I, Joy Kirr, am a middle school teacher, author, and speaker. My 7th grade ELA (English Language Arts) classes are working to improve their lives through student-directed learning - without marks throughout the year. This is a log of my learning experiences... Want to have me speak with your staff or facilitate a workshop? Here is my PORTFOLIO.

Tuesday, March 22, 2022

The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor

I'm so glad the IDEACon group who hosted a book club this year recommended this book, and I'm glad I was ready for my next self-help book (I think I'm going to read one a month this year - they really help my mindset). The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor.


Before you go and purchase it, know that it has many of the same ideas in other self-help books I've read the past two years... (and some of them I enjoyed more than this one). I think the one that fits with most of these ideas (and was a better fit for me) was The Book of Joy, yet that book wasn't as organized as this one.

So... my take away for this one - do what I've been trying to do - but on a REGULAR basis. At the same time every day, note (say/share or write) three specific things I'm grateful for. Get outside and move. Take 5-10 minutes to simply sit (meditate, reflect), and make those small connections with people (this could include conscious acts of kindness). What I loved about this book is that he shared the research behind his seven principles, and I love that many of his ideas (and new stories!) are helping solidify ideas that had already sprouted in my mind from the other self-help books I've read. This is an easy read, and I think even my 15-year-old nephew would get a kick out of it without feeling preached to. 

Gotta love public libraries - I'm grateful my local library had a copy! 

My personal notes for this book are here.