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Sonja Lyubomirsky

The How of Happiness: A New Approach to Getting the Life You Want Paperback – Illustrated, Dec 30 2008

by Sonja Lyubomirsky (Author)

4.6 1,517 ratings

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Learn how to achieve the happiness you deserve

"A guide to sustaining your newfound contentment." —Psychology Today

"Lyubomirsky's central point is clear: a significant portion of what is called happiness . . . is up for grabs. Taking some pages out of the positive psychology playbook, she coaches readers on how to snag it." —The New York Review of Books

You see here a different kind of happiness book. The How of Happiness is a comprehensive guide to understanding the elements of happiness based on years of groundbreaking scientific research. It is also a practical, empowering, and easy-to-follow workbook, incorporating happiness strategies, excercises in new ways of thinking, and quizzes for understanding our individuality, all in an effort to help us realize our innate potential for joy and ways to sustain it in our lives. Drawing upon years of pioneering research with thousands of men and women, The How of Happiness is both a powerful contribution to the field of positive psychology and a gift to people who have sought to take their happiness into their own hands.

Print length

384 pages
Language

English
Publisher

Penguin Books
Publication date

Dec 30 2008
Reading age

18 years and up
Dimensions

14 x 2.01 x 21.39 cm
ISBN-10

0143114956
ISBN-13

978-0143114956
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Popular Highlights in this book

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They devote a great amount of time to their family and friends, nurturing and enjoying those relationships.
Highlighted by 2,498 Kindle readers
If we can accept as true that life circumstances are not the keys to happiness, we’ll be greatly empowered to pursue happiness for ourselves.
Highlighted by 1,767 Kindle readers
First, grateful thinking promotes the savoring of positive life experiences.
Highlighted by 1,569 Kindle readers

Product description

Review

"Finally we have a self-help book from a reputable scientist whose advice is based on the best experimental data . . . The How of Happiness is smart, fun, and interesting—and unlike almost every other book on the same shelf, it also happens to be true." —Daniel Gilbert, Harvard University professor of psychology and author of Stumbling on Happiness

"A guide to sustaining your newfound contentment." —Psychology Today

"Lyubomirsky's central point is clear: a significant portion of what is called happiness . . . is up for grabs. Taking some pages out of the positive psychology playbook, she coaches readers on how to snag it." —The New York Review of Books

"Is lasting happiness attainable or a pipe dream? For the last eighteen years, University of California-Riverside professor of psychology Sonja Lyubomirsky has studied this question, and what she reports might even sway pessimists." —U.S. News & World Report

"The right place to look for science-based advice on how to become happier." —Martin Seligman, author of Learned Optimism

About the Author

SONJA LYUBOMIRSKY is professor of psychology at the University of California, Riverside. She received her B.A. from Harvard University and her Ph.D. in social psychology from Stanford University. Lyubomirsky and her research have been the recipients of many honors, including the 2002 Templeton Positive Psychology Prize and a multiyear grant from the National Institute of Mental Health. She lives in Santa Monica, California, with her family. Her second book, The Myths of Happiness, is now available in paperback.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Penguin Books; Illustrated edition (Dec 30 2008)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 384 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0143114956
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0143114956
Item weight ‏ : ‎ 340 g
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 14 x 2.01 x 21.39 cm

Best Sellers Rank: #87,484 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #12 in Psychology of Emotions
- #292 in Applied Psychology (Books)
- #420 in Emotions (Books)

Customer Reviews:
4.6 1,517 ratings

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Sonja Lyubomirsky

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Sonja Lyubomirsky, Ph.D., is professor of psychology at the University of California, Riverside. She received her B.A., summa cum laude, from Harvard University and her Ph.D. in social psychology from Stanford University. 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 NIMH. Lyubomirsky’s 2008 book, The How of Happiness (Penguin Press) has been translated into 19 languages, and her forthcoming book, The Myths of Happiness, will be released on January 3, 2013. Her work has been written up in hundreds of magazine and newspaper articles, and she has appeared in multiple TV shows, radio shows, and feature documentaries in North America, South America, Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Lyubomirsky lives in Santa Monica, California, with her family.

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5

1,517 global ratings

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4 star		17%
3 star		7%
2 star		2%
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Rule 62 Ken

Practical and Science-based

Reviewed in Canada 🇨🇦 on March 10, 2020

Verified Purchase

In The How of Happiness, psychology professor Dr. Sonja Lyubomirsky explores the science behind what makes us happy, embarking on a "Chilton's Manual" (familiar to those of us who have fixed our own cars) of happiness. She notes how the self-help section of bookstores are full of tomes about how to be happy, but many are anecdotal as opposed to being the product of scientific research. Is what is promoted in these books accurate and generally correct? The author looks to science and to her own research, as well as that of others who have studied this question, for the answer to that question.

