The Happiness Advantage

The Seven Principles of Positive Psychology That Fuel Success and Performance at Work

by Shawn Achor

4.6(9,763 ratings)

13 min read

Brief overview

This book explains why happiness isn’t just a result of success and hard work, but a pivotal factor that drives achievement, resilience, and overall well-being. It explores how adopting a positive mindset first can transform how we live and work. Through practical examples and research-based strategies, it shows that small behavioral changes can lead to substantial, lasting improvements in personal and professional performance.

Introduction

Imagine walking into a workplace thinking you must labor tirelessly to be happy one day. Most of us have done that at some point—focusing on successes or paychecks as the path to lasting contentment. Yet research increasingly shows the opposite is true: happiness drives success.

In a variety of fields, people who approach work with a positive mindset are more productive, more creative, and even more resilient when faced with difficulties. This challenges the age-old formula that you must work for success first, then earn happiness as a reward.

By blending findings from psychology and neuroscience with revealing anecdotes, the author demonstrates that our brains operate at their best when fueled by positivity. Throughout these pages, you’ll find practical insights and exercises designed to help you make that shift.

A joyful mindset amplifies everything else—performance, relationships, and our drive to achieve.

The Happiness Advantage

When you prime your brain with optimism first, you can tap into higher levels of ingenuity and drive. Far from ignoring obstacles, a positive mindset broadens your range of possible solutions. Psychologists call this the Broaden and Build Theory: when we’re happy, we scan for opportunities rather than threats.

Positive feelings also help our bodies perform better. Research shows that people who report higher well-being levels get sick less often and recover more quickly. At an organizational level, this translates to fewer absences, greater loyalty, and stronger engagement.

By building a habit of scanning for the good—both in ourselves and our surroundings—we give ourselves the happiness edge. This can take many shapes: listing things you’re grateful for, consciously praising a teammate’s effort, or celebrating a small win each day. Even short bursts of happiness can trigger sustainable benefits.

Happiness is a resource, not just a reward. When we cultivate it first, success follows.

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What is The Happiness Advantage about?

The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor emphasizes how a positive mindset can drive productivity, resilience, and well-being long before external success arrives. Drawing on research from positive psychology, it outlines that real growth and professional performance stem from starting with optimism and channeling it into daily habits. By shifting focus to positivity first, readers discover how small, consistent adjustments can catalyze long-term results.

This book matters because it tackles the traditional belief that hard work automatically leads to satisfaction. Instead, it shows that intentional happiness fuels better work outcomes, stronger relationships, and a more balanced life. Through relatable examples and clear strategies, Achor demonstrates how readers can leverage positivity to achieve and sustain both personal and career goals.

Review of The Happiness Advantage

The author’s presentation stands out for blending approachable anecdotes with evidence-based research, offering credible insights on harnessing a positive mindset. This makes the book both informative and actionable, ensuring readers can immediately apply its principles, such as finding small wins and reframing setbacks into opportunities for growth.

On a practical level, the strategies are laid out in a step-by-step format that busy professionals can follow without major disruption to their routines. The writing style is casual yet precise, making the content appealing to readers at various stages of personal development. Each chapter tackles a unique angle on positive psychology, providing fresh perspectives on motivation, social support, and mental resilience.

Anyone looking to enhance productivity and well-being will find this book accessible and relevant. If you want tools to reshape your habits and infuse more optimism into your work and life, The Happiness Advantage comes highly recommended.

Who should read The Happiness Advantage?

Corporate employees seeking a healthier approach to productivity
Leaders who want to foster positive team dynamics and boost morale
Students aiming to balance academic performance with well-being
Entrepreneurs interested in building resilient mindsets for their ventures

About the author

Shawn Achor is a renowned American author and speaker known for his advocacy of positive psychology. He graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University and earned a Master's degree from Harvard Divinity School in Christian and Buddhist ethics. With over 12 years of experience at Harvard, where he won over a dozen distinguished teaching awards, Achor has become one of the world's leading experts on the connection between happiness and success. He has worked with over a third of the Fortune 100 companies and has traveled to 51 countries, delivering lectures and talks on positive psychology.