The Happiness Advantage

The Seven Principles of Positive Psychology That Fuel Success and Performance at Work

By: Shawn Achor

Narrated by: Shawn Achor

Length: 7 hrs and 19 mins

Publisher's summary

INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER • An engaging, deeply researched guide to flourishing in a world of increasing stress and negativity—the inspiration for one of the most popular TED Talks of all time

“Powerful [and] charming . . . A book for just about anyone . . . The philosophies in this book are easily the best wire frames to build a happy and successful life.”—Medium

Happiness is not the belief that we don’t need to change; it is the realization that we can.

Our most commonly held formula for success is broken. Conventional wisdom holds that once we succeed, we’ll be happy; that once we get that great job, win that next promotion, lose those five pounds, happiness will follow. But the science reveals this formula to be backward: Happiness fuels success, not the other way around.

Research shows that happy employees are more productive, more creative, and better problem solvers than their unhappy peers. And positive people are significantly healthier and less stressed and enjoy deeper social interaction than the less positive people around them.

Drawing on original research—including one of the largest studies of happiness ever conducted—and work in boardrooms and classrooms across forty-two countries, Shawn Achor shows us how to rewire our brains for positivity and optimism to reap the happiness advantage in our lives, our careers, and even our health. His strategies include:

• The Tetris Effect: how to retrain our brains to spot patterns of possibility so we can see and seize opportunities all around us
• Social Investment: how to earn the dividends of a strong social support network
• The Ripple Effect: how to spread positive change within our teams, companies, and families

By turns fascinating, hopeful, and timely, The Happiness Advantage reveals how small shifts in our mind-set and habits can produce big gains at work, at home, and elsewhere.

©2010 Shawn Achor (P)2010 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"Shawn Achor is funny, self-deprecating, and devastating to my notions of what his field is all about…. I'm butter to his knife." (The Boston Globe)

"Achor bases his training on a burgeoning body of research on the positive psychology movement, which emphasizes instilling resiliency and positive attitudes." (The Wall Street Journal)

“Achor transports us to his virtual classroom, a journey along which we glean the seven secrets of happiness. The Happiness Advantage reveals the most important discoveries coming out of modern psychology.” (Rom Brafman, bestselling co-author of Sway and Click)

Must read !!!

One of the best books I have ever read. Highly recommend to everyone. Loved it!

Practically thought out

Wow, I can already see a difference in my work and relationships after a year of applying these principals. Worth all of the effort.

brilliant and inspiring book!

This book is brilliant, great theory backed up with the science behind it along with suggestions on how to become a happier and more productive person. I've listened to some books that are very 'sameish' on these kinds of topics but this book stands out from the pack, I highly recommend it and I think my life will be improved by listening to it and taking some of the action items from it like writing a list of 3 things im grateful for every day to help my brain to spot things to be greatful for to build a habit of it.. anyway, if you are considering this book, go for it! totally worth it!

the best thing i ve heard in my life

great audiobook. with easy to follow steps that lead you to succes. dont miss it

Amazing!

I loved it!

It’s really easy to follow up. I really enjoyed how a concept is introduced alongside with a story to illustrate it. Can’t recommend it enough.

Good Story But

This book contains some really good principles that I have tried to incorporate into my day to day. But some of the scientific data the book is based on has been largely discredited since the publishing of this book. Take it as a guide, not gospel.

Well read and concise-should be a must read.

I read about high performers as well as study them in my own work life and this book brought all of the things you see and observe to light in a nice organized fashion. After I listened through one time I went back and listened again but took a ton of notes and looked for examples in successful people I knew and how I can implement into my life. It has paid 10x.

Great Read

This book is a fantastic reminder of how to conduct ones day to day behaviors as well as give insight into areas that need some revamp. I got more from this book than a 3 day personal development course I took. I’ve been listening on and off regularly to help remind myself of the wonderful insights Shawn shared! I truly enjoy this book.

Good listening on my morning walks.

quick and easy to listen to. Thought provoking. Easy to employ and see the benefits

Attitude/Mindset Changer - Be Kind

Shawn does a great job of explaining how we can achieve better results just by changing our mindset and being more positive. Basically. Start treating yourself and others better and help create an environment that people want to be in. You shouldn't need scientific facts to know that being a negative dick isn't fun and that nobody wants to be around one. Nor should you need science to tell you to be kind to yourself. We just need books like this to remind everyone. Be kind, people.