Reviews
“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
“Thoughtfully lays out the steps to increasing workplace positivity.”—Forbes
“Powerful … A supremely important book for anyone in management … accessible [and] easy to read.”—Medium
“A big star … a world-famous expert.”—New York Times
“Shawn Achor is funny, self-deprecating, and devastating to my notions of what his field is all about… I’m butter to his knife.”—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
Imagine a world where success doesn’t lead to happiness, but happiness leads to success. This groundbreaking book turns the traditional notion of achievement on its head, revealing how positive psychology can revolutionize our work and personal lives. Drawing from extensive research and real-world examples, it presents seven actionable principles that anyone can use to boost their performance, productivity, and overall well-being. The author’s unique blend of scientific rigor and practical wisdom offers readers a fresh perspective on how to thrive in today’s competitive workplace and beyond. This isn’t just another self-help book; it’s a roadmap to unlocking your full potential and creating a more fulfilling life.
This book is primarily aimed at professionals, managers, and business leaders looking to improve their performance and create a more positive work environment. However, its principles are universally applicable, making it valuable for anyone seeking to enhance their personal and professional life. The secondary audience includes students, educators, and individuals interested in personal development and positive psychology. Achor’s writing style strikes a balance between academic rigor and accessibility, using relatable anecdotes and clear explanations to break down complex psychological concepts. This approach makes the book engaging for both seasoned executives and those new to the field of positive psychology, ensuring that readers from various backgrounds can grasp and apply its principles.
Picture a world where the age-old adage “work hard, become successful, then you’ll be happy” is turned on its head. This is the revolutionary premise of Shawn Achor’s The Happiness Advantage: The Seven Principles of Positive Psychology That Fuel Success and Performance at Work. It’s like discovering that the fuel for your car has been right under your nose all along, and it’s not the expensive, hard-to-find kind you’ve been struggling to afford. Instead, it’s a renewable resource that you can generate yourself: happiness.
Achor’s book is a wake-up call for those stuck in the rat race, chasing success at the expense of their well-being. Through a combination of cutting-edge research, entertaining anecdotes, and practical advice, he demonstrates that happiness isn’t just a pleasant by-product of success – it’s a crucial ingredient for achieving it. The author draws on his experience as a researcher at Harvard and his work with Fortune 500 companies to present a compelling case for why positive psychology should be at the forefront of our personal and professional development strategies.
The core of The Happiness Advantage lies in its seven principles, each designed to help readers rewire their brains for positivity and, consequently, greater success. These principles aren’t just feel-good platitudes; they’re backed by rigorous scientific research and real-world application. From learning how to reframe negative events to capitalizing on the ‘Tetris Effect’ to retrain our brains for positivity, Achor provides a toolkit for transforming our approach to work and life.
One of the book’s most powerful insights is the concept of the ‘happiness advantage’ itself. Achor explains how a positive mindset creates a “happiness advantage” – a state where our brains perform significantly better than they do in neutral or negative states. When we’re positive, we’re more creative, more motivated, more energetic, more resilient, and more productive. It’s like upgrading the operating system of your mind to a version that runs faster, smoother, and more efficiently.
Readers of The Happiness Advantage will learn how to:
The heart of Achor’s message is that happiness is not just a mood – it’s a work ethic. Imagine happiness as a muscle that, when exercised regularly, grows stronger and more capable of lifting the heavy weights of life’s challenges. The core thesis of The Happiness Advantage is that by cultivating positive psychology in our daily lives, we can significantly improve our performance, productivity, and overall success.
Achor argues that the traditional formula for success – work hard, achieve success, then be happy – is backwards. Instead, he proposes that happiness fuels success, not the other way around. It’s like planting a tree: conventional wisdom says you should wait for the tree to grow before you can enjoy its shade. Achor’s approach suggests that by cultivating happiness now, you’re creating the ideal conditions for that tree to grow faster and stronger than you ever imagined possible.
The Happiness Advantage has made waves in both the business and psychology communities since its publication. Its significance lies in its ability to bridge the gap between academic research on positive psychology and practical, actionable strategies for individuals and organizations.
The book challenges the long-held belief that success precedes happiness, a notion deeply ingrained in our work culture. By flipping this script, Achor has sparked a conversation about the role of positivity in professional settings, encouraging companies to prioritize employee well-being as a means of boosting performance.
Achor’s work has been recognized by numerous organizations and publications. The book became a New York Times bestseller and has been translated into more than 35 languages. Its principles have been adopted by a wide range of institutions, from Fortune 500 companies to the NFL and even the U.S. Army.
However, the book is not without its critics. Some argue that its emphasis on individual mindset shifts downplays the role of systemic issues in workplace stress and unhappiness. Others question whether the principles can be effectively applied in high-stress, high-stakes environments.
Despite these criticisms, The Happiness Advantage remains a influential work in the field of positive psychology and organizational behavior. Its practical approach to implementing happiness strategies has made it a go-to resource for leaders looking to improve their own performance and that of their teams. The book’s enduring popularity and the growing body of research supporting its claims suggest that Achor’s ideas will continue to shape discussions about success, performance, and well-being for years to come.
The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor offers a compelling and well-researched perspective on the relationship between happiness and success. We find that the book’s greatest strength lies in its ability to challenge conventional wisdom about achievement and well-being. By positioning happiness as a precursor to success rather than merely its result, Achor provides readers with a powerful framework for personal and professional development.
We appreciate the book’s strong scientific foundation, which sets it apart from many self-help titles. Achor’s extensive use of research from positive psychology and related fields lends credibility to his arguments and provides readers with a deeper understanding of the mechanisms behind happiness and success. This empirical approach, combined with Achor’s engaging writing style and use of relatable anecdotes, makes complex psychological concepts accessible to a general audience.
The practical applicability of Achor’s principles is another significant strength of the book. Each chapter offers concrete strategies and exercises that readers can immediately implement in their lives. This focus on actionable advice increases the book’s value, as it allows readers to start making positive changes right away.
We also commend the book’s broad applicability. While many books in this genre focus solely on either personal or professional development, Achor’s principles are relevant to both spheres of life. This versatility makes The Happiness Advantage a valuable resource for a wide range of readers, from business professionals to individuals seeking personal growth.
However, we must also acknowledge some limitations of the book. There’s a risk of oversimplification in some areas, potentially leading readers to underestimate the challenges of implementing long-term changes in mindset and habits. Additionally, the book’s focus on individual actions and attitudes might not fully account for external factors that can significantly impact happiness and success.
We also note that the book could benefit from a more nuanced discussion of negative emotions and their role in personal growth. While the emphasis on positivity is valuable, a more balanced approach that acknowledges the importance of processing all emotions might have strengthened the book’s message.
