Hello,
Welcome to another issue of Appreciation in Action. Happy New Year! I hope that you and those around you enjoyed the holiday season and that 2008 is off to a wonderful start so far. We each have so much to be grateful for and so much good stuff to look forward to this year!
I’m excited and grateful for all of the wonderful places I get to travel, people I’m able to meet, and groups I have the honor to work with – both within organizations and in my public talks and seminars. Speaking of that, I am delivering a public seminar through the Learning Annex in New York City next week (Tuesday, 1/22, 6:45 – 9:30 PM). For more information about this and other public events, feel free to visit http://www.focusonthegoodstuff.com/publicevents.html. And, if you or anyone you know live in the NYC area, I’d love to see you on 1/22!
I’m honored to be able to connect with you like this each month. Thanks for being on this list. And, I wish you all the best for 2008…make it the best year of your life so far!
With Appreciation,
Talk About the Good Stuff
Have you ever noticed that much of what we talk about with others isn't all that inspiring or positive? Even the most positive people I know will admit they spend more time than they’d like to admit talking about, listening to, or engaging in conversations about “bad stuff.” Gossip, complaints, worries, frustrations, and annoyances are often the tone or topic of much of what we discuss with the people we work with, live with, and spend time with.
It’s important for us to notice this and be conscious of what we say and the conversations in which we engage. Our words don’t just describe, they create. I recently heard someone talking about the difference between being a “thermometer” (which simple tells the temperature) and a “thermostat” (which sets the temperature). We have to ask ourselves which one are we?
What we focus on and what we choose to talk about has a lot to do with our mood, our attitude, our relationships, our ability (or inability) to inspire others, and so much more. I’m not advocating that we live in denial, pretend things are perfect, or avoid dealing with the issues or challenges around us. However, we each have a choice about what we say, how we say it, and what kinds of conversations we choose to engage in on a daily basis.
I challenge you to upgrade your conversations. Pay close attention to what you say. See if you can talk more about the good stuff, express your gratitude and appreciation for others and life, and look at what’s right more often than what’s wrong. Our words have much more power than we think. Choose your words wisely and talk about the good stuff as much as possible. When you do, you’ll notice that there will be more good stuff to talk about, it will be more fun, and people will want to be around you!
Ask people about the good stuff in their life and share with others about the good stuff in your life. Here are three simple ways to do this:
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On your outgoing voicemail message, ask people to tell you something they’re grateful for. You’ll be amazed by the messages you get…believe me, I know!
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When you interact with friends, co-workers, or even strangers, ask them “What’s the best thing that has happened to you today?” or something similar. See what kinds of conversations emerge from these types of questions.
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When people ask you how you are doing see if you can focus on what you appreciate about your life in an honest way (remember to be a thermostat not a thermometer)
Promotion for Focus on the Good Stuff: The Power of Appreciation:
Last month we launched a holiday promotion for my book, Focus on the Good Stuff. We have extended the promotion and you can still take advantage of it today! In addition to getting discounted copies of the book, you will also receive hundreds of dollars in bonus products from authors and speakers like Marianne Williamson, Jack Canfield, Jeffrey Gitomer, and about 25 others. For details, click on the link below:
http://www.focusonthegoodstuff.com/holiday
A Tribute to Richard Carlson and a New Life-Altering Book
An extraordinary new book just came out came out called An Hour to Live, An Hour to Love, written by my dear friend and mentor Richard Carlson and his wife Kris. Richard passed away over a year ago and this book contains an incredible love letter that he wrote to Kris on their 18th wedding anniversary. He answered the question, “If I had an hour to live, who would I call, and what would I say.” His answer was, of course, his beloved wife Kris and the letter he wrote to her is remarkable. With his unexpected death, the letter is especially poignant. Kris has generously and courageously shared it with all of us in this book. She also took the time to write a beautiful introduction and a vulnerable, powerful response. This book will touch your heart and soul, and it will remind you about who and what really matter in life! Click on the link below to visit Kris and Richard’s website for more about the book, t heir work, and to purchase copies.
www.dontsweat.com
Three Other Great New Books to Check Out:
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The Age of Miracles, by Marianne Williamson
This is the newest book by best-selling author Marianne Williamson. She looks at how we can transform our relationship to ourselves and to life, especially as we move through mid-life. This book, as all of Marianne’s books do, will make you think, question, and re-evaluate your beliefs in a powerful way. Marianne is a friend and mentor, and this book is brilliant…you will appreciate it.