Dr. Lyubomirsky dispels the notion that most of our happiness is the product of our good fortune, that lottery winners live happily ever after or that people who buy their dream car or their dream home get a life-long smile to come with it. As she points out, the happiness that accompanies these things are fleeting. According to her research and that of others, we have control over 40% of our happiness (no spoiler, it's on the cover of the book.) She makes the case that each of us has a "happiness set point" which is genetically set that accounts for another 50% or our happiness (which can still be adjusted, much like our weight) and that our circumstances only account for the remaining 10% of our happiness.

In the second part of the book, the author lists 12 activities that have been proven through studies to boost our happiness. But before explaining each of these in some detail, she asks the reader to embark on a self-diagnostic questionnaire, the results of which are designed to show which of the 12 strategies are most effective for each individual. She then describes each of the 12 "happiness activities" in some detail, citing the studies that have supported their effectiveness, and then sets out a number of ways in which each of these strategies can be employed. As the author notes, many of these do line up with what is preached in self-help books (though not always), but she makes the case that these specific strategies have been shown to boost one's happiness according to the results of specific studies, many of which have been conducted through the research of herself and her colleagues.

The third section of the book describes strategies or "hows" to sustain happiness. An optional afterward chapter is directed specifically to anyone who may be suffering from depression. It looks at the most effective treatments for depression, including cognitive behavioural therapy, anti-depressant medications and other therapies. I found this chapter to be especially helpful in providing me with a better understanding of those friends and others who suffer from depression, as well as offering insight into the early warning signs of depression.

If you're curious about what the 12 strategies for cultivating happiness are, you could go to the "look inside" section of the Amazon sample of the book and just read the table of contents, but I'll save you that step. They are:

1. Expressing gratitude
2. Cultivating optimism
3. Avoiding overthinking and social comparison
4. Practicing acts of kindness
5. Nurturing social relationships
6. Developing strategies for coping
7. Learning to forgive
8. Increasing flow experiences (i.e. mindfulness or living in the present)
9. Savoring life's joy
10. Committing to your goals
11. Practicing religion or spirituality
12. Taking care of your body

These aren't spoilers, they're things we've all probably known. It is in the "how" to do these things that this book offers more than just pie-in-the-sky philosophy. The author is very good at anticipating questions about each of these, offering specific advice and suggestions, and writing in a practical solution-oriented manner as opposed to simply offering vague theories. It is apparent from reading this book that the study of happiness has been a labor of love for the author and one that she is happy to share with her readers.

11 people found this helpful

Helpful

Doug Nelson

A thoughtful & well researched perspective on the habits of happiness. So happy I found it!

Reviewed in Canada 🇨🇦 on June 26, 2022

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I loved i) the well researched aspects of happiness, ii) how most happiness comes from within, iii) how, like anything else in this life, is something that is learned and practiced to gain the greatest benefit and iv) of the real life examples and strategies we can all easily adapt to raise our level of happiness and contentment each and every day. I always hear from the older generation, how they are sad or fearful for the future for our kids and grandkids. While the world definitely has its challenges, it seems to me that the greatest gift we can give our kids and grandkids, are practical skills and strategies to deal with whatever life brings their way. I have made a ton of notes throughout this book and I am going to send quotes from the book to my two daughters every few weeks. I want to empower them with the skills and insight this book provides, so they have the ability to navigate and find joy, in every day, throughout their lifetime. Thank you Sonja for compiling and presenting such a practical, useful and empowering book. Thank you for sharing your life's work and for making a difference. And now I am going to learn from your work and pay it forward. What a wonderful world this would be, if we all learned how best to use the simple and practical strategies in this book. 5 stars! I highly recommend this.

Helpful

VineetMD

Best book on Happiness out there

Reviewed in Canada 🇨🇦 on December 12, 2017

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I have read a lot of books on positive psychology and happiness and I feel that this one is the best of the bunch. Dr. Lyubomirsky is a leader in the field of happiness research and her book displays that. It is a great overview of the science behind happiness and is well-organized and well-written. It provides great practical tips on specific actions that can lead to feeling happier and more positive.

As a family physician, this is the book I recommend to those patients who are looking to finds ways to improve their mood but who may not require medication. In fact, I recommend it to everyone, as who wouldn't want to feel happier and learn about the specific proven ways to help in that regard? Rather than a focus on feeling less miserable, this book helps teach ways to feel happier. I really enjoyed it and think it is useful and enjoyable read and resource.