Our Recommendation
Despite these limitations, we believe that The Happiness Advantage offers valuable insights and practical strategies for improving well-being and performance. We recommend this book to individuals seeking to enhance their personal and professional lives, as well as to leaders and managers looking to foster more positive and productive work environments.
For readers new to positive psychology, this book serves as an excellent introduction to the field, providing both theoretical understanding and practical applications. For those already familiar with the concepts, Achor’s unique perspective and actionable strategies still offer fresh insights. However, we suggest complementing this reading with other works that address some of the book’s blind spots, such as the role of negative emotions or cultural variations in concepts of happiness and success. Overall, we believe that The Happiness Advantage is a worthwhile read that has the potential to significantly impact one’s approach to work, relationships, and personal growth.
The essence of The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor lies in its seven principles of positive psychology, which form the backbone of the book’s message. These principles are not just theoretical concepts but practical tools that readers can apply to their lives to boost happiness and, consequently, success. The first principle, the Happiness Advantage, posits that happiness and optimism fuel performance and achievement – not the other way around. This principle challenges the conventional wisdom that success leads to happiness, instead arguing that cultivating positive emotions gives us a competitive edge in life and work. Achor backs this up with research showing that a positive brain is more motivated, creative, and productive than a neutral or negative one.
The second principle, the Fulcrum and the Lever, introduces the idea that our mindset (the fulcrum) and our power (the lever) work together to shape our reality. By adjusting our mindset, we can increase our perceived power and ability to create positive change. This principle emphasizes the importance of perspective and how changing our view of a situation can dramatically alter our experience and outcomes. It’s about recognizing that we have more control over our circumstances than we often realize.
The third principle, the Tetris Effect, describes how our brains can be trained to spot patterns of possibility that lead to success. Just as Tetris players begin to see potential shapes everywhere, we can train our brains to scan for positives and opportunities in our environment. This principle is about rewiring our brains to focus on the good, which in turn creates a self-fulfilling prophecy of positivity and success. It’s a powerful tool for overcoming negativity bias and cultivating a more optimistic outlook.
The fourth principle, Falling Up, is about finding the path up when we fall down. It’s not about denying negative emotions or experiences but about using setbacks as launch pads to greater heights. This principle teaches resilience and the ability to find opportunity in adversity. It’s about developing a growth mindset that views challenges as chances for learning and improvement rather than insurmountable obstacles.
The fifth principle, the Zorro Circle, draws inspiration from the legendary swordsman and focuses on how to regain control in chaotic situations by starting with small, manageable goals. This principle is about breaking overwhelming tasks or situations into smaller, achievable circles of influence. By focusing on what we can control and gradually expanding our circle, we build confidence and a sense of mastery that can help us tackle larger challenges.
The sixth principle, the 20-Second Rule, is a practical strategy for replacing bad habits with good ones by making positive choices more convenient. This principle recognizes that willpower is a limited resource and that we’re more likely to make positive changes if we reduce the activation energy for good habits and increase it for bad ones. It’s about creating an environment that makes it easier to make the right choices.
The seventh and final principle, Social Investment, emphasizes the importance of social connections in times of stress. This principle argues that investing in social relationships is a critical buffer against adversity and a key driver of success and well-being. It’s about recognizing that our social support network is not just a nice-to-have but a crucial element of our personal and professional success.
The UBS Example: To illustrate the power of the Happiness Advantage, Achor shares the story of his work with UBS, a financial services firm. In the wake of the 2008 financial crisis, UBS was struggling with low morale and productivity. Achor implemented a series of positive psychology interventions, including having employees write down three things they were grateful for each day and perform random acts of kindness. After just three weeks, the firm saw significant improvements in employee optimism and job satisfaction, which translated into better performance and client relationships.
The Gravity Problem: To explain the Fulcrum and Lever principle, Achor uses the example of what he calls the “gravity problem.” He describes how NASA scientists had to find a way to train astronauts for zero gravity conditions on Earth. Their solution was to put the astronauts underwater, where the buoyancy counteracted Earth’s gravity. This example illustrates how changing our environment (the fulcrum) can dramatically alter our perceived abilities and outcomes (the lever).
The Harvard Study: Achor cites a study conducted at Harvard to demonstrate the Tetris Effect. In this study, participants played Tetris for hours over several days. Afterward, many reported seeing Tetris shapes in real-world scenarios, like grocery store shelves or buildings. This phenomenon shows how our brains can be trained to spot patterns, whether positive or negative, in our environment. Achor uses this to argue for the importance of training our brains to spot opportunities and positive patterns.
The KIPP Example: To illustrate the principle of Falling Up, Achor shares the story of KIPP (Knowledge Is Power Program) schools. These schools, which primarily serve underprivileged students, have achieved remarkable success by teaching students to view challenges as opportunities for growth. They use a system where students earn “character points” for demonstrating resilience and perseverance in the face of setbacks. This approach has led to significantly higher college attendance rates among KIPP students compared to their peers.
The Housekeepers Study: Achor uses a study of hotel housekeepers to illustrate the Zorro Circle principle. In this study, one group of housekeepers was told that their work constituted good exercise, while a control group was not given this information. Despite no change in their actual work, the informed group showed significant improvements in physical health measures over the following weeks. This example demonstrates how changing our perception of our work (focusing on a small, manageable aspect) can have real, measurable effects on our well-being and performance.
The Willpower Experiment: To demonstrate the 20-Second Rule, Achor shares a personal experiment he conducted. He wanted to learn guitar but found himself watching TV instead. His solution was to take the batteries out of his TV remote (adding 20 seconds to the task of watching TV) and place his guitar in the center of his living room (reducing the time to start playing). This small change in his environment led to a significant increase in his guitar practice time, illustrating how making good habits more convenient can lead to positive behavior change.
The Framingham Heart Study: To support the Social Investment principle, Achor cites the Framingham Heart Study, a long-term cardiovascular study. The study found that happiness is contagious, spreading through social networks up to three degrees of separation. This means that your happiness can influence not just your friends, but your friends’ friends’ friends. This example underscores the importance of social connections and how investing in relationships can have far-reaching positive effects.
Happiness Fuels Success
One of the most revolutionary insights from The Happiness Advantage is that happiness is not just a result of success, but a precursor to it. Achor’s research shows that a positive brain performs significantly better than a negative, neutral, or stressed one. It’s 31% more productive, 37% better at sales, and more creative and resilient. To apply this insight, start your day with activities that boost your mood. This could be as simple as listing three things you’re grateful for each morning, meditating for five minutes, or engaging in brief exercise. Over time, these practices can rewire your brain to be more positive, setting you up for greater success in all areas of life. For instance, before important meetings or challenging tasks, take a moment to recall a positive memory or think about something you’re looking forward to. This small act can prime your brain for better performance.
