Podcast 98: Focus on the Good Stuff with Mike Robbins

Mike RobbinsIt was a pleasure having Mike Robbins back with us for another podcast. His book entitled “Focus on the Good Stuff-The Power of Appreciation” is a wonderful book about learning how to appreciate the good within.  As simple of a concept that this might sound , it is something that we all need to be reminded of.  I know that many of us are frequently attempting to be more, do more and have more.  The challenge with this thinking is that is limits our focus on the good stuff as Mike says.  We loose sight of appreciating who and what we are, and we are more focused on how we can be better. This persistent focus on always attempting to be better is a proverbial never ending cycle.  Our ego is really good at telling us that we are not good enough.

In Mike’s book we explore the five (5) principles that help us to shift our focus, and accentuate the good. The first of his principles is “Be Grateful”  Gratitude is something that we don’t give ourselves and other enough of. It is always easy to fall into the “woe is me attitude.”  But we usually can find someone worse off than ourselves.

  • Principle #2,  Choose Positive Thoughts and Feelings.  The simplest way to state this principle is that thoughts become things;choose good ones.”
  • Principle #3, Use Positive Words.  I like what Mike points out here from another author Don Miguel Ruiz.  Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using words to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.
  • Principle #4, Acknowledge Others.  Wow! is this an important one.  Is is so much easier to criticize someone than it is to praise and acknowledge.  Look for the good in others, and then take action by acknowledging them for the good you see in them.
  • Principle #5, Appreciate Yourself.  Self Appreciate is difficult.  It is always easy to judge ourselves, but just like in Principle 4 Acknowledge Others we need to acknowledge and appreciate our own abilities, talents and our inherent good.

Mike’s book Focus on the Good Stuff allows you to shift your focus and to look at yourself and others with new eyes.  It shifts your perspective just enough to begin to see the good, and not to dwell on the negative

I encourage all of my listeners to read his book and visit Mike’s website for more useful information and wisdom from someone who has practices these principles in his everyday life. Mike is an amazing example of these principles in action.

Podcast 90: Be Yourself Everyone Else Is Taken with Mike Robbins

Mike RobbinsIf you truly want to meet an authentic person, then I recommend that you make an attempt to reach out to Mike Robbins.  Mike is the author of a new book entitled, “Be Yourself, Everyone Else is Already Taken: Transform Your Life with the Power of Authenticity“.

In my interview with Mike, we explore what helps to make a person more authentic through his five principles of authenticity:

  1. Know Yourself
  2. Transform Your Fears
  3. Express Yourself
  4. Be Bold
  5. Celebrate Who You Are

When you first read the principles you might think, “well this is simple”.  Well, think again, because for most people, our ego gets in the way of us becoming the most authentic we can be.  We are hiding behind our wall of protection where we feel comfortable.  It is usually here that we create the alter ego which frequently prevents others from really knowing who we are, and and for us to be able to liberate ourselves to express freely and openly.

Mike has done a masterful job of laying out his book so that the reader can easily utilize and apply the principles taught.  The first part of the book looks at WHY it can be hard for us to be authentic-the familial, cultural, and personal influences, thoughts, and fears that make it difficult for us to do and say what is true for us, or lead us to believe that who we are is not acceptable enough.  He really helps in creating more awareness about what authenticity is, and what blocks us for attaining it.

Part two of the book lays out the Five Principles of Authenticity that Mike has developed over the last ten years of working directly with individuals and in groups.

In the third part of the book, Mike provides the reader with HOW to take action.  He has created interactive exercises and practices to assist us in becoming more authentic.

There is a great quote in Mikes’ book from Mother Teresa, “Honesty and transparency make you vulnerable.  Be honest and transparent anyway”.  I think that this quote really sums up what authenticity is, the real question is what prevents you from expressing your divine authenticity and how will you show up in life once you have explored your true nature.  I encourage you to explore and understand your true nature, for it is here that you are liberated to express yourself and shine as an individual.

Mike is an awesome speaker, coach and author.  He works to help people transform their lives, and live with more passion and authenticity.  If you would like to learn more about Mike, his books and coaching programs then I would recommend that you click here.

Please enjoy this interview with Mike, and if you like what you hear during this interview please let either Mike or myself know.