The truth is that we can learn to condition our minds, bodies

Yes — that quote is correctly attributed to Tony Robbins, the American motivational speaker, author, and life coach.

“The truth is that we can learn to condition our minds, bodies, and emotions to link pain or pleasure to whatever we choose. By changing what we link pain and pleasure to, we will instantly change our behaviors.”
— Tony Robbins

Context and Background

This quote comes from Tony Robbins’s 1991 bestseller Awaken the Giant Within, one of his most influential works on personal development and behavioral psychology. In the book, Robbins explores how pain and pleasure — the two fundamental human motivators — shape every decision and habit we form.

He argues that by consciously reprogramming our associations with these emotional triggers, we can take control of our thoughts, actions, and ultimately our destiny.

Interpretation

• “Condition our minds, bodies, and emotions” — Robbins emphasizes that personal transformation involves the whole self, not just willpower or intellect.

• “Link pain or pleasure to whatever we choose” — suggests that emotional meaning is learned and can be reshaped through awareness and repetition.

• “Instantly change our behaviors” — underscores his belief in the power of mental reframing: change the emotional link, and behavior follows naturally.

Summary

This quote encapsulates one of Tony Robbins’s core psychological principles — that all human behavior is driven by the desire to avoid pain and gain pleasure. By mastering how we associate these feelings with our actions, we gain the ability to redirect habits, overcome fears, and create lasting change.

It’s a foundational insight in Robbins’s teaching on neuro-associative conditioning (NAC) — the process of rewiring emotional responses to achieve personal growth and success.