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Book Review and Giveaway: Happier
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:
- 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.
- Happiness Applied – Here the author applies his theories on happiness in education, the workplace, and in relationships.
- 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:
- Simply leave a comment and you’ll automatically be entered in the draw for a free copy.
- 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!
170 Comments, Comment or Ping
1. Ramona
I can always afford to be “Happier”
Thanks!
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 8:31 am
2. Ms. Jones
I’ve got a whole family here eager to be happier. Bring it on!
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 8:35 am
3. Bill M
I would be HAPPY to have this book !
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 8:58 am
4. Millionaireby45
Sounds like a good read.
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 9:36 am
5. Steve - Montreal
Hey who doesn’t want to be Happier?? Please place my name into the pot.
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 9:45 am
6. lana
I would be happier if I got to read this book.
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 10:09 am
7. Paolo
Happy happy happy.
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 10:17 am
8. Kelsey
I would love to read this book. Thanks!
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 10:18 am
9. Ben
Sounds like a good summer read!
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 10:31 am
10. Chris
Count me in!
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 10:31 am
11. Mike Fuellbrandt
I could always use more “happy” in my life.
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 10:42 am
12. Sampson
Me Please!
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 10:43 am
13. Finance_Addict
Thanks.
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 10:51 am
14. David Tam
The title of the book makes me Happier in the heart.
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 10:52 am
15. Melanie
I would love to know how to make all my relationships happier in some way!
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 10:54 am
16. Cisco Kid
I truely need to find the secret to happyness, I think I should buy this book even if I don’t win. I feel like I have so many things to be happy for, but yet, I am not…
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 10:56 am
17. STCLOW
I look forward to being Happier, this book would come at a perfect time…
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 11:00 am
18. JasonM
Thanks
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 11:04 am
19. R I
Funny – I used to be very happy all the time, but now I’m less so. Could this book have the answer to get it back?
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 11:31 am
20. Nick
Sounds like an interesting read!
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 11:31 am
21. Oil Baron
Excellent idea for a book.
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 11:33 am
22. Harv
Pick me please…LOL!
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 11:36 am
23. fdum11
i want the secret to a happy life
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 11:37 am
24. Michael
I would love a copy of this book!
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 11:39 am
25. SD
I would love to learn how to be happier!
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 11:39 am
26. Thaily
mas feliz. Does Spanish count?
I’m in… Thaily
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 11:40 am
27. Carol
Well now, who wouldn’t want to be HAPPIER?! Thanks for the contest……
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 11:41 am
28. karash
I WOULD LOVE TO BE HAPPIER…!
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 11:42 am
29. casey5
Count me in!
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 11:43 am
30. Mike
I’m a pretty happy guy, but you can always be happier.
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 11:44 am
31. Rick
Love and Happiness seem to go together . Count me in .
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 11:44 am
32. Kathy S.
I definitely need to be “happier”. :)
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 11:46 am
33. Jimmy
would like to read this
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 11:46 am
34. Cara
Happieness is often all about perception!
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 11:47 am
35. scott
Happiness is a state of mind, the problem is the current state your mind is in…..
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 11:48 am
36. hjincalgary
Happiness – do something kind each day……..find joy in the little things in life, and appreciate what you have – good health, family and integrity
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 11:49 am
37. Sandra
Yes …. a positive approach to getting more out of life! Thanks for bringing this book to my attention. Hope I’m one of the lucky two.
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 11:49 am
38. Tish
This is a road I’d like to travel down……………….
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 11:53 am
39. Florence
Very wise! I’d love to read this book!
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 11:54 am
40. cannon_fodder
I am happy in the present, and I will be happier in the future if I would win.
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 11:54 am
41. Aaron
Sounds great! Count me in.
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 11:55 am
42. ashley
Sounds like a great book. Thanks for the chance to win one!!
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 11:57 am
43. Daniel Morel
What me worry? Nah, Just be Happy!
