Hello!

Welcome to another issue of Appreciation in Action. I hope you and those around you are doing well. Happy summer! Enjoy the hot weather, the BBQs, the vacations, the baseball games, and the many other fun things associated with this time of year. We all have so much to be grateful for. I am grateful to be able to connect with you like this periodically. Thanks for being on my email newsletter list!

With Appreciation,

Ask For What You Want

The quote from Tony Robbins in the box to the right is one of my favorites: “The answer is always ‘no’ if you don’t ask.” Isn’t that the truth?! So often we know exactly what we want, but for a myriad of reasons we are unwilling to ask for it. Usually we’re scared we’ll get rejected or we’re worried about what others will think of us. We let these concerns (and others) stop us from asking for what we really want. Erroneously, we think that if we work hard enough or are a “good” enough person, people will reward us by giving us exactly what we want. Unfortunately, as most of us know, this often leads to disappointment and frustration.

We can’t expect other people to read our minds and know what we want if we don’t tell them. One of the best things we can do to appreciate ourselves and get what we want in life, while at the same time empower the people around us, is to make specific requests. Many of us, however, aren’t all that good at making requests. Because of our insecurity about all of this, we either don’t make requests at all or the ones we do make are actually demands. A true request can be accepted, declined, or negotiated - without any consequence. When we ask for something, don’t get it, and then get upset about it, chances are it was not really a true request to begin with; it was a demand disguised as a request or simply a manipulation.

Asking for what we want does take courage. Many of us have been taught not to make too many requests. Requesting exactly what we want is not arrogant, self-absorbed, pushy, or any of the other negative things people have told us. When we remember the difference between a request and a demand, we can give ourselves permission to simply ask for the things that we want in life. As simple as it may seem, people who have an ability to ask for what they want are more likely to get what they want.

By asking for exactly what you want you are setting yourself up for success and reminding yourself that you deserve whatever you desire. In addition, making specific requests empowers you to take responsibility for your life and it gives people around you the opportunity to support you and contribute to your happiness. When we have the courage to ask for what we want in life, without attachment, we create a sense of freedom, peace, and gratitude within us that can transform our lives and help us create anything.

Take out a piece of paper and write down at least five things you really want but have been unwilling or too scared to ask for. With each item, figure out exactly who you can ask and what you can ask them for. Challenge yourself to make these specific requests in the next three days. Remember, “The answer is always ‘no’ if you don’t ask.”

My New Book - Focus on the Good Stuff:
As you probably know, my very first book, FOCUS ON THE GOOD STUFF: The Power of Appreciation, will be out at the end of August. Last week we sent out an announcement about the book, the new website, and the pre-order bonus offer. I hope you got that email and checked out the site. For more information about the book or to pre-order copies of it from Amazon today, click on the link below. If you would like to download and read two free chapters, click on the “book info” link and scroll down to where it says “excerpts.” Enjoy!
www.focusonthegoodstuff.com

The LoveLaunch Weekend:
Are you ready to manifest “the one” into your life? Would you like to create a magical love relationship? If so, this incredible weekend workshop is for you. Johnny and Lara Fernandez are experts in relationships and their work is extraordinarily powerful. This fun, experiential, and exhilarating weekend program will give you tools and techniques to break through your limitations and allow you to attract a love relationship of your dreams. I recently spoke at a one-day event that Lara and Johnny put together, and I was blown away by the depth, passion, and heart of their work. They have a workshop coming up in July (July 22 & 23) and one in August (August 11 & 12). The course takes place here in the Bay Area (Pleasanton, CA). And, they are offering FULL scholarships for a limited time (a $597 value). Click on the link below and use the this scholarship code – MR151
http://launchyourlifen ow.com/wst_page4.html

A great new book to check out – Connect, by Keith Harrell:
Keith Harrell’s new book, Connect, introduces a fresh approach to equip you in boosting your leadership skills. Keith speaks to tens of thousands each year at companies like Coca-Cola, IBM and Microsoft and is nationally acclaimed by The Wall Street Journal as “a star with attitude.” In Connect, Keith Harrell and co-author Hattie Hill reveal the seven core ideas needed to connect individuals and organizations in order to maximize personal and business success. If you want to be more successful and to be an even better leader, this book is great. For more information or to purchase copies of this book from Amazon, click on the link below.
www.amazon.com

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 forthcoming book, Focus on the Good Stuff (Jossey-Bass/Wiley, August 2007). He is a member of the National Speakers Association (NSA) and is a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP), NSA’s highest earned designation. Feel free to contact Mike for more information about his programs, services, and products.

“Hey there! I am getting bigger and starting to talk now. I always ask for what I want. And, I usually get it…especially from my daddy!”

– Samantha Benoit Robbins

For more photos of Samantha click here!