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The How of Happiness
Book

The How of Happiness

A New Approach to Getting the Life You Want

Penguin, 2008 more...

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Editorial Rating

7

Qualities

  • Scientific
  • Applicable
  • Well Structured

Recommendation

Singer Bobby McFerrin had a monster hit in 1988 entitled Don't Worry, Be Happy. The hypnotically perky, happy song hopped its way across the globe, magically lifting the spirits of listeners everywhere. The lyrics say: “In your life expect some trouble / When you worry you make it double / Don’t worry, be happy / Be happy now.” If only happiness were that easy to achieve. Indeed, happiness requires considerable focus and effort, but psychologist Sonja Lyubomirsky promises that it is eminently achievable, even for the galactically unhappy. She outlines some proven psychological stratagems and explains why they work, if you put in the effort. Just be aware of and implement specific mood-lifting techniques to improve the level of happiness in your life. Whether or not you cheer up when you hear McFerrin’s catchy tune, getAbstract suggests giving Lyubomirsky’s scientific happiness-inducing techniques a shot. Don’t worry, be happy: They just might work.

Take-Aways

  • Happiness is largely a state of mind.
  • Ultimately, your happiness is not conditioned by life’s external circumstances.
  • Some people are more genetically disposed to happiness than others.

About the Author

Sonja Lyubomirsky is a psychology professor at the University of California, Riverside, and winner of the Templeton Positive Psychology Prize.


Comment on this summary or Start Discussion

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    R. N. 4 years ago
    Very well covered in book summary. Happiness starts with self thoughts, planning and actions the way we perceive our needs and pass through circumstances in life.
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    C. V. 7 years ago
    Great lists of habits. Will definitely implement
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    J. G. 1 decade ago
    A very interesting summary. Happiness, as most things in life, requires a process and not a magic trick, This Summary engage and encourage yourself to search within yourself what you need to be happy. It's not a Houdini scene, it's just a matter of wishing, trying and be totally convinced that happiness it's in the front of your mirror.

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