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Strengths in Numbers

With the growth of the positive psychology movement, most of us are becoming more familiar with the idea of character strengths. As classified by the VIA Institute on Character,character strengths are 24 specific positive traits and qualities that make us unique. They help shape our interests and abilities, and include such things as creativity, gratitude, perseverance, honesty, teamwork, leadership and humor. VIA's assessment of strengths helps users identify which qualities are most prevalent in their own lives. Knowing which of the 24 character strengths are most present in your personality can help in virtually all areas of your life, from the playground to the boardroom. When you identify the traits that make you unique and then learn how to tap into what drives you, it can help you feel more engaged and excited in what you do. Insight between two covers With the release of the book Character Strengths Matter: How to Live a Full Life, editors Shannon Polly, MAPP, and Kathryn Britton, MAPP, have assembled an all-star lineup of positive psychology experts to take a closer look at character strengths. While many books have explained character strengths and their value, this volume goes one step further and provides actionable ways to apply your own strengths. Each chapter focuses in detail on a different strength. Written by a different expert, every chapter includes shortarticles that show how this character strength may be used in everyday life and suggestions on ways to help build that strength. The chapters end with a few paragraphs that can be read aloud to help reinforce that strength for you. Having many authors gives the book the feeling of a conversation among friends offering sage advice. (The one constant voice in each chapter is Tayyib Rashid’s “Five Actions,” which are his suggestions for ways to build each particular character strength in your own life.) Bite-size Learning “Character Strengths Matter” isn’t the kind of book you’ll necessarily sit down and read cover to cover. The editors suggest choosing your personal strengths and finding out more about them by reading the corresponding chapter; you’ll learn new ways to apply and develop that strength. Or, if there’s an area you’re interested in learning more about —perhaps an area where you’d like to improve—select that for your initial reading. Part of the beauty of this book is that each chapter is designed as a self-contained unit, and that allows the reader much more flexibility in how to approach and apply its contents. While the first section of the book explores character strengths, Part 2 is aptly titled “Taking Action” and delves deeper into how to better apply this newfound understanding of character strengths. Read more: Put Your Strengths to Work Using your strengths The approachable writing tone and many suggestions for how to better utilize character strengths make this feel like a cross between a workbook and a roadmap for better living. For anyone looking to better understand the value of character strengths – or to cultivate those strengths in his or her own life – “Character Strengths Matter” provides valuable insights. Whether you’re new to the study of character strengths, or are just looking for different ways to use your strengths, this book matters.

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10 Life-Changing Books That Stay With You

