The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor

Back a few months ago, our corporate office invited Shawn Achor, author of the Happiness Advantage, to deliver the keynote talk at our company’s annual convention.

I had read and listened to the Happiness Advantage a handful of years ago and distinctly remember it making a strong impression. It changed my view on “positive thinking” and with scientific backing proved how having a positive mindset and being happy can actually improve outlooks, productivity, and outcomes.

Is there really an advantage?

Shawn cited in his keynote speech one study proving that perception doesn’t have to be fixed, that it is in fact malleable.

In short, the study showed that when looking at a tall hill or high peak, it will look measurably smaller and therefore more easily traversable if and only if you are looking at that hill or peak with another person.

The mere presence of another individual looking at the peak with you can change your entire perception of that peak!

So, if perception is malleable then I think it’s reasonable to extrapolate that in that malleability resides a degree of choice. And if there’s choice, then why not choose positivity and happiness especially if it means being able to better enjoy life and its outcomes.

There are many more studies to be found and many more insights to be gleaned from Shawn Achors the Happiness Advantage. If you haven’t read it yet, this is a great book to add to your library. You can also listen to how this particular book ties into the lessons on attachment we discuss in Path of the Jedi Episode 7.

You can learn more about Shawn Achor and his books and research by visiting his website here.

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