Before Happiness: The 5 Hidden Keys to Achieving Success, Spreading Happiness, and Sustaining Positive Change
*Starred Review* There have been many books published on happiness, an elusive goal for many of us. And there will be many more added to shelves after Achor’s second book (the first being The Happiness Advantage, 2010). Yet, truly, there was no primer on how to factually, practically achieve positive genius until this former Harvard researcher zeroed in. The concept is fairly simple: change is possible only when we link our lives to others. That positivity, in turn, results from applying five factors to change your reality: (1) choose the most valuable reality, (2) map your meaning markets, (3) find the x-spot, (4) cancel the noise, and (5) create positive inception. In layperson speak, consider these points: do something prosocial—i.e., for others—and shift your attitude. Use a treasure map, a way to chart your success path. Keep your eyes on the beach, not the rocks. Exercise—to eliminate noise and distractions from your life. And use humor everywhere. Every one of his suggestions is accompanied by personal anecdotes, others’ stories, psychological research, and just plain facts and figures. It’s an extraordinarily compelling argument to actively work on changing mindsets. --Barbara Jacobs