Shawn Achor

Before Happiness: The 5 Hidden Keys to Achieving Success, Spreading Happiness, and Sustaining Positive Change

By Shawn Achor

Overview

Before Happiness by Shawn Achor is a book that delves into the concept of happiness and how it can be achieved before success. Achor challenges the widely accepted notion that success leads to happiness and instead presents the idea that happiness is a precursor to success. Drawing on research from positive psychology, neuroscience, and his own experiences, Achor outlines five hidden keys that can help individuals achieve lasting happiness and positive change in their lives.

Key Points / Ideas

1. Change Your Perspective: Achor emphasizes the importance of actively choosing a positive perspective. He suggests that by reframing our thoughts and focusing on the positive aspects of a situation, we can train our brains to see more opportunities and increase our chances of success. This mindset shift can enhance creativity, problem-solving abilities, and overall well-being.

2. Alter Your Reality: Achor explores the concept of "mental maps" and how they shape our perception of reality. He encourages readers to challenge their existing mental maps and envision a more positive and successful future. By visualizing desired outcomes and setting specific goals, individuals can create a sense of purpose and direction, increasing motivation and drive.

3. Build Resilience: Achor argues that resilience is a key factor in overcoming obstacles and achieving long-term happiness. He provides strategies to develop resilience, including reframing challenges as opportunities, using humor to cope with stress, and cultivating strong social connections. Achor highlights the role of positive relationships in enhancing resilience and overall well-being.

4. Amplify Positive Signals: Achor emphasizes the importance of paying attention to positive signals in our environment. He explains how our brains are wired to focus on negative information, but by consciously seeking out positive cues and savoring positive experiences, we can rewire our brains to experience more joy and happiness. Achor suggests implementing daily rituals to increase positive emotions and improve overall well-being.

5. Spark Meaningful Action: Achor discusses the value of taking meaningful action towards our goals and aligning our actions with our values. He highlights the impact of small steps and progress on happiness and suggests focusing on one small achievable goal at a time. By celebrating progress and expressing gratitude, individuals can maintain a positive perspective and sustain motivation.

Evidence and Examples

Throughout Before Happiness, Achor reinforces his arguments with compelling evidence and real-life examples. He draws on scientific studies, including his own research on positive psychology, to support the effectiveness of the strategies he presents.

Achor shares anecdotes based on his work with companies and individuals, demonstrating how changing one's perspective and focusing on positive signals can lead to increased happiness and success. For instance, he highlights a study where doctors who were primed with positive emotions improved their diagnostic accuracy by 19%. These examples serve as powerful reminders of the impact happiness can have on various aspects of our lives.

Conclusion

Before Happiness by Shawn Achor is a thought-provoking book that challenges conventional wisdom about the relationship between success and happiness. Achor presents practical strategies backed by scientific research to help individuals cultivate a positive mindset, achieve success, and sustain positive change in their lives.

By emphasizing the importance of changing our perspective, altering our reality, building resilience, amplifying positive signals, and taking meaningful action, Achor provides readers with actionable steps to increase their happiness and well-being. The book is filled with compelling evidence and relatable examples that reinforce the author's arguments.

If you are interested in exploring the power of happiness and how it can impact your life, Before Happiness is a valuable resource. It complements other books in the field of positive psychology, such as Achor's previous work, The Happiness Advantage, and Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. These books offer valuable insights and practical tools to help individuals thrive and lead happier, more fulfilling lives.