The Fulcrum and Lever of Success
Achor introduces the concept of the Fulcrum and Lever, demonstrating how our mindset (fulcrum) and the power we believe we have (lever) work together to create success. By adjusting our mindset, we can give ourselves more power to create positive change. To apply this, consciously reframe challenges as opportunities for growth. For example, if you’re facing a difficult project at work, instead of thinking “This is impossible,” try “This is a chance to develop new skills.” Additionally, adopt a ‘what can I learn from this?’ attitude towards setbacks. When faced with a failure, write down three things you learned from the experience. This practice not only softens the blow of setbacks but also trains your brain to automatically look for the positive in challenging situations.
The Tetris Effect: Training Your Brain to Capitalize on Possibility
The Tetris Effect describes how our brains can be trained to constantly scan for positives and possibilities. Just as Tetris players begin to see opportunities for fitting blocks together in their everyday lives, we can train our brains to spot patterns of possibility. To apply this, start a daily habit of identifying three new things you’re grateful for. This trains your brain to scan the world for positives. Additionally, at the end of each workday, write down three things that went well and why. Over time, this practice will shift your focus from problems to opportunities. For instance, in team meetings, make it a point to highlight what’s working well before discussing challenges. This not only boosts morale but also primes everyone’s minds to approach problems more creatively.
Falling Up: The Secret of Turning Failure into Growth
Achor’s concept of ‘Falling Up’ teaches us to find opportunity in adversity. It’s not about denying negative emotions, but about using setbacks as launch pads to greater heights. To apply this, develop a ‘failure resume’ where you list your biggest failures, what you learned from them, and how they led to later successes. This practice helps reframe your view of failure from something to be feared to a necessary step in growth. When facing a setback, ask yourself, “What is this teaching me?” or “How can I use this experience to improve?” For example, if you lose a major client, instead of dwelling on the loss, analyze what went wrong, identify areas for improvement, and use these insights to strengthen your approach with other clients.
The Zorro Circle: How Limiting Your Focus to Small, Manageable Goals Can Expand Your Sphere of Power
The Zorro Circle principle is about how to regain control in chaotic situations by focusing on small, manageable goals. This approach builds confidence and a sense of control that can be expanded to larger challenges. To apply this, when faced with an overwhelming task or situation, identify the smallest action you can take that will have a positive impact. For instance, if you’re starting a new business, don’t try to tackle everything at once. Begin with one small aspect, like creating a mission statement or reaching out to one potential customer. As you achieve these small goals, gradually expand your circle of influence. In your personal life, if you’re feeling overwhelmed by clutter, start by organizing just one drawer. The sense of accomplishment from this small task can motivate you to tackle larger areas.
The 20-Second Rule: How to Turn Bad Habits into Good Ones by Minimizing Barriers to Change
The 20-Second Rule is a strategy for replacing bad habits with good ones by making positive choices more convenient. The key is to reduce the activation energy for habits you want to adopt and increase it for habits you want to avoid. To apply this, identify a habit you want to change. If you want to exercise more, sleep in your workout clothes and place your shoes by your bed. If you want to eat healthier, cut up vegetables in advance and place them at eye level in your fridge, while putting less healthy snacks in hard-to-reach places. If you find yourself checking social media too often, log out of the apps on your phone so it takes an extra step to access them. These small changes in your environment can lead to significant changes in behavior over time.
Social Investment: Why Social Support is Your Single Greatest Asset
The principle of Social Investment emphasizes the crucial role of social connections in our success and well-being, especially during times of stress. To apply this insight, make a conscious effort to invest in your relationships, both personal and professional. Schedule regular catch-ups with friends and colleagues, even if it’s just a quick coffee or virtual chat. In the workplace, foster a culture of social connection by organizing team-building activities or creating spaces for casual interaction. When facing a challenge, reach out to your support network instead of trying to handle everything alone. For example, if you’re working on a difficult project, consider forming a mastermind group with colleagues to brainstorm ideas and provide mutual support.
The Ripple Effect: Spreading Positivity Beyond Yourself
While not one of the seven principles, an important insight from the book is the ripple effect of happiness and success. Your mood and behavior can influence those around you, creating a multiplier effect for positivity. To apply this, consciously try to be a source of positivity in your environment. Start meetings by sharing a success story or expressing appreciation for a team member’s work. In your personal life, perform random acts of kindness, like leaving a positive note for a family member or helping a neighbor with a task. By focusing on spreading positivity, you not only improve others’ moods but also reinforce your own positive mindset. Remember, according to the research Achor cites, your happiness can influence people up to three degrees removed from you in your social network.
Paradigm-Shifting Perspective
One of the most significant strengths of The Happiness Advantage is its ability to challenge and overturn conventional wisdom about the relationship between success and happiness. Achor’s central thesis – that happiness precedes and promotes success rather than the other way around – is not only intriguing but also well-supported by research. This perspective shift has the potential to revolutionize how individuals and organizations approach personal and professional development. By positioning happiness as a precursor to success, Achor provides readers with a compelling reason to prioritize their well-being and positive mindset, which can lead to significant improvements in various aspects of life and work.
Robust Scientific Foundation
Achor’s work stands out for its strong grounding in scientific research. Throughout the book, he draws on a wide range of studies from positive psychology, neuroscience, and related fields to support his arguments. This empirical basis lends credibility to his claims and distinguishes The Happiness Advantage from many self-help books that rely primarily on anecdotal evidence or personal experience. For instance, Achor cites studies showing that positive emotions can broaden our cognitive abilities and build our physical, intellectual, and social resources. This scientific approach not only strengthens the book’s arguments but also provides readers with a deeper understanding of the mechanisms behind happiness and success.
Practical Applicability
A key strength of The Happiness Advantage is its focus on practical, actionable strategies. Achor doesn’t just present theories; he provides concrete techniques that readers can immediately implement in their lives. Each principle is accompanied by specific exercises or habits that can help cultivate a more positive mindset. For example, the “Three Good Things” exercise, where individuals write down three things they’re grateful for each day, is a simple yet effective way to retrain the brain to focus on positives. These practical tools make the book’s insights accessible and allow readers to start making changes right away, increasing the likelihood that they’ll see real benefits from the book’s teachings.
Engaging Writing Style
Achor’s writing style is another strength of the book. He manages to present complex psychological concepts in a clear, engaging manner that’s accessible to a general audience. His use of anecdotes, personal stories, and humor keeps the reader engaged while illustrating key points. For instance, his story about moving his guitar closer to reduce the “activation energy” needed to practice is both memorable and relatable. This storytelling approach not only makes the book more enjoyable to read but also helps readers connect the principles to their own lives, enhancing understanding and retention of the material.
