A New Approach to Getting the Life You Want - The How of Happiness

Lyubomirsky is a die hard researcher who keeps quoting statistics and disgarding the travails of life faced by people with ongoing depression. She does have a chapter on the subject, but I didn't find it to be as thorough as the rest of the book. All rumination is self induced and at the root of all unhappiness, in her opinion. Although the questionnaires she provides are good for self introspection and soul searching, many of the twelve suggested activities one can choose from to "gain happiness" demand an incredible amount of time. Not only that, but they would need to be switched off and changed somehow to "prevent them from becoming tedious". If you are searching to start your life over again, perhaps this is the book for you.

This is one of the best positive psychology handbook by one of the best positive psychology researchers. In this book she blends her research with the major research of others. When you look at the most important positive psychology research studies, you will notice that she is the author of many of them. Her recommended techniques for improving happiness are the guidelines for self-improvement.

I recommend this book, which is unlike typical self-help books based on anecdotal evidence. The author synthesizes research findings and offers suggestions based on scientific research to improve one's life.

I found this book an enjoyable, easy read. I first listened to it on CD at which point I decided to purchase the book for future reference. The author does an excellent job of outlining the 12 happiness activities with the supportive data. While it is not the most academic of text, it does not simply rely on conjecture. She supports her thesis. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a simple but thoughtful explanation of how to be happy. Happiness just doesn't happen-like most things in life there is a formula that if you follow will make for a bit more success.

As a doctorate level psychologist I was thrilled to finally see in the self-help market a book based on actual empirical research. This book is written for the common person to understand it, and the author does a great job of breaking down research and making it understandable for all people, and then translating it into practical activities that people can do to increase their happiness.

This is the most useful book on positive psychology that's available to the general public. I was able to extract 16 potential activities from it that you can use to increase your happiness up to 40%. I found the book somewhat dull to read but compared to the other books written about positive psychology, this one has the highest number of practical suggestions--and they're all based on university research. The author also discusses several myths that are widely believed by people and that stand in the way of experiencing greater happiness. That information was very useful, also.

Dr L's book is fantastic, well written, and entertaining. She has a very user-friendly style of writing and presenting the material so that people can use the information and improve their lives. I highly recommend this book!

I love it!!! This book should be required reading in schools. It debunks happiness myths. and shows you how to truly enhance your happiness. The book is based on psychological research. It is very helpful, interesting and far from boring

An excellent book, containing accumulated scientific knowledge, research findings, and practical exercises. Great work; highly recommended to everyone interested into the secrets of emotional well-being.

I love it!!! This book should be required reading in schools. It debunks happiness myths. and shows you how to truly enhance your happiness. The book is based on psychological research. It is very helpful, interesting and far from boring

An excellent book, containing accumulated scientific knowledge, research findings, and practical exercises. Great work; highly recommended to everyone interested into the secrets of emotional well-being.

Dr. Sonia's text is filled with descriptions of empirical studies that help lift the moods of everyday people. If you want to feel better, practice some of the techniques that she advocates. The book presents several methods for turning your attitude about people and events around to a balanced and optimistic point of view.

Using all evidence -based studies the author provides an opportunity to increase well-being by including a diagnostic questionnaire to help the reader put together an individualize plan that fits you, your interests, values, talents. Good to use for yourself or if you or a helper to present material to others.

An excellent review of a variety of practical strategies to improve happiness and positive emotions. The crucial element that sets this work apart from many "how to" books is that it is all research based. The recommendations are backed up by empirical studies.

Tiny font! I was expecting a workbook, but this is a regular book with tiny font. I must be getting old. I just can't read stuff printed this small anymore, and/or I don't want to have to work that hard at it.

I really enjoyed the mix of science and story. It was very useful in assisting me in coming up with happiness strategy. I'd have given it 5 stars, but the discussion of religion and other delusions as being a key to happiness hurt my need for clarity and truth. Other then that, the book is exciting and useful.

I found this book very helpful. The advice is based on solid research and is quick and to the point, without repetition or too much "filler" material. The self-test is OK, though I think the directions could be better spelled out. Overall, a great book on how to become happier.

If you genuinely want to be happier, great for you; however, if you think being happy will make you rich and famous, I have bad new for you. This book is an easier read for Positive Psychology, with plenty of exercises to help you be happy with what you have and not what you want to have-though Positive Psychology in general falls short by saying that being happy is the only thing you need to strive for in life.

I bought the Kindle version, and there seems to be a problem with the conversion of the Subjective Happiness Scale (location 644-650). There are some line graphics, and it probably confused the interpreter. I solved this by using "Click to Look Inside" for the hardcover version, and searching for the scale.

I really enjoyed reading/studying this book. More important though are the physical and mental activities that you can do right away- hands on not pie in the sky blah, blah, blahing. It works! If you believe in research based answers to problems this is for you.

I manage a mentoring programme children and young people aged between 4 and a 12 and have a very keen interest in research that defines well being and how to promote it.
I have bought a copy for each of the programme coordinators and expect that we will use it as a text.
A bonus with this book I expect it will enrich my life and that of the adult volunteers as well.