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 11:58 am
44. Terry
Thanks.
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 11:59 am
45. Maria
This is all I could wish for after receiving the finality of marriage annulment last month – HAPPIER!
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 11:59 am
46. Narajin
Interesting book. I’d like to get one.
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 12:03 pm
47. Sophie
generally a happy person, but losing my job and my mother within a couple of months has been tough, I could definitely use this!
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 12:04 pm
48. Tom
Bobbie McFerron (sp?) comes to mind. Don’t worry, be happy!
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 12:06 pm
49. allawi17
me want book
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 12:06 pm
50. Kirk
Sounds like a good topic. I was wondering what I could buy with my Chapter’s gift card.
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 12:15 pm
51. Nora
Sounds like a great book…Happiness is what it is all about!
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 12:16 pm
52. JamieV
Looks to be an interesting read.
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 12:18 pm
53. Robbie K
Please add my entry to the pot.
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 12:18 pm
54. Kippan
Count me in for a chance!
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 12:20 pm
55. ryan
I could use this book about now.
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 12:30 pm
56. Ali
Count me in!!
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 12:31 pm
57. Suzanne
I’d like a copy.
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 12:32 pm
58. bill ruus
Great self education, would love a copy
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 12:39 pm
59. Maiku
Sounds like a good read.
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 12:39 pm
60. Edouard S
Another wonderful book on happiness is ”what happy people know” which can be found at all serious book outlets. Indigo, Amazon, B&N, etc… Thanks for the info FT.
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 12:40 pm
61. Matt
Participated in every raffle for last 1 year, hopefully this is my lucky chance :)
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 12:40 pm
62. Cori
Sounds like a good book…I’d like to read it!
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 12:42 pm
63. Susan
Thanks for the offer and for introducing the book. It made me ponder the meaning of ‘happy’ and ‘happier’. It will be interesting to read Dr. Ben-Shahar’s views.
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 12:42 pm
64. Triple_Eh
Would like a copy!
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 12:42 pm
65. telefantastik
Count me in!
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 12:49 pm
66. NoDebtGuy
Would love a copy!
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 12:58 pm
67. Sarah
I want this book!
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 1:01 pm
68. RI
It would definitely a daily joy if I can get the book!
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 1:01 pm
69. abcstocks
Please count me in….
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 1:01 pm
70. canucktuary
count me in
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 1:02 pm
71. Genius Boy
I attended Tal’s courses and lectures when I was at Harvard, and I must say he’s a great lecturer. Interesting, provocative, and funny at the same time. His book is really an incredibly fun read.
MDJ: I don’t need a copy of the book, since I’ve read it, but it really is a great read for those of you, who want a more positive view of life
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 1:06 pm
72. Blogging Banks
Sign me up and Pick me! ;-)
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 1:08 pm
73. Jenny
I am looking forward to reading this book…thanks for bringing it to my attention.
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 1:17 pm
74. Terri
Sounds like a great summer read!
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 1:20 pm
75. Bryce
I could use a happy book to read on holidays!
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 1:20 pm
76. cdc979
I need all the happiness help I can get!
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 1:25 pm
77. Frugalgirl
I believe the outlook on life is not how much you have in terms of many or stuf but how happy you are
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 1:27 pm
78. Craig
Would be happy to read it
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 1:27 pm
79. Steve Zussino
I enjoy reading about happiness!
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 1:28 pm
80. Alex
I’m in
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 1:30 pm
81. gexter
I could always use an extra dose of HAPPY!
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 1:31 pm
82. allyson fleck
Don’t worry, Be Happy – I strive to live by this.
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 1:39 pm
83. Patricia
Sounds like a great summer read.
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 1:40 pm
84. bob
I am sad… please make me happy!
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 1:41 pm
85. Mo
I would love to win a copy of this book!
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 1:46 pm
86. Bob
Free books make me happy.
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 1:47 pm
87. K
Everyone beat me to the plays on “happy”… if I read this book, would I learn how to be happy with that idea?