There are books that entertain, books that inform ... books that speak to the brain, the mind, the intellect and the emotions. And then there are books that seem to speak directly to the soul—life-changing books that make you question your core beliefs, staying with you long after you've finished reading. These 10 masterpieces fall into the second category. Each is a pleasure to read, a treasure to ponder, and ultimately changes something deep inside of you - just for having experienced it. 1. The Alchemist By: Paulo Coelho Year: 1988 Synopsis: Originally published in Portuguese, this inspiring tale of self-discovery follows Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy who yearns to travel in search of a worldly treasure. But his quest takes him in a different - and far more satisfying - direction, to learn how to listen to his heart and follow his dreams. That something special: Easy to read and highly descriptive, this masterpiece will inspire you to brave the path to pursuing your dreams - just like Santiago. 2. The Artist's Way By: Julia Cameron Year: 1992 Synopsis: Essentially a self-help workbook on creativity, this life-changing book coaxes readers along a spiritual, rtistic path. With tasks to complete at the end of each chapter, reading this book is a dynamic affair. That special something: Deep and yet simple, this book has the power to flip the creativity switch in anyone - from accountants to athletes and everywhere in between. 3. Life of Pi By: Yann Martel Year: 2001 Synopsis: Pi Patel is the son of a zookeeper, with an encyclopedic knowledge of animals and a taste for philosophy. While immigrating to North America from India with his family, their ship sinks - and Pi finds himself alone in a lifeboat with a hyena, an orangutan, a wounded zebra, and Richard Parker, a 450-pound Bengal tiger - or does he? What follows is a fantastical tale of intrigue and adventure. That special something: While this is not a book about religion, it does tell a tale about the importance of believing in something - be it God, Mother Nature, or your own strength. 4. The Road Less Traveled By: M.Scott Peck Year: 1978 Synopsis: A cross of psychology and spirituality, this non-fiction book is packed with insight and wisdom about the attributes that make for a fulfilled person. With an eloquent examination of complex, human concepts such as discipline and love, Peck theorizes four distinct stages of human spiritual development along the path to self-realization. That special something: This quote says it all: Problems call forth our courage and our wisdom; indeed, they create our courage and wisdom. 5. The History of Love By: Nicole Kraus Year: 2005 Synopsis: This beautiful book-within-a-book tells the story of Leo Gursky and the love of his life, Alma. With an adventure across oceans and decades, the novel is fueled by the thrill of mystery and joy of connection. That special something: This book will leave you thinking about Leo and Alma nonstop for days after you finish it - and while the story will fade from the front of your mind, it will never really leave you. 6. Conversations with God By: Neil Donald Walsch Year: 1995 Synopsis: The full name of this trilogy of books is Conversations with God: An Uncommon Dialogue and it is indeed an uncommon dialogue. The entire series is a captivating back and forth conversation between the author and - on topics ranging from religion and spirituality to education, love and politics. That special something: Regardless of your beliefs, these inspired and inspirational books will challenge you to think about the world around you and your own existence. 7. The Giving Tree By: Shel Silverstein Year: 1964 Synopsis: The Giving Tree is the beautiful, poignant story of a tree who loved a little boy. The tree loves the boy and does anything she can for him as he grows older - without regard for what she’s getting in return. That something special: Ostensibly a children’s book, this parable has a clear message for readers of all ages - about the gift of giving, and accepting different the ways in with others return affection. 8. Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience By: Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi Year: 2013 Synopsis: Csikszentmihalyi studies over the past two decades have revealed that is what makes life experiences genuinely satisfying—a feel of deep concentration, immersion and absorption. This classic work on happiness touches on contemporary psychology, delving into issues such as family, art and sport to ultimately answer the question - how do we make our lives meaningful? That special something: This life-changing book will help you to identify when you’re really happy—and channel the to maximize those good vibes. 9. Sophie's World By: Jostein Gaarder Year: 1991. Synopsis: A novel and a philosophical work in one, this life-changing book tells the story of Sophie Amundsen, a teenage girl living in Norway, and Alberto Knox, the middle-aged philosopher who introduces her to philosophy. That special something: Who are you? and Where does the world come from? are the two cardinal questions that Sophie has to answer. You’ll ponder them too. 10: The Red Tent By: Anita Diamant Year: 1997 Synopsis: This novel imagines the compelling story of Dinah - daughter of Leah and Jacob and sister of Joseph. Building on hints in the Book of Genesis, the author writes about the lives of women in biblical times, touching on mothers and daughters, midwifery, love, and living in a foreign land. That special something: Strongly feminist and deeply touching, this story will change the way you think of biblical times.

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Supersurvivors

In this new book, psychologists David B. Feldman, Ph.D., and Lee Daniel Kravetz contend that those who face trauma and then go on to accomplish extraordinary feats, you are a “supersurvivor.” The authors present stories of people who have learned how to redirect their focus and priorities to thrive in the face of great tragedy. This may have something to do with the fact that reflecting on death can, in a sense, lead to a better life. When you become acutely aware of how short and precious life really is, you are more likely to make the most meaningful choices possible. Tragedy doesn’t have to cause you to shrink from a full life. Even in the midst of trauma, you can continue to smile, to love, to celebrate and to renew. The stories presented in Supersurvivors offer hope to anyone who faces great challenges and anyone who would prefer to harness the lessons learned rather than be crushed by them.

