Hello!

Welcome to another issue of Appreciation in Action. I hope that life is wonderful on your end. And, in the midst of all that you have going on, I also hope that you're taking some time to appreciate the good stuff in your life. I'm grateful to be able to connect with you like this each month. Thank you for being on my e-zine list. I wish you all the best!

With Appreciation,

Be More Easily Impressed

Does it take a lot for you to be impressed? If so, you're like most of us. Not getting too impressed with people or things seems to be a sign of intelligence, experience, and sophistication in today's world. We're often least impressed with ourselves.

The three most common reasons I hear from people about why they aren't that easily impressed are, 1) They often focus on the most negative aspects of things, others, and themselves, 2) They don’t want to seem gullible or naïve, and 3) They're waiting for something REALLY amazing, so they’re holding out on being totally impressed until something knocks their socks off.

I'm not advocating that we walk around pretending to be impressed with mundane things in some inauthentic way. However, do you think that if you allowed yourself to be a little more excited, appreciative, and impressed with the people, situations, and yourself, it would make a difference?

In order to be impressed we have to look for the good stuff, focus on the amazing aspects of people and things, and let go of arrogant, erroneous notions like, “I already know that,” or, “I’ve seen it all,” or, “Nothing impresses me.”

When we're difficult to impress we also make it hard to be happy, grateful, and fulfilled. Do you think the people that you live with and work with would appreciate you being more easily impressed with them? I bet they would. Would you like it if people were more easily impressed with you? Probably so. And, wouldn’t it be great to easily impress yourself? Being genuinely impressed with yourself is what self appreciation and self love are all about.

First, think of three or more things, people, or situations that you’ve been taking for granted recently. What can you honestly be impressed with in regards to these things, people, or situations? Challenge yourself to be impressed by them and let others know about it (especially if it relates to a specific person – tell them). Second, see if you can spend the rest of the day today being totally impressed with things around you, others, and yourself. At the end of the day, see how you feel. If you like it, do it tomorrow, the rest of the week, and so on!

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. We are doing a big internet launch promotion for the book on August 28th – stay tuned and watch for the annoucements! Last month we sent out an announcement about the book, the new website for it that we launched, and about the pre-order bonus offer. I hope you got that email and checked out the site. For more information about the book and 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

Check Out My Blog:
Since launching my blog last year, I have posted to it just about once a week. I enjoy writing about appreciation, gratitude, personal growth, current events, sports, my personal experiences, and much more. I do my best to speak right from my heart about things that are important to me and also what I think will resonate and make a difference for you. If you have never checked out my blog or it has been a while since you have, feel free to click on the link below and take a look. I think you'll enjoy it!
http://blog.mike-robbins.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. As you may know, I have put an annoucement about this program in the past three issues of my e-zine. That is because it is such a powerful workshop and I believe in it so strongly. Johnny and Lara Fernandez are experts in relationships and their work is extraordinarily impactful. 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 went to the most recent course (just this past weekend) and it blew me away! They have another one coming up in a few weeks (August 11 & 12). The course takes place here in the Bay Area (Pleasanton, CA). And, they are once again offering FULL scholarships for a limited time (a $597 value). Click on the link below and use the this scholarship code – MR151
http://launchyourlifenow.com/wst_page4.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 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 speaking and coaching programs, as well as his books and products.

“Hey there! My mommy and daddy are always easily impressed with me…I like that!”

– Samantha Benoit Robbins

For more photos of Samantha click here!