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 1:48 pm
88. Elbyron
Who needs money to buy happiness, if you can win this book for free!
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 1:55 pm
89. Ed
54 with 4 kids “under” 8….I need it,don’t you think??? :)
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 1:56 pm
90. Kathryn
Sounds like my kind of book! Count me in.
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 1:59 pm
91. Jeff
Could this be my next read?
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 2:00 pm
92. Chris
Yay books!
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 2:02 pm
93. Lakedweller
This reminds me of the Be-Do-Have cycle I learned ten years ago from a good friend named Netra.
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 2:06 pm
94. Paul Huynh
I would love a copy of this book.
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 2:10 pm
95. Vince
Count me in for happiness please!
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 2:11 pm
96. Davina
Enter me, please!
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 2:12 pm
97. InstruMike
Sounds Interesting
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 2:24 pm
98. Stephanie
Cant wait to win.
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 2:25 pm
99. CSW
Happiness comes from daily yoga, a balanced life and harmony with nature.
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 2:37 pm
100. Angela
I started this book and found it interesting, but had to give it back to it’s owner.
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 2:39 pm
101. Mark
Please count me in.
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 2:43 pm
102. Audree
i am reevaluating my life goals and career, I could definitely use this book!
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 3:01 pm
103. Rick
Ben-Shahar seems like an interesting fellow.
Wouldn’t mind trying his meditations/exercises
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 3:02 pm
104. walk
A free book would be nice!
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 3:11 pm
105. WM
Looks like a great read.
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 3:13 pm
106. Mike
Sounds interesting. Sign me up!
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 3:16 pm
107. judy
I need this book for good friend who thinks he need no goals, no plans–just deal w/whatever is or “happens”! A little frustrating.
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 3:24 pm
108. JJ
Sounds like an interesting read, please enter me into the contest!
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 3:33 pm
109. Greg
Oh. Oh. Pick me! :)
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 3:35 pm
110. tsiko
Be happy!
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 3:37 pm
111. Heather
Giveaways of cool stuff make me happy. Thanks for the entries!
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 3:47 pm
112. Nichole
Sounds like a good read!
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 3:51 pm
113. PC
I need to be Happier too!
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 4:08 pm
114. chris
sign me up!
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 4:17 pm
115. GTP
Looks interesting to me !
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 4:23 pm
116. Qman
thanks
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 4:58 pm
117. Kelly Clark
I agree with the author that happiness, not wealth, is what we should gage our success by.
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 4:59 pm
118. Erick
Sign me up!
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 5:02 pm
119. Ray C
Sounds like a great read, seeing as wealth doesn’t always equal happiness.
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 5:08 pm
120. Kelle
…and Lasting Fulfillment. Sounds like an idea worth exploring.
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 5:16 pm
121. Alexis
Count me in!
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 5:27 pm
122. E. Tarrant
Pick me!!! Pick me!!!!!
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 5:59 pm
123. Shaun
I would like to read this book!
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 6:12 pm
124. PAC
happy times, its almost Canada day
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 6:13 pm
125. Rebecca
I want to be happy :)
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 6:18 pm
126. cbird
Sounds like an excellent read for the summer.
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 6:43 pm
127. Jim
Happiness is…. a free book!
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 6:48 pm
128. Tin
Count me in!
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 6:52 pm
129. iamphysio
Always in pursuit of happiness. Thanks.
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 7:06 pm
130. Andrew
Me too
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 7:17 pm
131. Candace
Don’t worry be happy :)
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 8:48 pm
132. Mark in Nepean
I want to read this book FT. Count me in!
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 8:49 pm
133. Dane
I’ve read a few of these books over the past couple of years and they’ve been really eye-opening … would be interested to see what this one says!
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 9:18 pm
134. Ryan
Sounds like a good read.
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 9:36 pm
135. Darry
A free book would make me happier.
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 10:59 pm
136. TheRoadtoMeaning
This book sounds really good! Count me in please!
