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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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The Happiness Equation summary
Neil Pasricha
Want Nothing + Do Anything = Have Everything
18 mins
Brief summary
The Happiness Equation by Neil Pasricha explores the secrets to living a happy life. It offers advice on how to find happiness within yourself and your daily life, including tips on gratitude, decision-making, and work-life balance.
Table of Contents
The Happiness Equation
Summary of 7 key ideas
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Key idea 1 of 7
You need to start from a place of happiness and do things because you enjoy doing them.
Early on in life, you may have been taught that happiness comes only after you’ve done a considerable amount of great work and become a huge success. But it’s this exact lesson that’s responsible for many people’s unhappiness, because the equation actually works the other way around.
Which leads us to the first secret of happiness: success and great work come from people who are already happy.
Happiness shouldn’t be something you chase. External circumstances, such as getting a raise at work, account for only 10 percent of personal happiness. The rest comes from within and is based on seeing the world in a positive light.
To help you recognize everyday happiness, use the 20 minute replay before going to bed. This simple practice involves keeping a daily journal to write down at least one thing that made you happy during the day. Not only will this help you recognize future moments of happiness; it will allow you to relive that happiness at the end of the day.
Another important contributor to happiness is motivation, which brings us to the second secret of happiness: do things because you love doing them, not because of external goals and rewards, or what other people think.
When your motivation is money or admiration, you’re entering a never-ending cycle of unhappiness. Even if you reach your goal, it will only result in a fleeting moment of happiness before you feel the compulsion to set another goal.
The author started his blog, 1000 Awesome Things, because writing brought him joy and he liked the idea of posting one happy detail for a thousand workdays.
However, when the site became popular, he began setting goals. At first he wanted to reach one million visitors. Once he’d done that, he wanted to reach ten million. Then he set his sights on publishing a book. And then the book had to become a bestseller. There was simply no end.
He was chasing a happiness that didn’t – and couldn’t – last. So he resolved to only do things for the sheer joy of doing them.
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What is The Happiness Equation about?
The Happiness Equation (2016) unlocks nine essential secrets to living a happy life. These are guidelines that can help anyone reap the rewards that come with having a positive outlook on life. Happiness isn’t just about reducing stress and anxiety; it’s about paving the way to great work and success.
The Happiness Equation Review
The Happiness Equation (2016) is a thought-provoking guide on finding happiness in our modern lives. Here's why we think this book is worth reading:
- It presents a refreshing perspective on happiness, challenging conventional beliefs and offering new insights for personal growth.
- The author combines scientific research, personal stories, and practical advice, making it a well-rounded and relatable read.
- With its engaging storytelling and relatability, the book keeps readers hooked and offers a genuinely enjoyable exploration of happiness.
Who should read The Happiness Equation?
- Unhappy people
- Employees who dread their job
- Readers looking for guidance in life
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The Happiness Equation FAQs
What is the main message of The Happiness Equation?
The main message of The Happiness Equation is how to find happiness by making small changes in our daily lives.
How long does it take to read The Happiness Equation?
The reading time for The Happiness Equation varies depending on the reader, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is The Happiness Equation a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Happiness Equation is a worthwhile read as it provides practical insights and strategies to increase happiness and fulfillment in our lives.
Who is the author of The Happiness Equation?
The author of The Happiness Equation is Neil Pasricha.
What to read after The Happiness Equation?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Happiness Equation, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- The Hour Between Dog and Wolf by John Coates
- The Upside of Stress by Kelly McGonigal
- What I Learned Losing a Million Dollars by Jim Paul
- The Stoic Path to Wealth by Darius Foroux
- The Stress Code by Richard Sutton
- The Little Book of Stoicism by Jonas Salzgeber
- Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers by Robert M. Sapolsky
- The Desire Map by Danielle LaPorte
- Becoming a Changemaker by Alex Budak
- The Happiness Track by Emma Seppälä