FOCUS ON THE GOOD STUFF!
 
Mike Robbins is the author of Focus on the Good Stuff: The Power of Appreciation.
 
A well-known keynote speaker and personal development expert, Mike has inspired thousands to appreciate themselves, acknowledge others, and be grateful for their lives through his talks, seminars, and workshops.
 
Mike was born and raised in Oakland, California. An avid athlete, Mike was a team leader who threw strikes during the game and offered comfort to teammates following the occasional loss. He went on to become a standout pitcher for Stanford University, where he helped lead his team to the Pac-10 Conference Championship and an appearance in the College World Series. Mike was named to the All-Conference team, nominated as an academic All-American, and voted "Most Inspirational" by his fellow teammates. Mike was drafted by the Kansas City Royals, where he played three seasons of professional baseball. Today, Mike's expertise in teamwork, communication, and the power of appreciation has made him a well-respected and sought-after speaker. Mike teaches people how to appreciate themselves, acknowledge others, create successful relationships, work together, and be grateful for all they have, drawing upon what he has learned studying psychology, metaphysics, spirituality, and personal growth.
 
Tonight We Will Talk About:

• There's been a criticism lately of philosophies like "The Secret," which emphasize focusing only on the good stuff. It's said that by ignoring "the bad stuff" in the world, people are becoming more self-centered and less civic-minded or willing to help others. Do you think that's true?
   
  
• Many motivational speakers or personal growth coaches are in the Baby Boomer generation. Why do you think so many of them are from that generation? How did you as a Generation X'er come to this work?
   
  
• You must have gone through a real identity crisis when you injured your arm and could no longer play professional ball. How did you get through that time and find a new dream for yourself?
   
  
• Isn't appreciation just being grateful for what you've got? And doesn't that lead to settling for less than you want, complacency?
   
  
• In the midst of global wars and global warming, how is it possible to focus on "just the good stuff"? Isn't that simply avoiding reality?
   
  
• You've been acquainted with several highly successful athletes: Tiger Woods, Jenny Thompson, Alex Rodriguez. What sets them apart from other athletes who are equally talented but not as successful?
   
  
• Can you suggest some simple, basic things a person can do on a daily basis to feel better about life?
   
  
• Why do you think appreciation is so critical? Is it more important than, say, focusing on your goals?
   
  
• So many kids today seem to have it all and take it for granted. What can parents do to encourage appreciation in their kids?
   
  
• Are there certain cultures or segments of our culture that are better with appreciation than most? Why do you think this is so?