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Top 10 Books About Happiness

When you're a kid, you didn’t have to think about happiness. You wake up happy. You play and giggled, and live in the moment. As adults with stressful lives, it’s a challenge to maintain good spirits, let alone that kind of carefree happiness. But that doesn't stop us from trying.Lately there has been an explosion of books that aim to help us find happiness—everything from collections of quotes with bright yellow covers to serious tomes written by psychology professors. In-between are plenty of straight-up self-help guides, and a few Buddhist-tinged titles as well.Some of the books we chose for this list are more focused on finding success, while others take a spiritual approach. But they have one thing in common: They take happiness seriously.10% Happierby Dan HarrisSynposis: Meditation can help you focus on the present moment rather than worry about the future. Improve your health, sharpen your focus and enjoy a sense of inner calm. Start by sitting quietly for five minutes and just focus on your breathing. Find out more.The Art of Happinessby the Dalai LamaSynopsis:When life gets complicated, take a step back and remind yourself of your overall purpose or goal. Reflect on what will truly bring you happiness and then reset your priorities accordingly; this can give you a fresh perspective on what direction to take.Authentic Happinessby Martin E.P.SeligmanSynopsis:What is the good life? It’s actually a simple path. A pleasant life might be champagne and a sports car, but the good life is using your signature strengths every day to produce authentic happiness and abundant gratification.Written by the founder of the positive psychology movement.The Four Agreementsby Don Miguel RuizSynopsis: 1. Be impeccable with your word and speak with integrity. 2. Don’t take anything personally and realize people say and do things because of their own reality. 3. Don’t make assumptions and communicate clearly with others. 4. Always do your best. There, now you don't even have to read the book.The Happiness Advantageby ShawnAchorSynopsis:Insights gained from Harvard studies on happiness include: Habits are like financial capital. Forming one today is an investment that will automatically give out returns for years to come.The Happiness Projectby Gretchen RubinSynopsis: Are you focused on the things that really matter to you? Set measurable goals in an area of your life you want to improve (marriage, parenting, work, self-fulfillment) and build on those goals cumulatively with specific action steps. For example, increase your energy by going to bed early, getting organized and exercising more.The Gifts of ImperfectionbyBreneBrownSynopsis:Give up perfection. Take risks and put your true self out into the world. Use courage, compassion and connection to live a fuller life. Each day think, “I am enough.”The Magic of Thinking Bigby David J. SchwartzSynopsis: Believe it can be done and you will succeed. When you really believe, your mind will find the ways to do it. Believing in a solution paves the way to making that solution a reality.The Slight Edgeby Jeff OlsonSynopsis: It’s great to have dreams and aspirations, says Live Happy founder Jeff Olson. But it’s the small things we do in the moment that have a cumulative, compounding effect. You can achieve anything you want, but the only way to make it happen is not through quantum leaps, but by doing the little things over and over every single day. Find out more.Stumbling on Happinessby Daniel GilbertSynopsis:We aren’t very good at predicting what will make us happy, says Harvard professor Gilbert. Challenge what your imagination dreams up for the future. Strike a balance between feeling good enough to cope with a situation but bad enough to do something about it. Use your emotions as a compass to tell you what to do.

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Library—Go Put Your Strengths to Work

Imagine if you could return to how youfelt as a child, trusting your strengthsand choosing to do what invigorates.Back then, I bet you didn’t give athought to working on your weaknesses.In Go Put Your Strengths to Work: 6 Powerful Steps to Achieve Outstanding Performance,Marcus Buckingham helps you find your way back to using your strengths.Forget trying to be well-rounded.Walk away from activities that drainyou, bore you or have little success.Instead, lean your life toward yourstrengths and identify your talents,skills and knowledge.With worksheetsand specific steps, you’ll hone in onthose activities where you naturally stayfocused and feel your best.Sure, you may have areas where youneed to get better, but as Marcus says,“You will learn the most, grow the mostand develop the most in your areas ofgreatest strength.”

