Today’s book review is a bit different than the typical book about finance, but just as relevant in my eyes.  A New York Times best seller, Happier – Learning the Secrets to Daily Joy and Lasting Fulfillment, is written by Tal Ben-Shahar who happens to be a Harvard Professor on Positive Psychology – and teaches Harvard’s most popular course.

About the Author:

According to the book:

Tal Ben-Shahar, Ph.D., is one of Harvard University’s most popular lecturers. He has been profiled on NPR and featured on CNN, CBS, in the New York Times and the Boston Globe.  His classes attract 20% of all Harvard graduates.  Ben-Shahar graduated from Harvard with a degree in philosophy and psychology.  For the last ten years, he has been teaching personal and organizational excellence, leadership, ethics, and self-esteem.

About the Book

Happier is about finding meaning and fulfillment in life, something which I have written about before.  They teach that when you learn how to live for the present and future at the same time, it brings true enjoyment and life fulfillment.

The book is separated into 3 sections:

1. What is Happiness? – That is the question that a lot of us have.  Ben-Shahar goes through the debate and gives us his definition of happiness.  He explains happiness as the ultimate currency (not money) and how important it is to have self-concordant goals.
2. Happiness Applied – Here the author applies his theories on happiness in education, the workplace, and in relationships.
3. Meditations on Happiness – Various meditations and exercises that you can do to help you find what brings you happiness and fulfillment.

Final Thoughts

In my opinion, this was a great book for those of you looking for a little more out of life.  I especially enjoyed the section on setting goals along with the various exercises to enhance happiness.

Want a Free Copy?

McGraw-Hill was generous in offering Million Dollar Journey readers the chance to win 2 copies of the book.  The details are below:

1. Simply leave a comment and you’ll automatically be entered in the draw for a free copy.
2. All email subscribers will receive an additional entry (privacy).

• Please only 1 comment entry / person (please enter a valid email address).
• Only those with a North American mailing address may enter (publisher rules, sorry).
• Contest will end Friday 5pm EST July 3, 2009 and the winner announced shortly after!

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It’s time again for the annual Globe and Mail Best of Blogs poll.  This year, Million Dollar Journey had the honour of being nominated a few times by:

• Ram Balakrishnan – The popular blogger behind Canadian Capitalist.
• Rob Carrick – The personal finance columnist for the Globe and Mail.
• Chaya Cooperberg – The blogger behind the new Home Cents Blog.

Other Canadian PF blogger nominees include:

• Canadian Financial DIY, Michael James on Money, Thicken My Wallet, Where Does All My Money Go, Canadian Mortgage Trends, Squawkfox, Four Pillars, The Dividend Guy and The Wealthy Boomer.

If you enjoy following this blog as much as I enjoy writing for it, I would be honoured and appreciative if you could give Million Dollar Journey a vote.

How do you vote?  Simply click on the link below and scroll to the very bottom where you will see a list of blogs.  Pick your favorites and hit the “vote now” button.

Vote for Million Dollar Journey

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Book Winners

As mentioned, there are 2 copies of The Seven Rules of Wall Street to giveaway.  Of the 600+ entries (between comments and twitter followers), the two lucky winners are:

1. BBQ
2. Jared

Congrats guys, I will contact you shortly!

Weekend Reading

One Year Ago today, I answered a reader question about not having a will and where assets would go. It goes to show how important wills can be!

Canadian Money Forum has an entertaining thread about the difference in salary between your first job and your first real job.

Stingy Investor writes about market timing temptation.

Canadian Capitalist shows us that borrowing costs are going up.

The Intelligent Speculator has an introduction to managed accounts.

Tax Guy explains how to insure your investments without options.

Cash Money Life asks “would you be willing to work for free?”

Money Energy relates stress with increased spending.

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