Click here for to purchase The Age of Miracles
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You’re Broke Because You Want to Be, by Larry Winget
Larry Winget is known as the “pit bull of personal development.” He tells it like it is and doesn’t pull any punches. His new book will hit you right between the eyes, especially if you struggle with money issues, as most of us do. He gives you practical tips and tangible skills to transform your relationship with money and take charge of your life.
Click here to purchase You're Broke Because You Want to Be
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Forgive for Love, by Dr. Fred Luskin
Fred Luskin is one of the world’s leading experts in forgiveness, and he is a great guy too! This new book focuses on the importance of forgiveness in our love relationships…so important. Reading this book will allow you be more loving, forgiving, and kind to your spouse or significant other, which in turn will make your relationship that much more fulfilling.
Click here to purchase Forgive for Love
Media Exposure for Focus on the Good Stuff:
I am so grateful to have been on the Oprah and Friends radio network, featured in Forbes and the Washington Post, and on more than 75 radio and TV stations all over the country talking to people about my book and the importance of appreciation. In December I did my first national TV interview - ABC News! To check out some of my recent TV and radio clips, as well as some wonderful print articles, click on:
http://www.focusonthegoodstuff.com/media.html
Where I’m Speaking:
Below is a list of where I am speaking and traveling for the next few months. Most of these events are for my corporate or organizational clients (i.e. not open to the public). Others of them, in bold text below, are at bookstores and other pubic venues which anyone can attend. If you live in any of these cities, I would love to see you at one of my public events. And, if you know people who live in these places – feel free to let them know I will be in town. Thanks! For more detailed information about the public events, feel free to visit:
http://www.focusonthegoodstuff.com/publicevents.html
1/22/08 – New York, NY – public event (Learning Annex, 6:45 PM)
1/24/08 – San Ramon, CA
1/29/08 – Berkeley, CA
1/30/08 – Hayward, CA
1/31/08 – Lincoln, NE – public event (Lee Booksellers, 7:30 PM)
2/1/08 – Omaha, NE
2/4/08 – Tallahassee, FL – public event (Borders, 7:00 PM)
2/5/08 – Tallahassee, FL
2/6/08 – Kansas City, MO
2/12/08 – Sacramento, CA
2/14/08 – San Francisco, CA
2/16/08 – San Francisco, CA
2/20/08 – Minneapolis, MN
2/21/08 – San Francisco, CA
2/23/08 – San Francisco, CA
2/25/08 – San Francisco, CA
2/27/08 – San Francisco, CA – public event (Learning Annex, 6:45 PM)
2/28/08 – San Francisco, CA
3/3/08 – Orlando, FL
3/4/08 – Los Angeles, CA – public event (Leaning Annex, 6:45 PM)
3/14/08 – San Francisco, CA
3/20/08 – San Jose, CA
3/27/08 – San Jose, CA
3/30/08 – Corte Madera, CA – public event (GGCSL, 10:00 AM)
Again, for more detailed information about my public events, feel free to visit: http://www.focusonthegoodstuff.com/publicevents.html
About Mike Robbins
Mike Robbins is an expert in success, teamwork, and the power of appreciation. As a former professional baseball player and Internet advertising sales executive, as well as a life-long student of personal development, Mike brings a varied and impressive background to the clients with whom he works. Through his keynotes, seminars, writing, and consulting, Mike empowers individuals, teams, and organizations to be more productive, appreciative, and successful. He is the author of the audio program, The Power of Appreciation, a contributing author of Chicken Soup for the Single Parent’s Soul, and the author of the new best selling book, Focus on the Good Stuff (Hardcover, Jossey-Bass/Wiley). Mike has been featured in Forbes, on the Oprah and Friends radio network, and on ABC News. He is a member of the National Speakers Association (NSA) and is a Ce rtified Speaking Professional (CSP), NSA’s highest earned designation. Mike lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with his wife Michelle and their young daughter Samantha.
Feel free to contact Mike for more information about his speaking and coaching programs, as well as his books and products.
You may forward your copy of this e-zine to anyone you think might enjoy it. Please keep the broadcast intact, including contact and copyright information. Thanks!
“Hi! Happy New Year. Remember to live your life with wonder and gratitude, like me!”
– Samantha Benoit Robbins
For more photos of Samantha click here!
Copyright ©
Mike Robbins
Phone: (925) 825-2319
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