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Library—10% Happier

Ten years ago, Dan Harris was filling in as an anchor on Good Morning Americawhen he had a panic attack in front ofmillions. In his new book, he details hisjourney from his most embarrassingmoment to finding a remedy to quiethis mind.The result? Dan became areluctant convert to meditation.While not a miracle cure, meditationcan help wrestle your mind to the groundand quiet your inner voice that has youruminating on the past or projecting into the future, he writes. The practice hascountless benefits, from better healthto increased focus and a deeper senseof calm.Try meditation for five minutes a day as a start,Dan suggests. Sit comfortably. Focus onyour breath. Every time your mind gets lost in thought (and it will), gently returnto your breathing. “Everyone has five minutes, no matter how busy you are.It won’t be easy, but neither is going tothe gym.”10% Happier: How I Tamed the Voice in My Head, Reduced Stress Without Losing My Edge, and Found Self-Help That Actually Works--A True Story

Bruce Feiler's book, The Secrets of Happy Families

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Library—The Secrets of Happy Families

Want a happier family?Bruce Feiler’s The Secrets of Happy Families: Improve Your Mornings, Tell Your Family History, Fight Smarter, Go Out and Play, and Much Moreis a guidebook full of tested ideasand tips. Bruce interviewedbusiness leaders in a varietyof fields to collect the bestteam-building and problem-solvingtechniques, andtried them out with his ownfamily.He suggests holding weekly family meetings andplaying a game to kick themoff. Ask three questions:What went well in the familythis past week? What couldwe do better? What thingswill we commit to workingon in the coming week?If kids tend to squabble at dinner, he suggests giving siblings a jointactivity 20 minutes prior tomealtime to reduce fights byreaffirming their connection.Are your kids not sharing?Dim the lights. Turns outmood lighting encourages social interaction andopen conversation.Instead of pushing sportson your child, Bruce advises,wait for your child to pushyou. Kids won’t learn howto drive themselves if theyare always driven by parents. In addition, he advises, don’t link allowanceto chores, so kids learnresponsibility is just partof being a family.There isno magic lever for happyfamilies, but families can make their own happiness with lots of micro-steps.

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Library—Happier at Home

September 2012Three Rivers PressIn her book, Happier at Home, this best-sellingauthor and the subject of our February 2014 cover story, embarks on her second happiness project—discovering what heightens happiness at home. Realizing that home is the most crucial element impacting her happiness, Gretchen explores a different aspect of home from Septemberto May including everything from possessions to parenthood. Using memoir-style anecdotes and research, Gretchen studies what makes home life happier and shares hundreds of happiness takeaways. Embrace good smells. Harness the power of routine to accomplish tasks. Practice nonrandom acts of kindness.With both of her books, Gretchen hopes to inspire people to start their own projects and encourages readers to start with the questions:What makes you feel good? What activities do you find satisfying or energizing?

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Happiness Library: Flow

2008 Harper Perennial Modern Classics This classic text by one of the pioneers of positive psychology defines the term “flow” and explores whether we can slip into this blissful state of consciousness at will, or at least more often. By its very nature, flow is difficult to adequately describe, yet many of us have experienced it. Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, Ph.D., tells us that flow is an ecstatic state of mind, achieved when one is joyfully absorbed in a task. Often artists and other creative workers are able to enter flow, but almost any task, hobby or other pastime can inspire it. By understanding flow better, we can learn to beckon it more often. Prospective readers should know that Flowis not a casual read. Its 240 pages require concentration, but if you are able to enter the flow state more often, the commitment is worth it.—

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Happiness Library: Flourish

March 2013 Atria Paperback You don’t have to get very far in Flourishto glimpse the practical applications of positive psychology. Author Martin Seligman, Ph.D., writes on page 20: “We scientists have found that doing a kindness produces the single most reliable momentary increase in well-being of any exercise we have tested.” Seligman’s latest book explores how we can increase feelings of well-being and why it’s vital to do so. Reading this book is a good way to catch up on important milestones in the positive psychology movement like “post-traumatic growth” research on soldiers. Martin, who introduced the world to positive psychology as president of the American Psychological Association in 1998, is required reading for those who follow this field.

Strengths in Numbers

10 Life-Changing Books That Stay With You

Supersurvivors

Top 10 Books About Happiness

Library—Go Put Your Strengths to Work

Library—10% Happier

Library—The Secrets of Happy Families

Library—Happier at Home

Happiness Library: Flow

Happiness Library: Flourish

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