| My #1 recommendation, especially for attorneys. Dr. Fredrickson's is justifiably famous in the positive psychology community for her "Broaden & Build" theory of the effect positive emotions. Here, she details some of the research that has validated that theory, describes and prioritizes the positive emotions that her research has shown to be most frequent and powerful in her subjects' lives, explains the tipping point known as the "Losada Line" and gives specific, tested suggestions for ways to improve ones' positivity ratio. Whew! For that sentence and for the book! | |
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I've heard Tal Ben-Shahar speak a couple of times now and WOW! He both inspires and daunts me as a speaker. His presentations simply reek of preparation, attention to detail, and clear thinking about how to help particpants understand and move ahead. A lot of that comes through in this book. If you want lots of references to the research, then Happiness or The How of Happiness might be a better choice. If you want an early, seminal work that's still powerful, it's Authentic Happiness. But even if you've read every book in these recommendations, this book will bring new insights and, I suspect, new motivation. The "Hamburger Model" (p.14) was one such insight for me, and his seven meditations on happiness (Chapters 9-15) are thoughtful and though-provoking. Great book! Kindle version. | |
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Dr. Ben-Shahar's second book broadens and deepens the theme begun in his Happier that living a good life means living real life, not some unblemished fairy-tale. We start from where we are and move forward seeking better, not perfect. Dr. Ben-Shahar contrasts the "Perfectionist" with the "Optimalist" and explains, in Chapters 1-4, how the Optimalist is better able to live well and productively by accepting failure, emotions, success, and reality. In Chapters 5-7, he looks at an Optimalist approach to education, work, and love. The book concludes with a series of short meditations on topics including "Real Change", "Cognitive Therapy", "The Role of Suffering", "The Pro-Aging Industry" and "Knowing and Not Knowing." This format -- theory, applications, meditations is the same as in his first book. It's a format that does justice to how the concepts and constructs in positive psychology relate to one another and to the various domains of life. In discussing Dr. Ben-Shahar's books with a colleague, we came up with the term "digested" to describe them. Many of the authors of books in these lists are researchers first. Their books are particularly strong in the areas of their research, but not as strong at understanding and connecting that research to other research. Dr. Ben-Shahar's passion for teaching comes through in a more connected, processed view of both the research and its applications -- "digested." These books are short enough to re-read, and well worth the time. | |
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Having studied under Marty, I am a fan. Part of Marty's genius is the ability to find leverage -- research, applications, and programs that make a difference. There are a number of books on happiness out now by leading researchers, and I recommend several of them here. Some are newer, some are broader, each makes a valuable and unique contribution. But, if you're looking for a book that will give you the depth you need on key topics to increase your happiness or that of those around you in various domains of life, this book will give you significant leverage. Kindle version: Authentic Happiness
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Short, practical, action-oriented approach to building well-being in a relational context. Tom's a MAPP classmate, though he and his grandfather wrote this book prior to our time together in MAPP. This book is particularly strong in describing how quick interactions, even in the workplace, can build the store of positive emotions -- drops in the bucket -- in others. See the start of chapter 3 and chapter 5. Tom's personal story, chapter 4, is a powerful example of how positive parenting can shape children's lives, even when they have significant challenges to face. | |
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It's not just intelligences that are multiple! Try multiple brains! Or, at least, multiple relatively independent systems in the brain. Haidt's metaphor of the rider and the elephant is worth reading the book. Great writer. Sound insights. Kindle version: The Happiness Hypothesis: Finding Modern Truth in Ancient Wisdom
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Dr. Lyubomirsky focuses on the "work" of happiness -- what you can do, day by day, to become happier. She also incorporates an approach to finding activities that "fit" for you. She presents research-based recommendations for activities involving positive thought patterns (gratitude, optimism, etc.), relationships, coping & forgiveness, flow & savoring, picking and pursuing goals, and physical and spirtual well-being. She also includes a section on the keys to maintaining improved well-being and a post-script on depression. It's possible to take a cookbook approach to this work -- dipping in and out to the parts that interest you the most. Kindle version: The How of Happiness | |
| Ed Diener is one of the real pioneers in the field of positive psychology. He says he wanted to do his dissertation in the area, but an advisor pooh-poohed the idea with the comment that happiness could not be measured. So, he waited until he got tenure, then studied it! His article "Subjective Well-Being" appeared in the May, 1984 issue of Psychological Bulletin. Robert Biswas-Diener, Ed's son, co-authors the book, and it draws on his experience conducting well-being research around the world. This book is especially good at explaining and situating the various components on well-being. For anyone working with professionals where high income levels are a mark of success and goals in and of themselves, Chapter 6 on "Can Money Buy Happiness" is a great review of the most current research. Also excellent on policy implications for nations. | |
| Are you generally a "maximizer" or "satisficer"? Should you care? Good book not only for consumers, but for achievers. Since nothing's ever "finished", what does "do your best" mean? |
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