 20s?"
- Sage Robbins [12:32]: "We do as a family, just really anchor in that she has such a beautiful heart... that's the true beauty of this human experience."
Lessons from Motherhood
Key Discussion Points:
- Redefining Fulfillment: Sage emphasizes that fulfillment is found in the present moment, a lesson deeply reinforced through motherhood.
- Supporting Autonomy in Children: She highlights the importance of allowing her daughter to develop autonomy, steering away from overindulgence and fostering true internal validation.
- Emotional Regulation: Sage shares techniques like mindful breathing to help both herself and her daughter navigate emotional challenges.
Notable Quotes:
- Sage Robbins [16:58]: "I'm just a puzzle piece. Recognizing that... I'm here to love her and serve her."
- Lewis Howes [24:32]: "What am I missing, that's what I'm hearing you say."
- Sage Robbins [28:11]: "Being calm with them and letting them be who they are and unfold in their own timing."
Moving Beyond Victim Mentality
Key Discussion Points:
- Identifying Victimhood: Sage discusses how both women and men can fall into victim mentalities, attributing blame externally rather than taking internal responsibility.
- Strategies for Empowerment: She advocates for self-inquiry questions like "What am I missing?" and "Is this true?" to dismantle negative thought patterns.
- Personal Transformation: Sage shares her evolution from holding onto anger to embracing forgiveness and inner peace.
Notable Quotes:
- Sage Robbins [30:47]: "The most... it's overlays of thoughts and beliefs of not enoughness or I can't."
- Lewis Howes [42:14]: "So how can they say, well, I'm not a victim and actually I am capable..."
- Sage Robbins [54:31]: "What am I missing? And is it true?"
The Power of Forgiveness and Resetting Relationships
Key Discussion Points:
- Forgiveness as Liberation: Both Lewis and Sage talk about the importance of letting go of grudges to reclaim joy and emotional freedom.
- Relationship Dynamics: They explore how taking responsibility and resetting interactions can strengthen relationships.
- Practical Exercises: Sage leads a short mindfulness exercise, demonstrating a practical approach to staying present and reducing emotional overwhelm.
Notable Quotes:
- Sage Robbins [60:19]: "It's so selfish. I want to feel free inside."
- Lewis Howes [65:55]: "She should say."
- Sage Robbins [66:00]: "Life is what it is. And it's just kinder when we can come to a place of acceptance with what is."
Intergenerational Wisdom and Parenting
Key Discussion Points:
- Teaching Through Example: Sage emphasizes modeling authenticity and resilience for her daughter, acknowledging the influence of her own upbringing.
- Appreciating Elders: She shares insights on cherishing moments with her parents, recognizing their humanity and wisdom.
- Balancing Roles: Sage discusses the delicate balance of nurturing her child while maintaining her own sense of self and growth.
Notable Quotes:
- Sage Robbins [78:25]: "Getting older, don't wait to say thank you. Don't wait to say I love you."
- Lewis Howes [90:02]: "You're gonna want to do all this schoolwork stuff, because I was. I'm not gonna remember any of this stuff."
- Sage Robbins [84:27]: "I see life as that return to innocence at that chapter of life."
Embracing Spirituality and Inner Strength
Key Discussion Points:
- Connecting with a Higher Power: Sage reflects on her evolving understanding of spirituality, viewing God as a manifestation of life's essence rather than confined to traditional settings.
- Inner Peace Practices: She shares personal practices that anchor her emotionally, such as breathing exercises and moments of gratitude.
- Integrating Masculine and Feminine Energies: The conversation touches on balancing different aspects of oneself to foster healthier relationships and personal growth.
Notable Quotes:
- Sage Robbins [71:21]: "Here's something. The younger version of myself believing that God was in this place..."
- Lewis Howes [91:19]: "In a relationship dynamic, what happens in your mind?"
- Sage Robbins [94:33]: "It creates a more close connection, more authentic connection."
Final Insights and Event Promotion
Key Discussion Points:
- Three Life Lessons for Future Generations: When asked to leave three lessons, Sage emphasizes viewing life as a miracle, embracing love as our true nature, and appreciating the gift of each moment.
- Upcoming Events: Sage promotes her free virtual event, "She's Unstoppable" (she'sunstoppable.summit.com), aimed at empowering women through education and community support.
- Defining Greatness: Both Sage and Lewis conclude by redefining greatness as embracing life's imperfections, fostering inner peace, and celebrating the intricate beauty of human existence.
Notable Quotes:
- Sage Robbins [95:09]: "Greatness is the capacity to see life accurately and to rise above the stories."
- Lewis Howes [105:01]: "You are loved, you are worthy, and you matter."
Conclusion
This episode offers a deep dive into the intersection of motherhood, personal growth, and authentic living. Sage Robbins' candid reflections provide listeners with actionable insights on moving beyond the need for external approval, fostering healthy relationships, and finding fulfillment in the present moment. Through her experiences, Sage illustrates the profound impact of embracing vulnerability, forgiveness, and inner strength, making this episode a valuable resource for anyone striving to unlock their inner greatness.
Resources Mentioned:
- She's Unstoppable Summit: shesunstoppable.summit.com
- Sage Robbins Social Media: SageRobbins.com
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