Broad Applicability
The Happiness Advantage stands out for its wide-ranging applicability. While many books in this genre focus solely on either personal or professional development, Achor’s principles are relevant to both spheres of life. The book offers insights that can be applied in the workplace, in personal relationships, and in individual self-improvement efforts. This broad applicability increases the book’s value, as readers can use the principles to improve multiple areas of their lives simultaneously. For example, the principle of “Social Investment” is equally relevant to building strong professional networks and nurturing personal relationships.
Emphasis on Neuroplasticity
A significant strength of the book is its focus on neuroplasticity – the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections. Achor emphasizes that happiness is a skill that can be developed through practice, not just a fixed trait or fleeting emotion. This perspective is empowering for readers, as it suggests that anyone can increase their happiness and, by extension, their success, regardless of their starting point or circumstances. By explaining the science behind how repeated positive practices can rewire our brains, Achor provides a compelling rationale for why small, consistent actions can lead to significant changes over time.
Potential for Oversimplification
While The Happiness Advantage does an excellent job of making complex psychological concepts accessible, there’s a risk of oversimplification in some areas. The book sometimes presents happiness and success as more straightforward and easily achievable than they may be in reality. For instance, while practices like gratitude journaling can indeed have positive effects, the book might understate the challenges of maintaining such habits long-term or overcoming deeply ingrained negative thought patterns. This simplification, while making the concepts more approachable, might lead some readers to underestimate the effort required to make lasting changes in their mindset and habits.
Limited Discussion of External Factors
The book places a strong emphasis on individual mindset and actions, which, while valuable, might not fully account for external factors that can significantly impact happiness and success. Systemic issues such as socioeconomic inequalities, discrimination, or mental health conditions are not extensively addressed. While positive psychology techniques can be beneficial in many situations, the book could benefit from a more nuanced discussion of how these principles interact with broader societal and personal challenges. This limitation might make some of the advice feel less applicable or realistic for readers facing significant external obstacles.
Potential for Misinterpretation
There’s a risk that some readers might misinterpret the book’s message as suggesting that a positive attitude alone is sufficient to overcome all challenges. While Achor does not explicitly make this claim, the strong emphasis on the power of positivity could potentially lead to a “just think positive” oversimplification of complex life issues. This could inadvertently promote a form of toxic positivity, where negative emotions are suppressed rather than healthily processed. A more explicit discussion of the role of negative emotions and the importance of addressing underlying issues, rather than just changing one’s mindset, could have strengthened the book’s message and prevented potential misunderstandings.
Limited Long-Term Data
While Achor cites numerous studies to support his arguments, many of these focus on short-term effects. The book could benefit from more discussion of long-term studies showing the sustained impact of positive psychology interventions over extended periods. While the immediate benefits of practices like gratitude journaling or social investment are well-documented, there’s less information about how these practices affect individuals and organizations over years or decades. Including more longitudinal data would have strengthened the book’s arguments and provided readers with a clearer picture of the long-term benefits of adopting the happiness advantage principles.
The Role of Negative Emotions
One significant blind spot in The Happiness Advantage is its limited exploration of the role of negative emotions in personal and professional growth. While the book rightly emphasizes the benefits of positive emotions, it may inadvertently downplay the importance of experiencing and processing negative emotions. This oversight could lead readers to believe that they should always strive for positivity, potentially suppressing or avoiding negative feelings. In reality, negative emotions can serve important functions, such as signaling the need for change or motivating problem-solving. A more balanced approach might acknowledge that true emotional intelligence involves recognizing and managing both positive and negative emotions. Susan David’s book Emotional Agility addresses this blind spot effectively, arguing that all emotions, both positive and negative, provide valuable information and that the key to well-being is not to avoid negative emotions but to approach them with curiosity and compassion. Similarly, Todd Kashdan and Robert Biswas-Diener’s The Upside of Your Dark Side explores how negative emotions and experiences can contribute to personal growth and success, providing a counterpoint to Achor’s predominantly positive focus.
Cultural Variations in Happiness
Another blind spot in Achor’s work is the limited consideration of cultural variations in the concept and pursuit of happiness. The book largely presents a Western, individualistic view of happiness and success, which may not fully resonate with readers from more collectivist cultures. This oversight could lead to misapplications of the book’s principles in diverse cultural contexts. For instance, the emphasis on personal achievement and individual happiness might conflict with cultural values that prioritize group harmony or familial duty. A more nuanced discussion of how happiness and success are defined and pursued across different cultures would have enhanced the book’s global applicability. Shinobu Kitayama and Hazel Rose Markus’s Cultures and Selves: A Cycle of Mutual Constitution offers valuable insights into how cultural contexts shape concepts of self, well-being, and success, providing a broader perspective that complements Achor’s work. Additionally, Ed Diener and Robert Biswas-Diener’s Happiness: Unlocking the Mysteries of Psychological Wealth explores happiness across cultures, offering a more diverse view of what constitutes well-being and success in different societal contexts.
The Dark Side of Positive Psychology
While The Happiness Advantage presents a compelling case for the benefits of positive psychology, it doesn’t fully address potential downsides or misuses of these principles. There’s a risk that readers might interpret the book’s message as advocating for constant positivity, which could lead to pressure to suppress authentic emotions or ignore real problems. This blind spot could result in a form of “toxic positivity” where individuals feel guilty or inadequate for experiencing negative emotions. Moreover, an overemphasis on individual happiness could potentially be used to shift responsibility for well-being entirely onto individuals, ignoring systemic issues that affect happiness and success. Barbara Ehrenreich’s Bright-sided: How Positive Thinking Is Undermining America offers a critical examination of the positive psychology movement, highlighting potential negative consequences of an overly optimistic outlook. Paul Bloom’s The Sweet Spot: The Pleasures of Suffering and the Search for Meaning provides a nuanced exploration of how both positive and negative experiences contribute to a fulfilling life, offering a more balanced perspective than Achor’s predominantly positive focus.
The Complexity of Organizational Change
While Achor provides valuable insights for improving workplace culture and productivity, there’s a potential blind spot in the book’s treatment of organizational change. The principles presented might seem straightforward to implement on an individual level, but applying them across an entire organization is a complex process that involves navigating existing structures, power dynamics, and ingrained cultures. Readers in leadership positions might underestimate the challenges of implementing these ideas on a larger scale. A more in-depth discussion of the potential obstacles to organizational change and strategies for overcoming them would have strengthened the book’s applicability in corporate settings. John Kotter’s Leading Change offers a comprehensive framework for understanding and managing organizational change that could complement Achor’s ideas. Additionally, Edgar Schein’s Organizational Culture and Leadership provides deeper insights into the complexities of organizational culture and how it impacts change efforts, addressing aspects that Achor’s work might overlook.
Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
While both Achor and Csikszentmihalyi explore paths to fulfillment and high performance, their approaches differ significantly. Csikszentmihalyi’s concept of “flow” – a state of complete absorption in an activity – focuses more on the process of engagement rather than the emotion of happiness. Where Achor emphasizes cultivating positive emotions as a precursor to success, Csikszentmihalyi argues that deep engagement in challenging activities leads to satisfaction and personal growth. Flow delves deeper into the psychological mechanisms of optimal experience, offering a more nuanced view of what constitutes a “good life” beyond just happiness. However, Achor’s work is more accessible and provides more practical, day-to-day strategies for improving well-being and performance. Both books complement each other, with Flow offering a deeper theoretical foundation and The Happiness Advantage providing more immediately applicable techniques.
Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck
Dweck’s work on growth mindset shares common ground with Achor’s principles, particularly in emphasizing the power of our mental attitudes in shaping our success. Both authors argue that our beliefs about our abilities and potential significantly impact our performance and well-being. However, Dweck’s focus is more specific, concentrating on the belief that abilities can be developed through effort and learning. In contrast, Achor takes a broader approach, exploring various aspects of positive psychology beyond just mindset. Dweck’s book provides a deeper exploration of how our beliefs about intelligence and talent affect our motivation and achievement, while Achor offers a wider range of strategies for improving overall well-being and performance. Mindset might be more relevant for those specifically interested in educational or developmental psychology, while The Happiness Advantage has broader applications across personal and professional domains.
Learned Optimism: How to Change Your Mind and Your Life by Martin Seligman
Seligman, often considered the father of positive psychology, presents a more focused examination of optimism and its impact on success and well-being. Both Seligman and Achor draw from positive psychology research, but Seligman’s work is more grounded in clinical psychology, particularly in understanding and treating depression. Learned Optimism offers a deeper dive into the cognitive patterns that underlie optimism and pessimism, providing specific techniques for changing one’s explanatory style. Achor’s book, while touching on similar themes, takes a broader approach, exploring various aspects of positive psychology beyond just optimism. Seligman’s work might be more beneficial for readers struggling with negative thought patterns or depression, while Achor’s book offers a more general blueprint for improving overall well-being and performance in various life domains.
Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth
Duckworth’s exploration of grit as a key factor in success provides an interesting counterpoint to Achor’s focus on happiness. While both authors are interested in what drives high performance, Duckworth emphasizes the role of long-term perseverance and passion, rather than short-term emotional states. Grit suggests that success is more about sustained effort over time than about maintaining a positive mindset. However, there are overlaps in their thinking, particularly in the idea that our mental attitudes play a crucial role in our achievements. Achor’s work provides more immediate, actionable strategies for improving one’s mindset and performance, while Duckworth’s book offers a deeper exploration of the personality traits that contribute to long-term success. Readers interested in a more comprehensive understanding of high achievement might benefit from reading both books in tandem.
Start Your Day with Positivity
Begin each morning by setting a positive tone for the day. This aligns with Achor’s principle that happiness fuels success. Set aside 10-15 minutes each morning for activities that boost your mood and mental state. This could involve writing down three things you’re grateful for, which trains your brain to scan for positives throughout the day. Alternatively, engage in a short meditation session to center yourself and cultivate a sense of calm. You might also consider starting your day with light exercise, such as yoga or a brisk walk, which can release endorphins and improve your overall mood. The key is consistency – make this positive morning routine a non-negotiable part of your day, even on weekends or holidays.
Reframe Challenges as Opportunities
Apply the Fulcrum and Lever principle by consciously reframing challenges as opportunities for growth. When faced with a difficult situation, pause and ask yourself, “What can I learn from this?” or “How might this challenge help me develop new skills?” For example, if you’re assigned a project outside your comfort zone at work, instead of thinking “I’m not qualified for this,” reframe it as “This is a chance to expand my skill set and prove my adaptability.” Keep a “growth journal” where you document challenging situations and how you’ve reframed them. Review this journal regularly to reinforce your progress and maintain a growth mindset.
Practice the Tetris Effect
Train your brain to spot patterns of possibility by actively looking for positives in your environment. At the end of each day, write down three new things that went well and why. Be specific – instead of just “I had a good day at work,” write “I successfully presented my project to the team, and my manager complimented my clear communication.” Over time, this practice will rewire your brain to automatically scan for positives. Extend this practice to your work environment by starting team meetings with a round of “wins” where each person shares a recent success or positive development.
Develop Resilience through ‘Falling Up’
When you encounter setbacks, use Achor’s ‘Falling Up’ principle to find opportunities in adversity. Create a “failure resume” where you list your biggest failures, what you learned from them, and how they led to later successes. When facing a new setback, refer to this resume to remind yourself of your ability to bounce back and grow from challenges. Additionally, after any significant failure or setback, take time to reflect and write down three potential positive outcomes that could result from this situation. This practice helps shift your perspective from dwelling on the negative to anticipating future growth and opportunities.
Apply the Zorro Circle
When feeling overwhelmed, use the Zorro Circle technique to regain a sense of control. Identify one small, manageable aspect of the situation that you can influence. For instance, if you’re struggling with a large project at work, focus on completing just one small task related to it. As you accomplish this smaller goal, gradually expand your circle of influence. Create a visual representation of your “Zorro Circle” – perhaps a series of concentric circles on a whiteboard – and track your progress as you expand your area of control. This visual reminder can boost your confidence and motivation as you tackle larger challenges.
Implement the 20-Second Rule
Make positive habits more convenient and negative habits less accessible using the 20-Second Rule. Identify one habit you want to develop and one you want to break. For the positive habit, reduce the activation energy required. For example, if you want to read more, place a book on your bedside table and move your TV remote to a drawer. For the habit you want to break, add friction. If you’re trying to reduce social media use, log out of all your accounts and delete the apps from your phone. Track your progress with these habit changes over 30 days, noting any challenges and adjustments needed.
Invest in Your Social Support Network
Strengthen your social connections, both personal and professional. Schedule regular catch-ups with friends and colleagues, even if it’s just a quick coffee or virtual chat. In your workplace, initiate or participate in team-building activities. Create a “relationship action plan” where you list key relationships and specific actions you’ll take to nurture each one over the next month. This could include sending a thoughtful message, arranging a meet-up, or offering help on a project. Remember, according to Achor’s research, strong social support is a key predictor of success and well-being.
