Synopses & Reviews
Praise for focus on the good stuff"Focus on the Good Stuff is a book that will impact your life and improve your connection with others in a very positive way."
—Tom Rath, coauthor, How Full Is Your Bucket?
"Mike's book is a magnet for all the good stuff, and the power of appreciation shines brightly and powerfully on each page. You will be filled up and glowing from reading this book and practicing what's in it."
—SARK, artist and author, Fabulous Friendship Festival
"With Focus on the Good Stuff, Mike Robbins teaches us how to expand the spiritual skill of gratitude so that even in the face of life's challenges we find reason to be grateful and radiate the contagious fire of appreciation to all those who cross our path."
—Michael Bernard Beckwith, founder and spiritual director, Agape International Spiritual Center
"Mike Robbins has captured the essence of appreciation, which my experience shows is the essence of both stress management and happiness. Mike takes appreciation to levels not seen before, and this is an important book. While many authors, including myself, touch on appreciation, no one else has honed Mike's focus to write this well thought out and intelligently crafted book."
—Fred Luskin, author, Forgive for Good and cofounder of the Stanford Forgiveness Project
Review
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)
Review
"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?
Synopsis
Mike Robbins is an author with a big future. A 33-year-old Gen-X inspirational and motivational speaker/coach, he has had spectacular success working with individuals, small groups, and large organizations since retiring from professional baseball with an injured elbow. In this, his first book, he offers a simple but powerful program consisting of five principles for a world of appreciation, an effective form of positive psychology that reduces stress and increases happiness and productivity by recognizing the value of self acknowledgement and gratitude for loved ones, friends, and co-workers. He offers a step-by-step program for overcoming negative influence and obstacles and establishing an environment that can support success and peace of mind. This book is filled with exercises, action items, ideas, and suggested practices. It is easy to take what you learn in Focus on the Good Stuff and apply it to your life right away.
The book also includes a Foreword by Richard Carlson, who was a big supporter of Mike Robbins’ work and passed away unexpectedly in December 2006.
Synopsis
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.
Synopsis
"Appreciation, as Mike Robbins knows, is one of the most powerful forces in the universe. Focus on the Good Stuff is an important book that can dramatically enhance your life."
—Jack Canfield, author, The Success Principles
We live in a culture that focuses on the "bad stuff." We're constantly bombarded with negative messages from the media, advertisers, politicians, and even the people around us. Worse yet, many of us are so critical of ourselves that we're our own worst enemies.
But help is on the way. Focus on the Good Stuff offers a plan for dispelling the cloud of negativity that surrounds us. Mike Robbins has created a powerful yet simple new approach for mastering the one thing we need most of all to achieve authentic happiness and be of service to others—that is, to practice the art of appreciation.
Appreciation allows you to improve your relationships, create greater success and fulfillment, and experience a deep sense of gratitude for yourself, for others, and for life itself.
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.
Table of Contents
Foreword.
Richard Carlson.
Acknowledgments.
Introduction.
PART ONE: OUR OBSESSION WITH BAD STUFF.
1. What's Wrong out There?
2. What's Wrong with Me?
PART TWO: THE FIVE PRINCIPLES OF APPRECIATION.
3. Principle 1: Be Grateful.
4. Principle 2: Choose Positive Thoughts and Feelings.
5. Principle 3: Use Positive Words.
6. Principle 4: Acknowledge Others.
7. Principle 5: Appreciate Yourself.
PART THREE: APPRECIATION IN ACTION.
8. It's Not What We Know, but What We Do That Matters.
Resources.
About the Author.