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

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: #144,125 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 9 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.

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.