5 people found this helpful

Helpful

Jehad Abu-Ulbeh

Liked Most of it

Reviewed in Canada 🇨🇦 on February 2, 2020

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I enjoyed reading this book and appreciated the ideas in it. I didn't see value for me in the last 3 or 4 sections of the book: the author speaking of herself as it didn't sound authentic, the section about depression (grateful I am not), the long list of notes and index. I felt quarter of the book was wasted. But I would definitely recommend it.

One person found this helpful

Helpful

Austin K.

and although it was mandatory to read I still enjoyed it. There are a lot of great insights ...

Reviewed in Canada 🇨🇦 on May 14, 2016

Verified Purchase

I had to get this book for a psychology class at school, and although it was mandatory to read I still enjoyed it. There are a lot of great insights and recommendations of different ways to increase our happiness supported by scientific research. I would recommend this book to people who need a positive boost in their lives, as this is a great self-help means of doing so. There are interesting case studies as well, which keeps the material engaging.

2 people found this helpful

Helpful

Alexandra

An Easy To Read But Scientific "Self Help"

Reviewed in Canada 🇨🇦 on June 15, 2017

Verified Purchase

Came in new condition. Used this as a "textbook", but was worth buying because I was able to also lend it to friends and family to read. I like that this isn't a self help book. Everything is backed by science, and there's a nice guide to help you choose which areas of the book to focus on and it suggests interventions that may be particularly helpful.

One person found this helpful

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Sharon B.

Excellent Book!

Reviewed in Canada 🇨🇦 on September 25, 2020

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Don't bother buying the audible version as there are so many things that I highlighted so I would remember all the good points! Such a great book for anyone!

Helpful

Natalia

Everyone could benefit from this book

Reviewed in Canada 🇨🇦 on December 24, 2017

Verified Purchase

Written by a college professor and researcher, it is a perfect blend of theory and practice. The research falls into "positive psychology" category, but has nothing of the "pop psych" about it. It recommends various evidence-based practices, such as gratitude journaling, taking care of your body and mind, rekindling your relationships. While these seem intuitive, the author provides practical advice on how and especially how often to practice each strategy. It was truly a wonderful find for me.

One person found this helpful

Helpful

Top reviews from other countries

tod

Just Perfect

Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on June 13, 2014

Verified Purchase

This book delivers a great introduction to the relatively new but increasingly familiar concepts of Positive Psychology. I got this book as part of an process trying to help my daughter who suffers from an eating disorder. I believe there is an underlying unhappiness behind her condition (I am not for a minute suggesting this book is any kind of suitable treatment programme for eating disorders - that would be very irresponsible. I am just providing a context).

I read it first to vet it and passed it on to her without hesitation. She uses it as a key tool in managing her illness and it has coincided with a period of marked improvement. It is not responsible for this improvement but it has definitely been a significant component as one of the many things that have contributed to it.

The point is, like many anorexics, my daughter has a very analytical mind. The approach of this book to happiness is so pragmatic and centred on facts, research and objectively recorded experience, that it chimed with her (and with me) in a way that books which are more vague on the subject do not. The joy of this book is that it systematically details and homes in on practices which are scientifically proven to improve mood, and suggests ways of adopting them. Most importantly, this information is all couched in a writing style and language that makes it accessible and enjoyable to read. It is neither a flowery self-help book, or a dry scientific tome. It is truly a revelation, I am still using it's methods today and so is my daughter - I have recommended the book to others and yes, cliche alert, but I genuinely believe it has changed lives. This is the first book review I have ever written and at 55, I have read a lot of books over the years! - that is how much I rate it.

40 people found this helpful

Nisse

Good, except...

Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on December 4, 2018

Verified Purchase

...the parts where the author talks about food, that everyone knows fat is bad for you and similar statements. She could have excluded her "expertise" in nutrition, but other than that, it's a solid read.

4 people found this helpful

Mrs N Prabhu

good scientific approach

Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on November 13, 2016

Verified Purchase

this book helped me thru a difficult period of my life. I've yet to complete the happiness survey inside but now I'm in a better place I think I will do this. Quite scientific in its approach which appealed to me. I wish you all the best on your journey.

3 people found this helpful

This and That

Great book, poor edition.

Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on November 15, 2020

Verified Purchase

A really great book but this is not a great edition.

The sub-heads are printed in a super-light grey tone that makes them barely legible.

Eve

Excellent book which is scientifically based

Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on October 21, 2017

Verified Purchase

Excellent book which is scientifically based. The author describes practical methods you can introduce into your life in order to improve your life satisfaction.

3 people found this helpful

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