Focus on the Good Stuff: The Power of Appreciation

by Mike Robbins, Richard Carlson (Foreword by)

Overview

Written by a former professional baseball player whose career was ended with an injury to his pitching arm in the middle of his third season, Focus on the Good Stuff is filled with passion, authenticity, and humor. Author Mike Robbins offers a step-by-step program with exercises for overcoming negative influence and obstacles, creating a truly grateful approach to life, and establishing an environment that can support success and peace of mind.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780787988791
Publisher:	Wiley
Publication date:	08/24/2007
Pages:	240
Product dimensions:	5.70(w) x 8.30(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

Mike Robbins, former pitcher with the Kansas City Royals organization, is a sought-after keynote speaker, consultant, and coach. His clients include AT&T, Chevron, the U.S. Department of Labor, Kaiser Permanente, New York Life Insurance, and Stanford University. To find out about his speaking, products, and services, visit www.mike-robbins.com.

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Table of Contents

Foreword by Richard Carlson vii

Acknowledgments xiii

Introduction 1

Part One Our Obsession with Bad Stuff 19

1 What’s Wrong out There? 21

2 What’s Wrong with Me? 49

Part Two The Five Principles of Appreciation 73

3 Principle 1: Be Grateful 75

4 Principle 2: Choose Positive Thoughts and Feelings 95

5 Principle 3: Use Positive Words 117

6 Principle 4: Acknowledge Others 139

7 Principle 5: Appreciate Yourself 169

Part Three Appreciation in Action 193

8 It’s Not What We Know, but What We Do That Matters 195

Resources 207

About the Author 211

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

"Mike Robbins brilliantly teaches us how to bring more appreciation and gratitude into our lives, our relationships, and our world. His new voice and fresh perspective are powerful. I highly recommend this book."
—Marianne Williamson, author of A Return to Love

"Mike Robbins is a role model of love and gratitude. His message of appreciation comes from his heart and there is no one better to teach these important lessons!"
—Rich Dutra-St. John MA, MFT, Co-Founder of Challenge Day and co-author of Be the Hero - You've Been Waiting For

"Mike Robbins’ message of appreciation is powerful. He writes and speaks directly from his heart in a way that makes a real difference. This is a truly transformational book that will change lives."
—Lee Glickstein, author of Be Heard Now! and founder of Speaking Circles International

"Mike Robbins has an amazing ability to inspire people through his passionate, authentic, and open-hearted approach to appreciation. This book will have a positive impact on your life."
—Rich Fettke, author of Extreme Success

"Mike Robbins reminds us to focus on the very best aspects of ourselves and those around us. Written in his compelling and compassionate voice, this book is much-needed consciousness raising for people who want successful relationships and fulfilling lives."
—Susan Page, author of When Talking Is Not Enough

"Focus on the Good Stuff is a remarkable book. Appreciation, as Mike Robbins teaches, can transform your life and help you attract what you truly want."
—Christopher Andersonn, author of Will You Still Love Me if I Don't Win?

Editorial Reviews

Motivational speaker and professional coach Robbins sets out for well-worn territory, turning out a useful but unsurprising exploration of the power of positive thinking and the art of appreciation. Like self-help titles such as "The Secret," Robbins insists that like attracts like, and to get what we want in life we must focus on what we want (rather than what we don't). In this never preachy three-part primer, Robbins explains how the simple act of appreciation can change our lives, making up in empathy, anecdote and readability what he lacks in fresh ideas. In part one, Robbins analyzes the effects of living in a culture of negativity and fear, which keeps individuals from connecting with others, and from seeing the good in both people and life. Part two elucidates his Five Principles of Appreciation ("be grateful," "use positive words," etc.) and part three is about putting the principles into action ("it's not what we know, but what we do that matters"); exercises and "positive practices" throughout give readers further steps to put appreciation's power to work in daily life. "(Aug.)" ("Publishers Weekly," September 3, 2007)

From the Publisher