Coaching Magazine
The Importance of Personal Development in Achieving Success: An Interview with Robin Sharma
Updated: Aug 9

Robin Sharma is a renowned leadership expert, speaker, and author known for his inspiring teachings on personal and professional development. He is the founder of the Titan Academy, a learning platform that provides leadership training and coaching to individuals and organizations worldwide.
Sharma is best known for his international best-selling book, “The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari,” which has sold millions of copies worldwide and has been translated into over 70 languages. He is also the author of numerous other books, including “The 5AM Club,” “The Leader Who Had No Title,” and “Megaliving.” Sharma’s books and teachings focus on the importance of developing leadership qualities, cultivating positive habits, and achieving success through personal transformation. He has inspired millions of people worldwide to pursue their dreams and unlock their full potential, making him one of the most influential thought leaders in the field of personal and professional development.
Interviewer: Robin, you are an incredibly successful author and leadership expert. What motivated you to pursue this career path, and how did you get started?
Robin Sharma: Well, I’ve always been passionate about personal development and helping people achieve their full potential. When I was younger, I struggled with self-doubt and a lack of confidence, and I realized that many others were facing the same challenges. So, I started studying personal development and leadership, and I began to apply what I learned in my own life. As I saw the positive changes it made, I became increasingly passionate about sharing these insights with others. That’s when I started writing and speaking on these topics, and it’s been an incredible journey ever since.
Interviewer: One of your most famous books is “The 5AM Club.” Why do you think waking up early is so important, and what benefits can people gain from doing so?
Robin Sharma: I believe that waking up early is a key habit that sets successful people apart from the rest. It gives you the time and space to focus on personal development, goal-setting, and other high-leverage activities that can help you achieve your dreams. When you wake up early, you have the opportunity to exercise, meditate, journal, or engage in other activities that can help you start the day with a clear and positive mindset. This sets the tone for the rest of the day, and it helps you be more productive, focused, and energized.
Interviewer: You’ve spoken and written extensively on leadership. What qualities do you believe are essential for effective leadership, and how can individuals cultivate those qualities?
Robin Sharma: I believe that effective leadership begins with personal leadership. That means having the self-awareness, discipline, and courage to lead yourself before you can lead others. Some of the essential qualities of effective leadership include vision, passion, integrity, empathy, and the ability to inspire and influence others. To cultivate these qualities, individuals need to invest in their personal development, learn from mentors and role models, and continuously challenge themselves to grow and improve.
Interviewer: Robin, what advice would you give to someone who is just starting out on their personal or professional development journey?
Robin Sharma: My advice would be to start with small, consistent actions. It’s not about making huge changes overnight, but about making incremental progress every day. Identify one or two habits or practices that can help you grow and improve, and commit to doing them consistently. And don’t be afraid to seek out guidance and support from mentors and role models who have already achieved the kind of success you aspire to. With consistent effort and a growth mindset, you can achieve your goals and unlock your full potential.
Interviewer: You’ve written numerous books on personal development and leadership, with each book focusing on different aspects of these topics. What inspired you to write so extensively on these subjects, and what message do you hope to convey to your readers?
Robin Sharma: My inspiration comes from a deep desire to help people unleash their inner greatness and live the best lives they possibly can. I believe that everyone has the potential to achieve amazing things, but many people hold themselves back due to limiting beliefs, negative self-talk, and lack of direction. My books and teachings are designed to help people break through these barriers, discover their true potential, and create the lives they truly desire. My message to my readers is simple: you are capable of achieving great things, but you need to believe in yourself, take action, and stay focused on your goals.
Interviewer: In addition to writing and speaking, you also founded the Titan Academy. Could you tell us more about the Academy and how it helps individuals and organizations?
Robin Sharma: The Titan Academy is a learning platform that provides leadership training and coaching to individuals and organizations worldwide. It offers a range of programs and resources that are designed to help people develop the leadership skills and mindset necessary for success. We work with individuals and teams across a wide range of industries, from finance and healthcare to education and non-profit. Our goal is to help people achieve their full potential and make a positive impact in their communities and the world.
Interviewer: With the ongoing pandemic, many people are struggling with mental health and motivation. What advice would you give to individuals who are finding it difficult to stay positive and productive during these challenging times?
Robin Sharma: This is a difficult time for many people, and it’s important to acknowledge that. However, it’s also a time of great opportunity for personal and professional growth. My advice would be to focus on what you can control, rather than what you can’t. That means taking care of your physical health, setting goals, and developing a positive mindset. It also means staying connected with loved ones and seeking out support and guidance when needed. Remember, challenges can be great teachers, and it’s often during difficult times that we have the opportunity to grow the most. Stay focused, stay positive, and keep moving forward.
Interviewer: That’s great advice, Robin. Thank you for sharing your insights with us. Before we wrap up, could you tell us about any upcoming projects or initiatives that you’re working on?
Robin Sharma: Absolutely. I’m currently working on a new book that explores the concept of “humanovation,” which is about creating a world where humans can thrive and unlock their full potential. I’m also developing new programs and resources for the Titan Academy, including online courses and coaching programs. And I’m continuing to speak and work with organizations around the world to help them develop leadership and personal development skills. It’s an exciting time, and I’m looking forward to continuing to share my message and help people achieve their dreams. Interviewer: That sounds very exciting. Could you share with us a quote or piece of advice that has had a significant impact on your life?
Robin Sharma: One of my favorite quotes is by the late Jim Rohn, who said, “Success is not to be pursued; it is to be attracted by the person you become.” This quote speaks to the importance of personal growth and development in achieving success. It’s not about chasing after external achievements or accolades, but about becoming the best version of yourself and letting success flow naturally from that. I believe that when you focus on becoming the kind of person who embodies the qualities of success – discipline, resilience, empathy, and so on – the rest will fall into place. So my advice to anyone looking to achieve success is to focus on personal growth and development first and foremost, and let the rest follow naturally from there.
Interviewer: Thank you for sharing that quote, Robin. I completely agree with the importance of personal growth and development in achieving success. I have one final question for you – what do you hope your legacy will be, both in terms of your work and your impact on others?
Robin Sharma: That’s a great question. Ultimately, I hope my legacy will be one of inspiration and impact. I want to inspire people to believe in themselves and their potential, and to take action to achieve their dreams. And I want to have a positive impact on the world, by helping people develop the leadership skills and mindset necessary to create positive change in their communities and the world at large. Whether through my books, speaking, coaching, or other initiatives, my goal is to help people unlock their inner greatness and create lives of purpose and meaning. If I can inspire even a few people to do that, I will consider my life and my work to have been a success.
Interviewer: That sounds fantastic. We look forward to seeing your new book and programs. Thank you again for joining us today, Robin.
Robin Sharma: Thank you for having me. It’s been a pleasure.
Robin Sharma’s insights and teachings on personal and professional development have inspired millions of people worldwide to pursue their dreams and unlock their full potential. His focus on developing leadership qualities, cultivating positive habits, and achieving success through personal transformation has made him one of the most influential thought leaders in the field of personal development. Through his books, speeches, and the Titan Academy, Sharma continues to empower individuals and organizations to achieve their full potential.
As the world faces unprecedented challenges, Robin Sharma’s message of self-leadership and personal growth is more relevant than ever. His guidance on cultivating a positive mindset, staying focused on goals, and taking small, consistent actions is particularly important for those struggling with motivation and mental health during these challenging times. By following Sharma’s teachings, individuals can develop the skills and mindset necessary to overcome obstacles, achieve their goals, and create a life of meaning and purpose.