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Find the Gold
- By Mike Robbins
- Published 06/25/2008
- Inspiration
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 new best selling book, Focus on the Good Stuff (Hardcover, Jossey-Bass/Wiley). Mike has been featured in Forbes, on the Oprah and Friends radio network, and on NBC. He is a member of the National Speakers Association (NSA) and is a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP), NSA’s highest earned designation. Mike lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with his wife Michelle and their young daughters Samantha and Annarose. Visit http://www.focusonthegoodstuff.com/ for additional information.
View all articles by Mike RobbinsWithout 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.
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.