You can change your personal capacity for happiness. Research psychologist Sonja Lyubomirsky's pioneering concept of the 40% solution shows you how.
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"This was a very helpful book. It's not your typical self-help book where they say "be positive!" but don't really give you any help on how to do that, or whether it even works. I really enjoyed reading this because the author admits she was a skeptic, but after all the reasearch she did and read, and the process of writing the book itself really changed her feelings on things and made her change a lot of her views. I respect someone who admits they were wrong; especially someone who is as advanced in her field as the author is. This book helped me find out things I could do in my life to make myself happier and more optimistic, and did it in a way that wasn't fluffy or condescending. I really recommend this book to anyone who is looking for helpful suggestions for being more content in their life and who wants a straight-forward, no nonsense explanation behind each suggestion."
— Karen (4 out of 5 stars)
" For those with extensive life experience, this book may cover things you already know. But for those just starting their lives, it may provide some useful concepts. "
— Mariana, 2/15/2014" I had to read this book for my positive psych class. It was pretty good, with practical, scientifically-based strategies for increasing happiness. Interesting, but not a super-exciting read. "
— Emily, 2/15/2014" This book gives concrete, scientifically proven ways to increase your happiness no matter your current happiness level. I'm finding it very interesting thus far. "
— Stacy, 1/31/2014" This is one of the good book I had read and reflects on the happiness we pursue on different small things. "
— Ashish, 1/27/2014" Convincing and useful. If you actually follow through. "
— Katya, 1/21/2014" Lots of great strategies!! Loved it! "
— Angela, 1/20/2014" If you have noticed me "expressing gratitude" lately, it is because of this book. This book is like the 12 step program for happiness. It is meant to be practical. Now go exercise and report back. "
— Kris, 1/16/2014" Very informational book on how to stay happy and what to do to keep yourself centered and balanced. Some parts were a little slow, but overall a good read. "
— Miriam, 12/29/2013" I thought this was a great book with really concrete ways to increase your happiness. I actually took notes I liked it so much. "
— Kelly, 12/13/2013" Having a biology background, I had a hard time buying the so-called "Scientific Approach" of this book, especially without having read the studies to which it referred. It did have some good advise, but none of it was very innovative. "
— Carling, 12/9/2013" This was a pretty good book. At times a little slow but lot's of surprising statistics and facts about happiness. I enjoyed this book! "
— Kayla, 12/6/2013" safe help book fro people that are into psychology "
— Benjamin, 12/3/2013" An excellent distillation of positive psychology research into a how-to manual for nonscientists. The writing can be drab at times, but if you'd rather avoid reading 7-10 books on the topic, this one is the data dump you need. "
— Mittens, 10/5/2013" A good reminder of ways to be responsible for our own happiness, with scientific studies to back it up. Easy to read in segments. "
— Sherry, 6/14/2013" Real, concrete methods for feeling better, tailored to my personality. "
— Rebecca, 4/9/2013" Fine, but nothing you haven't already read elsewhere. "
— Joel, 1/13/2013" Excellent, very well thought out and insightful. Many good ideas "
— Michael, 12/31/2012" I found this book helpful and enlightening because all of the recommendations are based on scientific studies and have been proven to be effective. The presentation of these ideas is reader-friendly, so it was easy to integrate many of the approaches immediately. "
— Elyssa, 11/15/2012" Hi, It would have rated higher for me if it had not been my umpteenth book of this type. If you are newer to the genre then you will find this book more helpful. "
— Richard, 9/8/2012" This is a great handbook for positive thinking based on real life studies. She helps you figure out what little things you can do and narrows it down to help you find the ones you WILL do so that you can actually stick with it! "
— Christina, 6/25/2012" I loved this book. It provides scientific backing for what really creates happiness, delivered in an engaging style. You can pick up this book for a few minutes or a few hours, and walk away with concrete ideas on how to take action and create greater happiness in your life. "
— Elizabeth, 10/20/2011" Great research and tips on how to create more happiness in your life. "
— Christina, 10/13/2011" The best book on how to get happier. Unlike typical self-help books Lyubomirsky bases all her happiness tips on scientific research. "
— Jesper, 9/18/2011" This book is a source for my presentations. I've tagged numerous pages for inspiration and re-discovery. "
— Drmell, 7/22/2011" This is great advice and easy to follow steps to more happiness in your life. Definitely a good book to re-read at different times of your life. "
— Jan, 7/17/2011" Seems trite, but isn't. I should really put this in the "currently reading" category, because I find myself returning to this book over and over again. "
— David, 5/17/2011" A good reminder of ways to be responsible for our own happiness, with scientific studies to back it up. Easy to read in segments. "
— Sherry, 3/2/2011" If you have noticed me "expressing gratitude" lately, it is because of this book. This book is like the 12 step program for happiness. It is meant to be practical. Now go exercise and report back. "
— Kris, 2/24/2011" I'll admit not reading the entire book from front to back. Great, pertininent information, and I appreciate the scientific approach, but didn't like the writing enough to read the book closely. "
— Stacypietari, 1/26/2011" safe help book fro people that are into psychology "
— Benjamin, 12/26/2010" Practical discussion on how to apply principles learned from research in positive psychology. "
— Dave, 10/21/2010" Easy read. Factual, and to the point. <br/> <br/>However, the dryness comes from stating the TRUE FACTS about happiness. It really is an outline for why so many of the things we think will make us happy, don't. <br/> <br/>The material in this book is second to none. "
— Drew, 9/16/2010" A super-geeky analysis of happiness and what to do to feel more happiness. A diagnostic quiz matching you with the scientifically-tested methods that improve happiness that are most likely to improve YOUR happiness. A little too dry in that way. "
— Sonya, 5/31/2010" I found this book very helpful and I already apply a lot of the happiness strategies found here, but there are a couple that I don't do well with (coping skills and meditation especially). I learned a lot of what I can do to try and increase my happiness. "
— Bridgett, 5/4/2010" Excellent advice about things you can do everyday to be happier. "
— April, 4/1/2010" This is the most practical self-help book/positive psychology book I've encountered. The techniques are all backed by scientific research which impressed me. "
— Katie, 3/30/2010" I found this book extremely interesting and even took some notes. I had no idea that extensive research had been conducted on what proven activities make people happy. I look forward to practicing some of the principles myself. "
— Sarah, 2/5/2010Sonja Lyubomirsky is a professor of
psychology at the University of California, Riverside. Her research—on the
possibility of permanently increasing happiness—has been honored with a Science
of Generosity grant, a John Templeton Foundation grant, a Templeton Positive
Psychology Prize, and a million-dollar grant from the National Institute of
Mental Health. Lyubomirsky’s 2008 book, The How of Happiness, has
been translated into nineteen languages. She lives in Santa Monica, California,
with her family.