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)

great

GREAT an excellent book my whole family looks forward to listening to each day. well written!

A Simple concept that can make a big difference

Would you consider the audio edition of The Happiness Advantage to be better than the print version?

I have both and have switched from one to the other. However, you can hear Shawn's smile and enthusiasm as he reads his words with easy conviction.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

There are so many actionable suggestions. Reset your default button and moving the fulcrum. Simple but life altering!

Inspired a non-reader, even as homework

Any additional comments?

This book was assigned as "Summer reading" to my 15yo son, who has a really hard time reading anything, period. He began the experience by telling me how unfair it was that he had to read at all during the Summer; but after 15 minutes, he started telling me I needed to "read" it myself. That continued all through the rest of the book ... I can't imagine a better recommendation.

Success revolves around Happiness!

What did you love best about The Happiness Advantage?

Common sense and scientific data to backup the claims

Would you be willing to try another book from Shawn Achor? Why or why not?

Yes. Interesting to read about various views on topic and cross reference with other notable authors/books regarding this subject.

Have you listened to any of Shawn Achor’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No.

Extremely insightful

Of all the numerous self development books I’ve heard/read, this is the best one!

Love this book!

This book was very informative and easy to listen to. I found myself repeating segments of the book. I will definitely utilize what I learned in my everyday life.

Excellent concept and practical

Excellent book with practical concepts and exercises. The book is also full of examples to support a better understand in personal and professional life.

Blew my mind!

I loved this book. Well worth the read/listen. It will definitely be one that I listen to over and over again.

LOVED IT!

This book has nuggets on happiness from which everyone can benefit! I have recommended it to several friends and family members.

Very helpful if you actively listen

I have listened to this book 3 times. Each time I learned something new. I love this book.