Spread Positivity to Create a Ripple Effect
Actively work on being a source of positivity in your environment. Start meetings by sharing a success story or expressing appreciation for a team member’s work. In your personal life, perform random acts of kindness, like leaving a positive note for a family member or helping a neighbor with a task. Keep a “kindness log” where you record these actions and their effects. This not only reinforces your own positive mindset but also contributes to a more positive environment around you, creating a virtuous cycle of happiness and success.
Develop a Growth Mindset
Cultivate a belief that your abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work. When faced with a challenge, replace thoughts like “I’m not good at this” with “I’m not good at this yet, but I can learn.” Set learning goals for yourself in addition to performance goals. For instance, instead of just aiming to complete a project, set a goal to learn a new skill in the process. Keep a “learning journal” where you document new skills or knowledge you’ve acquired, reinforcing your growth mindset.
Practice Mindfulness
Incorporate mindfulness techniques into your daily routine to enhance your ability to focus on the present and maintain a positive outlook. Start with short, 5-minute mindfulness sessions and gradually increase the duration. Use apps or guided meditations if you’re new to the practice. During your workday, take brief “mindfulness breaks” – even just a minute of focused breathing can help reset your mental state and boost positivity. Keep a log of your mindfulness practice and note any changes in your mood, stress levels, and overall well-being over time.
Conduct Regular Happiness Audits
Set aside time each month to assess your overall happiness and well-being. Create a personal “happiness scorecard” where you rate different aspects of your life (work, relationships, health, personal growth, etc.) on a scale of 1-10. Identify areas that need improvement and set specific, actionable goals to boost your happiness in these areas. Review your progress on these goals during each monthly audit. This regular self-assessment helps you stay proactive about your happiness and aligns with Achor’s principle that happiness is something we can actively cultivate, not just a passive result of our circumstances.
Cultivate a Positive Organizational Culture
Implementing the principles of The Happiness Advantage at an organizational level starts with fostering a positive company culture. This involves creating an environment where employees feel valued, supported, and encouraged to maintain a positive outlook. Organizations can introduce regular gratitude practices, such as starting meetings with a round of appreciations or implementing a peer recognition program. Additionally, companies can invest in employee well-being programs that focus on mental health, stress reduction, and work-life balance.
However, changing organizational culture can be challenging, especially in large or long-established companies. Employees may be skeptical of new initiatives, viewing them as superficial or temporary. Moreover, middle managers might resist changes that they perceive as detracting from productivity or “soft” compared to traditional business metrics.
To overcome these challenges, leadership must consistently model and reinforce the desired positive behaviors. Start with pilot programs in smaller teams or departments to demonstrate success before rolling out company-wide. Provide training for managers on the science behind positive psychology and its impact on performance. Regularly collect and share data on how these initiatives are affecting key business metrics, such as productivity, employee retention, and customer satisfaction, to build buy-in across the organization.
Implement the Zorro Circle in Project Management
Applying the Zorro Circle principle to project management can help teams tackle large, complex projects more effectively. Break down big projects into smaller, manageable tasks, and celebrate the completion of each milestone. This approach can boost team confidence and motivation, leading to increased productivity and better overall outcomes.
However, in fast-paced business environments, there might be pressure to skip the small steps and rush towards the final goal. Some team members or stakeholders may view this incremental approach as too slow or inefficient. Additionally, it can be challenging to determine the right size for each “circle” or task – too small, and progress feels insignificant; too large, and the benefits of the Zorro Circle are lost.
To address these issues, educate stakeholders on the psychological benefits of the Zorro Circle approach and how it can lead to better long-term results. Use project management software to visually represent the expanding circles of progress, making the incremental achievements more tangible. Regularly review and adjust the size of tasks based on team feedback and project needs. Consider assigning a “progress champion” on each team to ensure the Zorro Circle principle is consistently applied and to celebrate small wins.
Leverage Social Investment for Team Building
Encourage social investment within the organization by creating opportunities for meaningful connections among employees. This could include team-building activities, cross-departmental projects, mentorship programs, or social events. By strengthening social bonds, companies can improve collaboration, increase job satisfaction, and build a more resilient workforce.
However, in today’s increasingly remote and global work environments, fostering genuine connections can be challenging. Some employees may view social activities as an imposition on their time, especially if they’re already struggling with work-life balance. Additionally, introverted employees might find forced social interactions stressful rather than beneficial.
To overcome these obstacles, offer a variety of social investment opportunities that cater to different personalities and preferences. For remote teams, use technology to facilitate virtual coffee chats, online game sessions, or digital water cooler spaces. Implement a flexible approach where employees can choose the types of social activities they engage in. Make sure to allocate work time for these activities rather than expecting employees to participate outside of work hours. Regularly gather feedback on the effectiveness of these initiatives and adjust accordingly.
Apply the Happiness Advantage to Performance Reviews
Restructure performance review processes to incorporate principles from The Happiness Advantage. Instead of focusing solely on areas for improvement, start reviews by discussing successes and strengths. Encourage employees to reflect on their growth and positive contributions. Frame areas for development as opportunities rather than shortcomings.
Traditional performance review systems can be deeply ingrained in organizational culture, making them difficult to change. Managers may struggle to shift their focus from identifying problems to recognizing strengths. Employees accustomed to traditional reviews might be skeptical of a more positive approach, potentially viewing it as less rigorous or meaningful.
To implement this change effectively, provide comprehensive training for managers on strength-based feedback and positive psychology principles. Develop new performance review templates that guide both managers and employees through a more positive, growth-oriented discussion. Consider piloting the new approach in one department before rolling it out company-wide. Regularly gather feedback from both managers and employees on the new process and iterate based on this input.
Implement the 20-Second Rule in Workplace Design
Apply the 20-Second Rule to the physical or virtual workplace to make positive behaviors more convenient and negative behaviors less accessible. This could involve redesigning office spaces to encourage movement and collaboration, or restructuring digital workspaces to minimize distractions and promote focus.
In physical offices, space constraints or lease agreements might limit the ability to make significant changes to the workspace. For remote workers, companies have less control over the employee’s work environment. Additionally, employees may resist changes to their familiar work setup or routines.
To address these challenges, start with small, low-cost changes that demonstrate the benefit of the 20-Second Rule. For example, place healthy snacks in easily accessible areas and move less healthy options to less convenient locations. In digital workspaces, configure default settings to minimize notifications and make focus-enhancing tools more accessible. For remote workers, provide guidance and resources for optimizing their home work environment. Offer incentives or challenges to encourage employees to experiment with applying the 20-Second Rule in their own work routines.
