Dr. Mukesh Jain presents happiness as subject in his latest book, ‘A Happier You.’ Happiness is an important life factor. It’s intriguing; people run and chase after many goals only to feel happy at the end. But it can’t be said that it’s a time-tested formula and works for all. If you believe the author, kindly scrap this thought pattern. Happiness is not related to hedonistic achievements. Right in the initial chapters, the author covered this most clichéd belief of human race. For instance, if I clear the IIM exams, or I lose 10 pounds of weight, or I buy a SUV car…then I will be super happy all my life. The book takes us on a reverse belief…it is like be happy…be productive…achieve goals easily.
Segmented in 42 short topics, this book brings the length and breadth about happiness. We humans think of and do many activities (psychologically and physically) that could make us happy. Surprisingly this book almost covers up all those aspects. For this reason, each page of this book is full of take-aways. The more you read and implement, the longer it’s going to stick to your consciousness.
If the book is talking about happiness, don’t think that it’s another good value self-help book. No. It is not. It is also highlighted that self-help books and motivational coaches are more or less same. They deliver case studies but lack deep research. This book shuns the idea of self-help/improvement books, as a few anecdotal cases cannot be generalized for all.
Much scaffold of the book is built around positive psychology unlike the traditional beliefs that were negative. A Happier You is replete with studies and researches done on happiness. And there are many models that will not only bemuse you but also make sense if you read and cogitate silently. For instance, some of the popular models this book covers are SPIRE, PERMA, ABCDE model, etc.
The traverse of happiness is vast, it is evident from the book as one chugs ahead with it. The author is so much engrossed with happiness strategies and tips that at one time you may feel as he is obsessed for it. No…he isn’t. He has so much learnt about this feeling and sounds well-versed that you have no choice but to sigh in appreciation for him.
The discussion of the book can go for hours and it’s also true that it cannot be summed up in one review. Nevertheless, there are some terrific lessons and strategies that should be highlighted before concluding this review.
Foremost is its coverage on Happiness Playbook Tool. This section advises on how to do to, what to do, and how to connect. Next important point is that the author lucidly explained the difference between purpose and meaning of life. Further he also clarifies that money or that spending habit cannot bring happiness all the time. Once the curve of basic needs is fulfilled, money and shopping go devoid of feelings.
Less heard strategies like forest bathing, positive reminiscences, flow and mindset, self-transcendence, spending time with nature, walking meditation and much more portrays the power of book and its grip on the subject.
From all arteries, the book is brilliantly delivered. As a student or researcher, one can find this book more than a journal or encyclopedia. Written in simple language, with cool charts – this book is a treasure that one must keep handy and should refer from time to time. In nutshell – terrific, profound, and highly recommended to understand the human lives most valued emotion ‘happiness’.
Buy from Amazon/Kindle.
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