By
Teri P.
While I've considered myself generally "happy" throughout my life, I must say there have been some frustrating times when I had to ask myself, "am I there yet". My attitude about happiness has always been rather complacent - a nebulous concept that either happens or doesn't happen while or after I did or got things. I don't think I consciously connected most of my goals with "happiness" but focused instead on just working to complete something. This book really changed that attitude!
After reading the book, I have come to realize that the magnifying glass on it's front cover is not merely a symbolic tool used in a spatial search for happiness, but more importantly that I needed to closely examine my concept of happiness. It showed me that in addition to the "what" or "where" happiness is, I first need to focus on the "why" of a goal or thing that I believe will give me happiness. And the author laid out a clear and logical plan for the "how".
I particularly liked the easy-going, low-key style of the book - a lot of good question and answer dialog that the author uses to clarify the concepts he presents. The chapter summary notations reinforced my understanding as I progressed through the book and it all flowed at a comfortable pace that kept me thoroughly interested throughout my reading. I also like the reference section at the end of the book. I think the author really did his homework and definitely scratched beneath the surface of the topic. For me, reading this book and practicing the step-by-step plan was kind of like scratching off one of those lotto cards and finding a clear image of happiness underneath. I found a lot of valuable information there! I highly recommend this gem of a book.
By
Mr. Attila L. Paszta
This is one of my favourite books when I'm feeling a little blue. Its simple common sense information but it does bring you back from despair and gently puts you back on your feet again. If I have a friend feeling down, I always pull this one out for them.
By
Sherlock
I once read a tip to 'Pick The Ripe Fruit'; in other words, gain the benefit of others' research/work without having to study the 'roots'.
The reader who picks up this work can certainly do that; this succinctly written book of around sixty three page, (took me two hours to read), is a lesson in how to cut out the padding to other authors.
The first section deals, by means of a dialogue between the author and an 'old professor', with issues that, surprisingly don't contribute to long-term happiness.
The second section looks at three factors that do affect happiness, (two of which one doesn't have control over), finally bringing us to a Step-By-Step Plan for goal-setting.
For readers who wish to 'dig deeper', there is a reference to all the scientific research behind the advice.
Highly recommended.
By
Andrew Jopson
This is a great little book. I really liked the fact that you can learn everything you need to learn in an hour or two and then there are a bunch of questions at the back of the book that get you on the right path in your search for more happiness. It's not padded out with lengthy theoretical discussions on happiness, but if you want more information then the references are given at the end. Brilliant. I wish there were more books like this!
By
ReservoirDawg
The first book I purchased of Jim Johnson was "Heal Your Rotator Cuff" and it's one of the best things I have ever done in my life. Since then I have purchased a few more books by JJ and this one has gotto be the best. The book is short, simple and TO THE POINT. No fluffing around like other self-help gurus - simple, scientifically proven facts about happiness. I was strugling to find out why I had an under-current of unhappiness in my life and I did A LOT of reading, watching videos in order to understand me & my life. This book hit home. It only took less than an hour to read and I've understood things about myself that I didnt for years.
Jim Johnson is somewhat of a genius. Simply.
By
Mr. W. G. Simpson "William"
Its well written and easy to read, and I dont want to spoil things by reviewing it too thoroughly. A useful book
By
A happy reader
I would recommend this book for anyone who is unhappy with the way things are going in their life. This book is a plethora of new information about happiness that the average person probably would not know. It is very well researched and provides extensive, updated facts about happiness.
I believe that this book is very practical because it leaves the reader with a step by step plan that can realistically provide one with long term happiness. This plan proves to be different from other happiness books because it is one that can be easily integrated into your daily life.
By
jimbvis
After reading some of the author's previous work starting with The Multifidus (helped me out a lot as a back pain sufferer) and the No Beach No Zone and Sixty Second Motivator I must admit I was surprised to find out that his latest book was on "Happiness". All Mr. Johnson's work is based strictly on research, and I didn't think happiness was something that could be objectively measured. But it turns out it is - and it has been done - much to the surprise of someone working outside the medical world! I'm sure working in a hospital would make one curious about why some people can handle terrible misfortune and others can't. Well, your answer is here.
