When you have the opportunity to ask some of the most interesting people in the world about their lives, sometimes the most fascinating answers come from the simplest questions. The Thrive Questionnaire is an ongoing series that gives an intimate look inside the lives of some of the world’s most successful people.
Thrive Global: What’s the first thing you do when you get out of bed?
Robyn Youkilis: A few minutes of connection with self. This minute of calm is what I’ve coined my Morning Minute. It’s a moment for me to connect with my mind and my body, to get my feet under me before the day gets ahead of me. When I take that moment to check in with myself, to start the day with ease and calm, not only am I more likely to feel grounded and happy, I’m also much more likely to make positive choices throughout my day.
TG: What gives you energy?
RY: So many things energize me! High quality food, time with loved ones especially my daughter Navy, dancing (or just listening) to a good song, a SoulCyle class with my favorite instructor, matcha (it’s the best!), and connecting with my community (specifically my weekly coaching group and the live events, interviews and media I’ve been doing for my new book, Thin From Within).
TG: What’s your secret life hack?
RY: Knowing that just one minute of meditation or deep belly breathing can completely change my mood.
TG: Name a book that changed your life.
RY: My father passed away when I was 17. Shortly thereafter, someone gave me Way of the Peaceful Warrior by Dan Millman. This book definitely helped me deal with the grief and pain, and forever changed my perspective on life.
TG: Tell us about your relationship with your phone. Does it sleep with you?
RY: I’m working on this one! I’m definitely on my phone a lot, but trying to be more mindful and intentional with how and when I use it, especially around my daughter, Navy.
TG: You unexpectedly find 15 minutes in your day, what do you do with it?
RY: It depends on the day. I might mediate, do a quick workout, or call a friend. Or sit in silence and just enjoy the extra time and space in my schedule.
TG: When was the last time you felt burned out and why?
RY: Writing a book is a grueling process, especially while trying to run a business and be a good mom, wife and friend. I wouldn’t say I felt burned out completely, but I was definitely feeling drained at the beginning of 2018. I knew I needed to do something to fill up my cup before heading into the official book launch and promotion period. So I took a staycation – I booked myself a hotel room and left my family for 2 nights and it was incredible. I returned feeling more inspired, more present, and most importantly, more ME. I wrote a little more about this experience (and why I recommend it for everyone!!) on my blog here: https://www.robynyoukilis.com/
TG: Share a quote that you love and that gives you strength or peace.
RY: “You wanna fly, you got to give up the sh*t that weighs you down.” ― Toni Morrison, Song of Solomon
This quote encompasses everything I hope to teach in my book, Thin From Within, and in my coaching practice. Let go of the stuff that doesn’t serve you so that you can fully show up as your brightest, most sparkly self.
Robyn Youkilis is an AADP Certified Health Coach, author, internationally renowned speaker, and leading expert in holistic digestive health. Robyn’s coaching practice, Your Healthiest You, helps clients shed both physical and emotional weight with her straightforward yet supportive coaching style. She is the author of the groundbreaking books, Go with Your Gut and Thin From Within – The Go with Your Gut Way to Lose Weight (Kyle Books).