I have finally finished reading "The Happiness Advantage" by Shawn Achor. For my book reviews I have decided to talk about his work the same way he did, by talking about the Seven Principles of the Happiness Advantage at work
Principle #1: The Happiness Advatnage
This is the introductory section on what exactly the happiness advantage is. Traditionally, Achor argues that society has believed success brings about happiness when in reality this is not true. "When we are happy- we are smarter, more motivated, and thus more successful. Happiness is the center, and success revolves around it" (37). This happiness can be defined as feelings of positvie emotions for the present and towards the future. Achor believes that it is the, "...joy we feel striving after our potential" (40). He likens this idea of happiness and success to the Chicken and the Egg conundrum- which came first? He clearly believes it is happiness that breeds room for success. I agree and feel that it is possible to see many who are successful and still not truly happy.
While not all find happiness and positivity to be natural to come by, Achor reminds the readers that, "...happiness is not just a mood- it's a work ethic" (50). Here are a list of ways to levitate ones mood to find positivity:
1. Meditate
2. Find Something to Look Forward To
3. Commit Conscious Acts of Kindness
4. Infuse Positivy Into Your Surroundings
5. Exercise
6. Spend Money (But Not on Stuff)
7. Exercise a Signature Strength
I believe that these are great ways to both feel better and help develop an instrinsic motivation to find success. I find myself looking at this list and wondering how much more successful I could be if I followed this list!
Principle #2: The Fulcrum
I boiled this section down to two sides: processing the world from a negative or positive perspective. Just like a seesaw, positive and negative energy sit on two sides of the spectrum. By placing the fulcrum in a chosen position, Achor argues that we inherently have the ability to change the way we see the world.
I liked this way of looking at our choices and how they effect our outlooks. Instead of looking at our world as "objective and fixed" we can choose to see it as relative and subjective. We have the power over our own happiness. "The mental construction of our daily activites, more than the activity itself, defines our reality" (71). If we view our mindset as influx and capable of change, we own the potential to find a path in life that suits us to our fullest potential. "...When we believe we can do more and achieve more... that is often the precise reason we do achieve more" (86). I loved this point of view and can see its appolication in real life. My question is: how do we fully put this mindset into practice?
Principle #1: The Happiness Advatnage
This is the introductory section on what exactly the happiness advantage is. Traditionally, Achor argues that society has believed success brings about happiness when in reality this is not true. "When we are happy- we are smarter, more motivated, and thus more successful. Happiness is the center, and success revolves around it" (37). This happiness can be defined as feelings of positvie emotions for the present and towards the future. Achor believes that it is the, "...joy we feel striving after our potential" (40). He likens this idea of happiness and success to the Chicken and the Egg conundrum- which came first? He clearly believes it is happiness that breeds room for success. I agree and feel that it is possible to see many who are successful and still not truly happy.
While not all find happiness and positivity to be natural to come by, Achor reminds the readers that, "...happiness is not just a mood- it's a work ethic" (50). Here are a list of ways to levitate ones mood to find positivity:
1. Meditate
2. Find Something to Look Forward To
3. Commit Conscious Acts of Kindness
4. Infuse Positivy Into Your Surroundings
5. Exercise
6. Spend Money (But Not on Stuff)
7. Exercise a Signature Strength
I believe that these are great ways to both feel better and help develop an instrinsic motivation to find success. I find myself looking at this list and wondering how much more successful I could be if I followed this list!
Principle #2: The Fulcrum
I boiled this section down to two sides: processing the world from a negative or positive perspective. Just like a seesaw, positive and negative energy sit on two sides of the spectrum. By placing the fulcrum in a chosen position, Achor argues that we inherently have the ability to change the way we see the world.
I liked this way of looking at our choices and how they effect our outlooks. Instead of looking at our world as "objective and fixed" we can choose to see it as relative and subjective. We have the power over our own happiness. "The mental construction of our daily activites, more than the activity itself, defines our reality" (71). If we view our mindset as influx and capable of change, we own the potential to find a path in life that suits us to our fullest potential. "...When we believe we can do more and achieve more... that is often the precise reason we do achieve more" (86). I loved this point of view and can see its appolication in real life. My question is: how do we fully put this mindset into practice?