Saturday, August 8, 2015

Happier by Tal Ben-Shahar, Ph.D.



I listened the audio version of the Tal Ben-Shahar's book, Happier: Learn the Secrets to Daily Joy and Lasting Fulfillment.  I found it a helpful guide to purposely choosing to be happier. 

The most helpful section relates to a grid that relates to optimizing happiness.
  • Hedonism - Pleasure now, Pain later  -  Example: binge on sugar snacks and regret it later.
  • Nihilism - Avoid interaction and engaging in the world, isolation and depression
  • Rat race - Pain now with happiness deferred. 
  • Happiness optimization - Enjoy the journey, Enjoy the results  
An example of my own happiness optimization:  A coworker and I developed a skit about ergonomics for the Minnesota State Fair.  The skit was titled Goldy and the Three Chairs.  We enjoyed the process of skit development laughing to the point of exhaustion at the bits we had to cut out.  We also enjoyed the final performance at the Fair and observing the audience response.  John Cleese relates a similar experience when he would write scripts with Graham Chapman.  He would physically fall on the floor convulsed with laughter during their script writing sessions. They also enjoyed doing the performance. 
The author suggests that happiness revolves around working on tasks that have intrinsic rather than extrinsic rewards.  Typical extrinsic rewards are monetary, positional and external recognition.  The intrinsic rewards will vary for each person.  Intrinsic rewards provide additional meaning and purpose in life.

The book is of reasonable length, accessible and helpful for individuals choosing to lead a happier life.


Five ways to become happier - Think Big - 4.5 minutes

  • Accept and feel pain (only psychopaths and dead people don't)
  • Spend time with friends
  • Move more and be physically active
  • Express gratitude
  • Simplify your life

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