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 11:08 pm
137. Brendan
comment
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 11:24 pm
138. Brennan
I’m in.
Jun 30th, 2009 @ 11:32 pm
139. Marcin
Sounds like a good read, I`m really interested in the psyhology and power of the mind studies (why the heck did I become an accountant?)
Jul 1st, 2009 @ 12:15 am
140. Heather S
I’d love to win, enter me pretty please!
Jul 1st, 2009 @ 12:25 am
141. MarsCat
Books books books! I like books!
Jul 1st, 2009 @ 12:26 am
142. Peter W
Could not be happier right now;
But you might prove me wrong, if you give me the book!
Thanks!
Jul 1st, 2009 @ 12:32 am
143. Ron
I’ld like the book as well. I hope i get lucky.
Jul 1st, 2009 @ 12:34 am
144. Lucie
HAPPY CANADA DAY! I’d be “HAPPY” to read a “HAPPIER” book.
P.S. – Excellent site you have here and thanks for all the great info!
Jul 1st, 2009 @ 12:41 am
145. Derek
I like the sound of sharing happiness for free . thanks MHP and MDJ.
DH
Jul 1st, 2009 @ 12:51 am
146. Terri
I look forward to reading this book, whether I win a copy or not! :)
Jul 1st, 2009 @ 1:00 am
147. Justin
Can’t wait to be happier!
Jul 1st, 2009 @ 1:13 am
148. AL
Excellent book to add to my library!!
Jul 1st, 2009 @ 1:27 am
149. Paul S
Wow, many more people leaving comments than I thought there would be. Thanks for the review.
Jul 1st, 2009 @ 1:35 am
150. Sam
It is said that “Happiness is a state of Mind!”. I wonder what Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar has to enlighten us even more. I would love to get a chance to read his book.
Jul 1st, 2009 @ 2:05 am
151. Dianne M
20% of all graduates attend his class? I ‘d like to read what he has to say too.
Happy Canada Day!
Jul 1st, 2009 @ 9:34 am
152. Nancy Urekar
I’m pretty happy – could I be happier?
Jul 1st, 2009 @ 11:19 am
153. Neil F
Make me happy!
Jul 1st, 2009 @ 1:07 pm
154. Mike
Would love a copy
Jul 1st, 2009 @ 4:01 pm
155. Garry
I am always happy – but why not more!
Jul 1st, 2009 @ 4:48 pm
156. Henry
I need the book!!!
Jul 1st, 2009 @ 4:54 pm
157. RS
Would love a copy
Jul 1st, 2009 @ 9:09 pm
158. Marina
Thanks!
Jul 1st, 2009 @ 10:03 pm
159. Mary-Anne
Sounds like a great read from a great author!
Jul 1st, 2009 @ 10:22 pm
160. lindahfx
Definitely something I would love to read right now!
Jul 1st, 2009 @ 10:39 pm
161. Jay
I’d love to read this book.
Jul 2nd, 2009 @ 1:14 am
162. Matt
Sounds like a good read!
Jul 2nd, 2009 @ 2:59 am
163. Miller
Sounds like a cool book….maybe i’ll win a copy
Jul 2nd, 2009 @ 8:13 am
164. Barik
Would like to get a copy
Thanks
Jul 2nd, 2009 @ 12:59 pm
165. Julie
I’d love to have a copy.
Thanks
Jul 2nd, 2009 @ 1:29 pm
166. Chris
Sounds great!
Jul 2nd, 2009 @ 2:14 pm
167. Deborah
You might also want to check out “The Happiness Project” blog.
Jul 2nd, 2009 @ 4:05 pm
168. Subversive
Hi, sign me up. :)
Jul 2nd, 2009 @ 6:00 pm
169. Neeraj
Please count me in.
Jul 3rd, 2009 @ 12:42 pm
170. pauline
i would love a copy of the book
Jul 3rd, 2009 @ 5:01 pm
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