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Focus on the Good Stuff

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Inspiration:

“The trick is to be grateful when your mood is high and graceful when it is low.”

- Richard Carlson

For more quotes like this, click here.

June 24, 2008

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In This Issue

Featured Article: Find the Gold

Action: What You Can Do

Announcements

Speaking Schedule

Samantha's Corner

Greetings!

Welcome to a new and improved version of Appreciation in Action. Some of you are receiving my newsletter for the very first time since you signed up... welcome! Others of you who have been on this list for a while may notice the upgraded look. We hope you like it!

Summer is here – lots of fun opportunities for each of us to focus on the good stuff and appreciate ourselves, those around us, and life in general. Thanks for being on my newsletter list; it is such a joy and an honor for me to connect with you this way.

With Appreciation,

-Mike

Find the Gold

There seems to be a lot of talk right now about how "bad" things are – high gas prices, scary weather, struggling economy, sagging housing market, negative political campaigns, and more. As we see and hear these alarming messages around us – in the media, in conversations with others, and directly in our own lives – it's easy for us to get discouraged, frustrated, scared, or even angry.

Without minimizing any of the current circumstances we're facing in our society, at work, or in our personal lives, it's important to remember that we are the ones who get to choose what we pay attention to, how we interpret things, and what we appreciate in each and every moment of life.

This is not about having some phony, Pollyanna, everything-is-perfect attitude about life; it's about choosing to be grateful for who we are, what we have, and for all that we get to learn and experience in this wonderful journey of life.

When the circumstances of our lives are challenging, it's even more important that we look for the good stuff, if we want to keep our power and be able to transcend our current situation. Complaining about how "bad" things are never makes them better.

People who are able to find the gold in difficult people and situations, not only are more likely to be successful and fulfilled in life, they are also the kind of people who can lead, inspire, and make the biggest difference for others. When we are able to find things to appreciate, even and especially when things don't look so good on the surface, we’re able to rise above the "drama" of life and empower ourselves and others in a genuine way.

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Here are three things you can do to help you find the gold in any person or situation:

1) Make a list of three of the most challenging situations or people you're currently dealing with right now. With each one, think of something valuable you're learning as a result of this "difficult" person or situation.

2) Think of someone you trust, respect, and admire who seems to do a pretty good job of "finding the gold" and effectively dealing with challenging situations in a positive way. Pay attention to what they do and how they are able to do this. If you're willing, ask them about it and see what advice they have for you.

3) Think of some things you feel like you aren't getting in your life right now in the way you'd like to – attention, appreciation, recognition, acceptance, admiration, etc. Start giving these exact things to other people and see what happens.

Book Recommendations:

The No Complaining Rule:

Positive Ways to Deal with Negativity at Work by Jon Gordon

My friend Jon Gordon has just released a great new book that is filled with action items, ideas, and practices to help you and your team develop Positive Ways to Turn Complaints into Solutions, Innovations, and Success. Every complaint represents an opportunity to turn something negative into a positive! If you order the book now you can not only pick up a book that will change the way you work and live, you can also access dozens of bonus gifts from Jon and other bestselling authors. Check it out by visiting:www.jongordon.com/ncr-bonus.html

The Self-Esteem Book,

by Dr. Joe Rubino
Self esteem, as Dr. Joe Rubino knows, teaches, and writes about, is one of the most important aspects of our success and fulfillment in business, relationships, and life. His book, The Self-Esteem Book: The Ultimate Guide to Boost the Most Underrated Ingredient for Success and Happiness in Life, teaches you how to raise your level of self esteem and that of those around you.

He has put together an impressive launch campaign for this book, which I am happy to be a part of. To learn more about his book, its benefits, and all of the free bonuses (from speakers and authors like me) that you will receive when you purchase a copy of his book, check out www.cprsuccess.com/selfesteembonuses

Audio Version of Focus on the Good Stuff
The audio version of my book, Focus on the Good Stuff, is available for download on iTunes. You can purchase this MP3 audio version of the book – unabridged and read by me – and put it on your computer, iPod, or MP3 player.

Below is a list of where I’m speaking for the next few months. Most of these events are for my corporate or organizational clients (i.e. not open to the public). The events listed in bold text below are at bookstores, churches, and other public venues which anyone can attend. I would love to see you or people you know at one of my public events. And, if you live in any of the cities where I will be traveling and want to contact me about setting up a speaking engagement for your group while I’m in town, feel free to contact me. Thanks! For more detailed information about my public events, feel free to visit:

www.focusonthegoodstuff.com/publicevents.html

6/25/08 – Palo Alto, CA

6/26/08 – San Francisco, CA

7/6/08 – Santa Rosa, CA – public event

7/7/08 – South San Francisco, CA

7/9/08 – San Francisco, CA

7/10/08 – Concord, CA

7/16/08 – Salt Lake City, UT

7/17/08 – Salt Lake City, UT

7/23/08 – Concord, CA

7/24/08 – South San Francisco, CA

8/14/08 – San Francisco, CA