What Jim Johnson has done is to take an obviously memorable interview and tons of research info from medical journals that most of us don't have easy access to, and combine it all in an easy read. Now we know why famous people seem to lead such sad lives and why happiness is so much more a result of choices we make and how we rate where we are at. It makes so much sense, I'm amazed that nobody thought to write something like this before without silly "affirmations" that have made motivational tapes and books fall flat.
One person said the "interview" format was "distracting" and this info was available elsewhere. Really? Sorry, but I don't have the time nor the desire to sift through medical journals (especially all the resources referenced here), especially since I have no interest in medicine except what it can do for me. And to be honest, if it's too long, I just plain won't read it. I get migraines, and reading too long has brought them on before. I have too many demands on my time as it is with work, school, family, church activities, social activities, etc.
The author's format is appealing because it gives credit where credit is due (acknowledging the desire of an older physician to share his research) - it's always nice to remember the people that helped us along in our careers in any capacity.
So yeah, look up every one of those articles if you want, sort through all the medical mumbo-jumbo to find the pertinent data and a few weeks later let me know how that's working for you. I read slow, and this still took me less than 2 hours to read. I got the same info.
By
Lindsey Slaughter
I really enjoyed this book. It was very easy to read because it was written in the form of a story and easy to follow. I found the research to be a great overall review of what is scientifically known about the concept of happiness. I really appreciated the fact that the book had a sizeable reference section that backed up its information. You can really tell that the author spent a lot of time researching every aspect of the positive psychology literature.
I would highly recommend this book to everyone (i.e. therapists and lay people alike) because it is not only based on actual research, but it's also very practical and anyone can easily put the book's plan to use on a daily basis. After reading this book, I found myself going back to certain concepts and implementing the strategies in my day to day life.
By
Robert Michon
We've been conditioned to believe that in order for a book to be "worth the price I paid," it has to meet certain page total, size and weight requirements.
What this has led to is an onslaught of lengthy, content-lite books.
So, I can understand the one poor review that this book has received.
I'm one of those who'd prefer a 20-page pamphlet at a buck a page, rather than the repetition and useless ramblings found in most nonfiction books.
I also don't particularly care for the parable style of the storytelling.
It adds nothing to the content.
OTOH without this format, the "book" would have been reduced to 10 pages.
The good news is that you can still read this book in one short sitting.
The formula prescribed in this book is simple and even if it is "common sense" as described by another reviewer, there's nothing common about it.
Anyone looking for complicated rituals or ancient secrets will say, "That's IT?"
While you may be disappointed, if you follow the directions, you will be happier as a result.
By
Venessa
This has been a very inspiring book for me, especially in these hard economic times! We all need to be reminded of what we are all doing this for, as the daily grind has a tendency to defocus us.
This book makes you stop, center yourself and look to see how far we stray from what we are really after.
By
Sarah
I really enjoyed reading this book. I plan on reading it again and again. I think it really gets to the heart of happiness.
By
JC
I could go on and on about this book, but this is what I like best...
-this book compiles all the happiness research into ONE place. And a lot of the research you can't find just anywhere.
-it's a quick and painless read.
-the plan that is included in the back of the book to increase happiness is based on tested research.
I would, hands down, recommend this book- unless you don't like concise, to the point books that can really help you out.
The universal pursuit of happiness, February 12, 2009
By
Elaine Makowsky
An easy read that delivers what it promises.
Jim's book is based on research studies. He presents the material in a way that is both informative and entertaining.
Instinctively you may already know some of the facts presented but there are a few surprises (I will not ruin it for you by divulging). It is interesting to consider why many things we sought after, and later obtained, did not provide the lasting fulfillment we had imagined.
In all, though a short book, it is crammed with insight and,best of all, advice on how to achieve your personal happiness.
By
Bruce P. Lewis "frogdown"
I opened the package and was not impressed with the size of the book. That all changed after I read it. This is a very practical book with real usable information!
By
Bill
The author has taken all the happiness research and packed it up nicely into this informative book. After reading it, I discovered a simple plan for long-term happiness.
