Book Review: The Happiness Advantage (Shawn Achor)

Author: Sarah Stram

Recommended for therapists: Yes

Recommended for non-therapists: YES!

Modality: Audiobook (Listening Time 7h 19m)

Shawn Achor is an author and speaker that is known for his dedication to and implementation of positive psychology in everyday life to help boost productivity, grow strong relationships, and increase happiness. His International Bestselling book, The Happiness Advantage, reviews original research and how it can be applied to work, health, and life to rewire our brains for optimism.

This book outlines seven principles that predict success. The first is the book’s namesake, The Happiness Advantage, in which Shawn Achor cites many studies that demonstrate how a positive outlook can lead to success in most facets of life including a career, relationships, health, and creativity. Of the research cited, most interesting to me was one that evaluated differences between the speed and accuracy of a diagnosis based on the physician’s emotional state. As it turns out, happier doctors made correct diagnoses faster and more creatively than doctors in a neutral or negative state of mind. 

The second principle, titled The Fulcrum and the Lever, dives deeper into the relationship between mindset and performance. By changing the fulcrum (our mindset), or by increasing our perceived power (the lever), we can change what is possible. Even more intriguing is the application of the Pygmalion Effect, in which high expectations lead to improved performance. In a remarkable study, classrooms full of kindergarten students were evaluated for intelligence and their teachers were informed of the brightest individuals but were instructed to not favor them in any way. At the end of the year, the brightest students were just that – the brightest, however, it turns out that the researchers had just picked ordinary students in the very beginning, lying to the teachers. 

The Tetris Effect is the third of the seven principles and is fondly named after the video game in which blocks fall from the ceiling. The chapter reviews the ways in which our brains get stuck in patterns and dictate the way we see the world around us, which can be either positive or negative. Some individuals whose careers are based in problem-solving (tax auditors, lawyers) begin unconsciously stuck in the mindset of scanning their world for problems and forget to pick up on the positivity surrounding them. To encourage a more positive Tetris Effect, individuals should regularly practice gratitude (journaling, conversing with others) and maintaining a positive outlook (journaling, reflecting). 

 The fourth principle, Falling Up, is exactly what it sounds like – taking rejection or missed opportunity and transitioning it into an opportunity for improvement. Researchers have found that individuals who have experienced significant adversity in their lives can also experience a rebound, markedly positive, psychological growth, dependent on the experiencing person’s mindset behind their circumstances. Successful people tend to see challenging situations as stepping-stones as opposed to stumbling blocks. 

Principle number five is termed The Zorro Circle and examines how a focus on small, manageable goals can lead to drastic changes in one’s life. The chapter describes how individuals who feel that they have control over their life generally are happier, more motivated, and more satisfied with their lives. An individual must analyze and separate the controllable aspects of their situation from the uncontrollable in order to let go of the ones out of control and begin focusing on the things that can be changed. Then, taking the changeable steps one at a time and breaking them into manageable goals.

The second-to-last principle, The 20-Second Rule, highlights the importance of minimizing barriers to change. The chapter discusses the ineffectiveness and fleeting nature of willpower in changing our circumstances and emphasizes the need to set yourself up for success to make long-lasting change in life.

The final principle, which is reportedly “your single greatest asset,” is Social Investment, and the importance of social support in achieving your goals. Many people tend to turn inward and face challenges alone when difficulty is experienced, however, a multitude of studies have shown the necessity of positive interpersonal relationships during challenging times. 

Overall, the book offers many insights into creating a more optimistic outlook on life and provides evidence-based research to back up the claims. Therapists can find examples of real-world applications and therapeutic recommendations to apply in sessions and non-therapeutic individuals can find sincere ways of improving their mindset and, therefore, their circumstances. This is a book I will plan to use in future therapy sessions and will recommend to other individuals.