The Happiness Advantage – by Shawn Achor
Headline: The Seven Principles of Positive Psychology That Fuel Success and Performance at Work
Whats it all about?
I have to say, I wasn’t too sure about this one when I started it. Shawn really turns things upside down in this book. We, as a population, have always believed that the more successful you are the happier you will become – totally backwards according to Achor. With over a decade of research behind him in the field of positive psychology, Achor has proven that this formula is indeed backwards. Success does not necessarily make you happy.
This book gives a whole new perspective about the relationship between success and happiness and explains why and how we can be happy from a ‘business point of view’. Achor affirms that companies should pay more attention to the happiness of their employees and therefore, happy staff tend to be more productive and creative.
Shawn re-iterates that ‘happiness is not just a mood – it’s a work ethic’. His research has found that we can train/use our brain to change how we process the world and, that in turn, changes how we react to it. The most successful people, either in their work or life in general, believe that their actions have a direct impact of their eventual outcomes.
The more I think about it, the more the book makes sense. Instead of trying to ‘become successful’, try becoming happy right now so you can become successful later.
How did this book impact me?
Coincidentally reading this book happens to be perfect timing in my life. With a family member struggling with work/life depression, it has given me an extra dimension into knowing how to help. It has helped me to stay focused on being happy whilst going through a tough time and, in turn is guiding me in the right direction to keep them happy too.
Sounds corny I know, but when you are actually in the middle of reading something like this, you do find your thoughts wondering towards the book and thinking “how would the book recommend you handle this”?
The key point to me is ‘focus on seeing/spotting the positive things in life’ and let the negative stuff pass you by.
Any Limitations of the Book?
I can’t see any! I suppose the only thing that could limit you learning from this book would be the size of your imagination. There are so many ways in which you could help yourself with tips from this book whether it be 5 minutes meditation a day to a short burst of time outdoors daily. Albeit, that most of the key points picked up were in the first two thirds of the book. The examples are endless but it was quite easy to capture the actual information hidden inside each chapter.
About the Author:
Shawn Achor is an American author and speaker and is best known for his advocacy of positive psychology. Born 1978, Achor went on to receive a Bachelor of Arts from Harvard University and later co-founded The Institute of Applied Positive Research with his wife Michelle. He also co-authored a children’s book ‘Ripple Effect’ with Amy Blankson as a way to bring positive psychology ideas to children.
Other books like this:
The Power of Vulnerability: Teachings of Authenticity, Connection & Courage by Brene Brown PhD. Is vulnerability the same as weakness?
The Person You Mean to Be: How good people fight bias by Dolly Chugh. A great read on how to confront difficult issues including sexism, racism, inequality and injustice.