Teri P.
While I've considered myself generally "happy" throughout my life, I must say there have been some frustrating times when I had to ask myself, "am I there yet". My attitude about happiness has always been rather complacent - a nebulous concept that either happens or doesn't happen while or after I did or got things. I don't think I consciously connected most of my goals with "happiness" but focused instead on just working to complete something. This book really changed that attitude!
After reading the book, I have come to realize that the magnifying glass on it's front cover is not merely a symbolic tool used in a spatial search for happiness, but more importantly that I needed to closely examine my concept of happiness. It showed me that in addition to the "what" or "where" happiness is, I first need to focus on the "why" of a goal or thing that I believe will give me happiness. And the author laid out a clear and logical plan for the "how".
I particularly liked the easy-going, low-key style of the book - a lot of good question and answer dialog that the author uses to clarify the concepts he presents. The chapter summary notations reinforced my understanding as I progressed through the book and it all flowed at a comfortable pace that kept me thoroughly interested throughout my reading. I also like the reference section at the end of the book. I think the author really did his homework and definitely scratched beneath the surface of the topic. For me, reading this book and practicing the step-by-step plan was kind of like scratching off one of those lotto cards and finding a clear image of happiness underneath. I found a lot of valuable information there! I highly recommend this gem of a book.
By
Mr. Attila L. Paszta
This is one of my favourite books when I'm feeling a little blue. Its simple common sense information but it does bring you back from despair and gently puts you back on your feet again. If I have a friend feeling down, I always pull this one out for them.
By
Sherlock
I once read a tip to 'Pick The Ripe Fruit'; in other words, gain the benefit of others' research/work without having to study the 'roots'.
The reader who picks up this work can certainly do that; this succinctly written book of around sixty three page, (took me two hours to read), is a lesson in how to cut out the padding to other authors.
The first section deals, by means of a dialogue between the author and an 'old professor', with issues that, surprisingly don't contribute to long-term happiness.
The second section looks at three factors that do affect happiness, (two of which one doesn't have control over), finally bringing us to a Step-By-Step Plan for goal-setting.
For readers who wish to 'dig deeper', there is a reference to all the scientific research behind the advice.
Highly recommended.
By
Andrew Jopson
This is a great little book. I really liked the fact that you can learn everything you need to learn in an hour or two and then there are a bunch of questions at the back of the book that get you on the right path in your search for more happiness. It's not padded out with lengthy theoretical discussions on happiness, but if you want more information then the references are given at the end. Brilliant. I wish there were more books like this!
By
ReservoirDawg
The first book I purchased of Jim Johnson was "Heal Your Rotator Cuff" and it's one of the best things I have ever done in my life. Since then I have purchased a few more books by JJ and this one has gotto be the best. The book is short, simple and TO THE POINT. No fluffing around like other self-help gurus - simple, scientifically proven facts about happiness. I was strugling to find out why I had an under-current of unhappiness in my life and I did A LOT of reading, watching videos in order to understand me & my life. This book hit home. It only took less than an hour to read and I've understood things about myself that I didnt for years.
Jim Johnson is somewhat of a genius. Simply.
By
Mr. W. G. Simpson "William"
Its well written and easy to read, and I dont want to spoil things by reviewing it too thoroughly. A useful book
By
A happy reader
I would recommend this book for anyone who is unhappy with the way things are going in their life. This book is a plethora of new information about happiness that the average person probably would not know. It is very well researched and provides extensive, updated facts about happiness.
I believe that this book is very practical because it leaves the reader with a step by step plan that can realistically provide one with long term happiness. This plan proves to be different from other happiness books because it is one that can be easily integrated into your daily life.
By
jimbvis
After reading some of the author's previous work starting with The Multifidus (helped me out a lot as a back pain sufferer) and the No Beach No Zone and Sixty Second Motivator I must admit I was surprised to find out that his latest book was on "Happiness". All Mr. Johnson's work is based strictly on research, and I didn't think happiness was something that could be objectively measured. But it turns out it is - and it has been done - much to the surprise of someone working outside the medical world! I'm sure working in a hospital would make one curious about why some people can handle terrible misfortune and others can't. Well, your answer is here.
