Being Happy: You Don't Have to Be Perfect to Lead a Richer, Happier Life [Paperback]

Tal Ben-Shahar (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 23, 2010

A brilliant guide to living a happier life (even if it's not so perfect)

Bestselling author Tal Ben-Shahar has done it again. In Being Happy (originally published in hardcover as The Pursuit of Perfect, 978-0-07160882-4), he gives you not only you the theory but also the tools to help you learn how to accept life as it actually is instead of what you think it should be. By using the science of positive psychology along with acceptance, Ben-Shahar shows you how to escape the rat race and begin living a life of serenity, happiness, and fulfillment.

With the same technique that made Happier such a great success, Being Happy shows you how to let go of unrealistic expectations and truly accept your emotions for a more serene life.

Praise for Ben-Shahar:
"[Tal Ben-Shahar has] a rare brand of good sense that is embedded in scientific knowledge about how to increase happiness." -- Martin E. P. Seligman, author of Authentic Happiness

"Ben-Shahar teaches that happiness isn’t as elusive as people think." -- Publishers Weekly

"One of the most popular teachers in Harvard’s recent history." -- Ellen J. Langer, author of Mindfulness and On Becoming an Artist

Tal Ben-Shahar is the New York Times bestselling author of Happier. He consults and lectures around the world to executives in multinational corporations, the general public, and at-risk populations. For more information, visit www.talbenshahar.com

Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill; 1 edition (September 23, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0071746617
• ISBN-13: 978-0071746618
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #40,311 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Tal Ben-Shahar is the New York Times bestselling author of Happier. He consults and lectures around the world to executives in multinational corporations, the general public, and at-risk populations. For more information, visit www.talbenshahar.com

Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill; 1 edition (September 23, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0071746617
• ISBN-13: 978-0071746618
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #40,311 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Insightful, BUT is exact same book as hardcover under "The Pursuit of Perfect" September 23, 2012

By Avid Reader

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I purchased this because I really enjoyed Ben-Shahlar's hardback "The Pursuit of Perfect" and thought this was another newer work. It isn't. The paperback was given this different new title "Being Happy". On the back side of the cover page is the notation "Originally published in hardcover: The pursuit of perfect. copyright 2009". Misleading and disappointing.

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Encouraging, motivating, comforting, supportive, positive, and reassuring August 24, 2011

By rlweaverii

Format:Paperback

Book review by Richard L. Weaver II, Ph.D.

There are a number of reasons why I liked this 228-page (of text) book, the first of which is that it is very well written. Ben-Shahar is an engaging writer.

Second, I found the book educational. Ben-Shahar includes six pages of references, then his four pages of notes are abbreviated, and all his notes come from his references. The way he incorporates his sources throughout the book is smooth and comfortable--not the least bit awkward. It will not take you, as a reader, long to discover that Ben-Shahar is not only well-educated, but the breadth of his knowledge is impressive as well.

Third, I enjoyed his personal insights, stories, and references because they offer additional depth to the book. I thought the idea of moving from a perfectionistic point of view (or approach to life) to an optimalist is reasonable. Also, it is a move that people can accomplish with dedication, patience, and persistence--requirements, obviously, for anyone who wishes to make changes in his or her life.

Fourth, I identify with Ben-Shahar. It is clear that he is a teacher, and I thought his "Time-In" sections and end-of-the-chapter exercises were spot-on. Anyone with a serious desire to shed his or her perfectionistic tendencies to become happier and more fulfilled, will find ideas in this book that will help them change--to move in more positive directions.

I am not suggesting by my comments that Ben-Shahar's material is all new, that it is revelatory, that it is earth-shattering, or involves huge changes in one's life. There is a great deal of common knowledge and common sense here. Often, those who are seeking changes in their lives need assistance....

Reading this interactive book is a little like walking with a mentor's hand on your shoulder. The mentor is offering assistance through suggestions, advice, and warm counsel. He, like a good teacher, is encouraging, motivating, comforting, supportive, positive, and reassuring. If that is an approach you appreciate, then this book is a great choice. To keep it handy is like having a counselor or tutor at arm's length. Read more ›

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars I really enjoyed ....being happy February 26, 2011

By JB

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

Following the author's struggles with perfectionism was helpful to examine my own life. The concepts aren't earth shattering but the way the author illustrates them gives you a chance to examine your own life. I like the time in sections for journal writing topics.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Self help book January 22, 2012

By Lana

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

Great book to help you get rid of some perfectionistic qualities that makes your life more difficult, get off your chair and take chances and pursue your dreams.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars You can be happy! April 24, 2011

By Cassidy Tichner

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

Being Happy was written to be an interactive experience, and I think that is a major reason why readers will enjoy it so much. Ben-Shahar provides self-reflective activities and "Time-in" questions throughout his book as a way to help readers locate their own maladaptive Perfectionist traits. More importantly, he provides guidance and advice through exercises that educate readers on how to successfully replace these qualities with ones that are more conducive to living a happier life. Whether it is writing a gratitude letter, completing a few short open-ended sentences, or keeping a journal about failure, Ben-Shahar finds creative ways to keep the reader involved. Ben-Shahar makes it his mission to prove to his readers that a Perfectionist can successfully become more like an Optimalist by making simple changes in his or her everyday routine.

In Being Happy, Tal Ben-Shahar provides his readers with the advice and guidance they need to make significant changes in their lives in order to become happier people. Ben-Shahar first helps his readers locate their perfectionist traits, and then guides them on the path to a more Optimalist outlook. He does not make the journey to happiness seem easy, but he does present it as inviting and achievable. If you are ready to invest a small amount of effort to self-reflect and to make personal changes on the quest to happiness, Tal Ben-Shahar will lead you to success!

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful

2.0 out of 5 stars Not accurately titled November 16, 2012

By Mark

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

This book is aimed squarely at the perfectionist mindset. Those who aren't technically perfectionists and are seeking ways to enhance happiness shouldn't bother.

5.0 out of 5 stars great April 17, 2013

By Susie

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

There is no one like Tal, he has so much to offer read and re-read, life is good and this helps.

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome book ! December 16, 2012

By Rainie

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I love this book . It changes me to think in diffferent way . I believe in this book which is help me to live my life happier .