Foster a Growth Mindset Culture
Promote a growth mindset throughout the organization by emphasizing learning and development over innate talent. Encourage risk-taking and view failures as opportunities for growth. Implement learning programs that allow employees to develop new skills and take on challenging projects.
Shifting from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset can be challenging, especially in organizations with a long history of rewarding “natural talent” or punishing failure. Employees may be hesitant to take risks or admit to mistakes if they fear negative consequences. Additionally, the pressure for short-term results can make it difficult to prioritize long-term learning and development.
To cultivate a growth mindset culture, start by adjusting the language used in company communications to emphasize effort, learning, and progress over innate abilities. Provide training for leaders on how to foster a growth mindset in their teams. Create a “failure forum” where employees can share lessons learned from mistakes or unsuccessful projects without fear of repercussion. Align reward systems with growth mindset principles by recognizing effort, improvement, and innovative thinking, not just results.
The Rise of Well-being in the Workplace
The principles outlined in The Happiness Advantage align closely with the growing emphasis on employee well-being in corporate settings. Companies are increasingly recognizing that happy employees are more productive, creative, and loyal. This trend is likely to accelerate in the coming years. We’re seeing a shift from traditional employee assistance programs to more comprehensive well-being initiatives. These programs often include mental health support, stress management training, and work-life balance policies.
Achor’s ideas provide a scientific foundation for these initiatives. They offer concrete strategies for boosting employee happiness and, consequently, performance. As the competition for talent intensifies, companies that prioritize employee well-being will likely have an edge. We may see happiness metrics becoming as important as traditional KPIs in evaluating organizational health.
The Integration of Positive Psychology in Education
The education sector is increasingly incorporating positive psychology principles into curricula and teaching methods. Achor’s work contributes to this trend by highlighting the link between happiness and academic performance. Schools and universities are beginning to teach happiness as a skill. They’re implementing gratitude practices, mindfulness exercises, and strength-based learning approaches.
This trend is likely to grow as concerns about student mental health continue to rise. We may see a shift from a purely academic focus to a more holistic approach to education. This could include teaching emotional intelligence and resilience alongside traditional subjects. The long-term impact could be significant. It may lead to a generation better equipped to handle life’s challenges and achieve success in various domains.
The Expanding Role of Chief Happiness Officers
As organizations recognize the importance of employee happiness, we’re seeing the emergence of roles dedicated to fostering workplace positivity. Some companies are appointing Chief Happiness Officers or Heads of Employee Experience. These roles are tasked with implementing strategies to boost employee morale and well-being.
Achor’s work provides a roadmap for these professionals. It offers evidence-based strategies for creating a positive work environment. As this trend continues, we may see happiness management becoming a standard part of organizational structure. Business schools might start offering specialized courses or degrees in this field. The challenge will be measuring the impact of these roles and ensuring they’re not seen as mere window dressing.
The Intersection of Technology and Happiness
As technology continues to advance, we’re likely to see more tools designed to boost happiness and well-being. This trend aligns with Achor’s emphasis on practicing happiness-enhancing habits. We’re already seeing a proliferation of meditation apps, mood trackers, and digital gratitude journals. These tools make it easier for individuals to implement positive psychology practices in their daily lives.
In the future, we might see more sophisticated applications of technology in this space. AI-powered personal assistants could provide real-time suggestions for boosting mood. Virtual reality could be used for immersive positivity training. Wearable devices might track not just physical health, but also emotional well-being. The challenge will be ensuring these tools enhance rather than replace genuine human connections and experiences.
The Shift Towards Happiness-Centric Economic Metrics
Traditionally, nations have used GDP as the primary measure of progress and success. However, there’s a growing recognition that economic metrics alone don’t capture societal well-being. Some countries are beginning to incorporate happiness and well-being measures into their national assessments. This trend aligns with Achor’s argument that success should be redefined to include happiness.
In the future, we might see more governments adopting happiness indices alongside traditional economic metrics. This could lead to policy decisions that prioritize citizens’ well-being over pure economic growth. Businesses might also start reporting on employee happiness alongside financial results. The challenge will be developing standardized, reliable measures of happiness that can be used on a large scale.
The Happiness Advantage, published in 2010, continues to be relevant today and is likely to remain influential in the foreseeable future. Its core message – that happiness is a precursor to success rather than just a result of it – has had a significant impact on how individuals and organizations approach personal and professional development.
In the workplace, Achor’s ideas have influenced corporate wellness programs and management strategies. Many companies have implemented policies and practices aimed at boosting employee happiness, recognizing its potential impact on productivity and innovation. As the global workforce continues to grapple with issues like burnout and work-life balance, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Achor’s emphasis on well-being as a driver of success is likely to remain pertinent.
In education, the book’s principles have been applied to improve student engagement and performance. Schools and universities have incorporated positive psychology techniques into their curricula and support services, aiming to foster not just academic success but overall well-being. As mental health concerns among students continue to rise, Achor’s strategies for building resilience and positive mindsets may become even more crucial.
The book’s impact extends beyond organizational settings into personal development and mental health. Its accessible approach to positive psychology has helped popularize concepts like gratitude practices and social investment, contributing to a broader cultural shift towards prioritizing mental well-being. As society continues to grapple with rising rates of anxiety and depression, particularly among younger generations, the practical strategies outlined in The Happiness Advantage are likely to remain valuable tools for individuals seeking to improve their mental health and overall life satisfaction.
Looking to the future, the book’s principles may play a role in shaping public policy. As governments and organizations increasingly recognize the importance of well-being metrics alongside traditional economic indicators, ideas from positive psychology, including those presented in The Happiness Advantage, could inform policy decisions aimed at improving societal well-being.
However, as our understanding of well-being and success continues to evolve, some aspects of the book may need to be reevaluated or expanded upon. For instance, growing awareness of the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion may necessitate a more nuanced approach to applying positive psychology principles across different cultural and socioeconomic contexts. Additionally, as technology continues to reshape how we work and interact, new challenges and opportunities for applying Achor’s principles may emerge, potentially requiring adaptations or new strategies.
Authentic Happiness by Martin Seligman
As one of the founders of positive psychology, Martin Seligman’s work provides a foundational understanding of the field that Achor draws from. Authentic Happiness offers a deeper dive into the theory behind positive psychology and introduces the concept of signature strengths. Readers of The Happiness Advantage will find Seligman’s book enriches their understanding of the scientific basis for Achor’s practical strategies. It also introduces additional tools for increasing life satisfaction that complement Achor’s approach.
Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck
Dweck’s work on growth mindset aligns closely with Achor’s principles, particularly the idea that our beliefs shape our reality and potential. Mindset provides a deep exploration of how our attitudes towards ability and intelligence impact our success. This book offers valuable insights for readers looking to further develop the mental attitudes that Achor identifies as crucial for happiness and achievement. It’s particularly relevant for those interested in applying these concepts in educational or developmental contexts.
Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
While Achor focuses on happiness as a precursor to success, Csikszentmihalyi explores the state of ‘flow’ – complete absorption in an activity – as a key to fulfillment. Flow provides a different perspective on well-being and high performance that complements Achor’s work. Readers will gain insights into how engaging deeply with challenging activities can lead to satisfaction and personal growth, adding another dimension to their understanding of happiness and success.
Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ by Daniel Goleman
Goleman’s exploration of emotional intelligence (EI) provides a valuable companion to Achor’s work. While Achor focuses on happiness, Goleman delves into the broader spectrum of emotions and their impact on success. Emotional Intelligence offers readers a framework for understanding and managing their emotions, which can enhance their ability to implement Achor’s happiness-boosting strategies. It’s particularly relevant for those looking to apply these concepts in leadership or interpersonal contexts.
Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth
Duckworth’s research on grit offers a different perspective on what drives success, focusing on long-term perseverance rather than short-term happiness. Grit provides a valuable counterpoint to Achor’s work, encouraging readers to consider how sustained effort and passion contribute to achievement. This book is especially relevant for those interested in understanding the role of personality traits in success and how they interact with the positive psychology principles Achor discusses.
The How of Happiness by Sonja Lyubomirsky
Lyubomirsky’s book offers a scientifically-grounded, practical approach to increasing happiness that aligns well with Achor’s work. The How of Happiness provides a wealth of evidence-based strategies for boosting well-being, many of which complement the techniques Achor suggests. Readers will find this book offers additional tools and a deeper understanding of the factors that contribute to happiness, allowing them to build on the foundation laid by The Happiness Advantage.
Flourish: A Visionary New Understanding of Happiness and Well-being by Martin Seligman
In this follow-up to Authentic Happiness, Seligman expands his theory of well-being beyond happiness to include elements like meaning and accomplishment. Flourish offers readers a more comprehensive view of what constitutes a good life, providing a valuable expansion on the concepts Achor introduces. This book is particularly relevant for those who want to explore how happiness fits into a broader conception of well-being and success.
The Upside of Stress: Why Stress Is Good for You, and How to Get Good at It by Kelly McGonigal
McGonigal’s work on stress provides an interesting complement to Achor’s focus on happiness. The Upside of Stress challenges the conventional wisdom that stress is always harmful, suggesting that our mindset about stress determines its impact. This book offers valuable insights for readers looking to build resilience and manage challenges effectively, adding nuance to the positive psychology approach Achor advocates.
Positive Psychology Center at the University of Pennsylvania
The Positive Psychology Center, founded by Martin Seligman, is a hub for research and education in positive psychology. Their website (https://ppc.sas.upenn.edu/) offers a wealth of resources, including research papers, online courses, and information about degree programs in positive psychology. It’s an excellent starting point for those wanting to delve deeper into the scientific foundations of the principles discussed in The Happiness Advantage.
Greater Good Science Center
The Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley (https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/) is dedicated to the scientific understanding of happiness, compassion, and altruism. Their website features articles, videos, and podcasts that explore various aspects of well-being and positive psychology. They also offer online courses and tools for practicing gratitude and mindfulness, which align well with Achor’s strategies for increasing happiness.
VIA Institute on Character
The VIA Institute on Character (https://www.viacharacter.org/) focuses on the study and application of character strengths, a key component of positive psychology. Their free VIA Character Strengths Survey helps individuals identify their core character strengths, providing a foundation for personal growth that complements the strategies outlined in The Happiness Advantage.
International Positive Psychology Association (IPPA) Conference
The IPPA Conference is held biennially and brings together researchers, practitioners, and students of positive psychology from around the world. It offers an opportunity to learn about the latest research and applications in the field, including topics directly related to Achor’s work on happiness and success. Information about upcoming conferences can be found on their website: https://www.ippanetwork.org/
Happiness and Its Causes Conference
This annual conference, held in Australia, explores various aspects of happiness and well-being from scientific, psychological, and spiritual perspectives. It features presentations from leading researchers and practitioners in the field of positive psychology, offering insights that can deepen understanding of the concepts presented in The Happiness Advantage. More information can be found at: https://www.happinessanditscauses.com.au/
International Positive Psychology Association (IPPA)
IPPA is the leading professional organization in the field of positive psychology. Membership provides access to research, networking opportunities, and professional development resources. It’s an excellent resource for those looking to stay updated on the latest developments in positive psychology research and practice. More information can be found at: https://www.ippanetwork.org/
International Coach Federation (ICF)
While not specifically focused on positive psychology, the ICF is a valuable resource for those interested in applying positive psychology principles in coaching contexts. They offer certifications, continuing education, and networking opportunities that can help professionals implement the strategies discussed in The Happiness Advantage in various settings. Their website is: https://coachingfederation.org/
The Science of Happiness
Produced by the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley, this podcast explores scientific research on happiness and well-being, offering practical tips for listeners. It often features interviews with researchers and authors in the field of positive psychology, providing deeper insights into the concepts Achor discusses in his book. Available on most podcast platforms.
The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos
Hosted by Yale professor Dr. Laurie Santos, this podcast examines the latest scientific research on happiness and how it can be applied in daily life. It offers a perfect complement to The Happiness Advantage, often exploring similar themes and strategies. Available on most podcast platforms.
The Science of Well-Being on Coursera
Taught by Dr. Laurie Santos of Yale University, this popular online course explores many of the concepts discussed in The Happiness Advantage, providing a deeper understanding of the science behind happiness and offering practical strategies for increasing well-being. The course is available for free on Coursera: https://www.coursera.org/learn/the-science-of-well-being
Foundations of Positive Psychology Specialization on Coursera
This specialization, offered by the University of Pennsylvania, provides a comprehensive introduction to positive psychology. It covers many of the topics Achor touches on in his book, offering a more in-depth exploration of the scientific foundations and practical applications of positive psychology. Available on Coursera: https://www.coursera.org/specializations/positivepsychology
Happy
This documentary explores the concept of happiness across different cultures and draws on the latest research in positive psychology. It offers a global perspective on happiness that complements Achor’s work, helping viewers understand how cultural factors influence well-being and success. Available on various streaming platforms.
The Dhamma Brothers
While not directly about positive psychology, this documentary explores the transformative power of meditation in a high-security prison. It provides a powerful illustration of how mindfulness practices – which Achor touches on in his book – can promote well-being even in extremely challenging circumstances. Available on various streaming platforms.
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