What Jim Johnson has done is to take an obviously memorable interview and tons of research info from medical journals that most of us don't have easy access to, and combine it all in an easy read. Now we know why famous people seem to lead such sad lives and why happiness is so much more a result of choices we make and how we rate where we are at. It makes so much sense, I'm amazed that nobody thought to write something like this before without silly "affirmations" that have made motivational tapes and books fall flat.
One person said the "interview" format was "distracting" and this info was available elsewhere. Really? Sorry, but I don't have the time nor the desire to sift through medical journals (especially all the resources referenced here), especially since I have no interest in medicine except what it can do for me. And to be honest, if it's too long, I just plain won't read it. I get migraines, and reading too long has brought them on before. I have too many demands on my time as it is with work, school, family, church activities, social activities, etc.
The author's format is appealing because it gives credit where credit is due (acknowledging the desire of an older physician to share his research) - it's always nice to remember the people that helped us along in our careers in any capacity.
So yeah, look up every one of those articles if you want, sort through all the medical mumbo-jumbo to find the pertinent data and a few weeks later let me know how that's working for you. I read slow, and this still took me less than 2 hours to read. I got the same info.
By
Lindsey Slaughter
I really enjoyed this book. It was very easy to read because it was written in the form of a story and easy to follow. I found the research to be a great overall review of what is scientifically known about the concept of happiness. I really appreciated the fact that the book had a sizeable reference section that backed up its information. You can really tell that the author spent a lot of time researching every aspect of the positive psychology literature.
I would highly recommend this book to everyone (i.e. therapists and lay people alike) because it is not only based on actual research, but it's also very practical and anyone can easily put the book's plan to use on a daily basis. After reading this book, I found myself going back to certain concepts and implementing the strategies in my day to day life.
By
Robert Michon
We've been conditioned to believe that in order for a book to be "worth the price I paid," it has to meet certain page total, size and weight requirements.
What this has led to is an onslaught of lengthy, content-lite books.
So, I can understand the one poor review that this book has received.
I'm one of those who'd prefer a 20-page pamphlet at a buck a page, rather than the repetition and useless ramblings found in most nonfiction books.
I also don't particularly care for the parable style of the storytelling.
It adds nothing to the content.
OTOH without this format, the "book" would have been reduced to 10 pages.
The good news is that you can still read this book in one short sitting.
The formula prescribed in this book is simple and even if it is "common sense" as described by another reviewer, there's nothing common about it.
Anyone looking for complicated rituals or ancient secrets will say, "That's IT?"
While you may be disappointed, if you follow the directions, you will be happier as a result.
By
Venessa
This has been a very inspiring book for me, especially in these hard economic times! We all need to be reminded of what we are all doing this for, as the daily grind has a tendency to defocus us.
This book makes you stop, center yourself and look to see how far we stray from what we are really after.
By
Sarah
I really enjoyed reading this book. I plan on reading it again and again. I think it really gets to the heart of happiness.
By
JC
I could go on and on about this book, but this is what I like best...
-this book compiles all the happiness research into ONE place. And a lot of the research you can't find just anywhere.
-it's a quick and painless read.
-the plan that is included in the back of the book to increase happiness is based on tested research.
I would, hands down, recommend this book- unless you don't like concise, to the point books that can really help you out.
The universal pursuit of happiness, February 12, 2009
By
Elaine Makowsky
An easy read that delivers what it promises.
Jim's book is based on research studies. He presents the material in a way that is both informative and entertaining.
Instinctively you may already know some of the facts presented but there are a few surprises (I will not ruin it for you by divulging). It is interesting to consider why many things we sought after, and later obtained, did not provide the lasting fulfillment we had imagined.
In all, though a short book, it is crammed with insight and,best of all, advice on how to achieve your personal happiness.
By
Bruce P. Lewis "frogdown"
I opened the package and was not impressed with the size of the book. That all changed after I read it. This is a very practical book with real usable information!
By
Bill
The author has taken all the happiness research and packed it up nicely into this informative book. After reading it, I discovered a simple plan for long-term happiness.