Focus on the Good Stuff

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.

Foreword by Richard Carlson vii

Acknowledgments xiii

Introduction 1

Part One Our Obsession with Bad Stuff 19

1 What’s Wrong out There? 21

2 What’s Wrong with Me? 49

Part Two The Five Principles of Appreciation 73

3 Principle 1: Be Grateful 75

4 Principle 2: Choose Positive Thoughts and Feelings 95

5 Principle 3: Use Positive Words 117

6 Principle 4: Acknowledge Others 139

7 Principle 5: Appreciate Yourself 169

Part Three Appreciation in Action 193

8 It’s Not What We Know, but What We Do That Matters 195

Resources 207

About the Author 211

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. "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.

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

"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?