Creating Your Best Life: The Ultimate Life List Guide (Hardcover)

~ Caroline Adams Miller MAPP (Author), Dr. Michael B. Frisch (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Starred Review. Life coach Miller collaborates with Frisch, a researcher and clinical psychologist, to create a fascinating book that connects the research on goal-setting with the new science of positive psychology. Turns out these two have a symbiotic relationship, for as Miller says, [H]appiness requires having clear-cut goals in life that give us a sense of purpose and direction.... when we make progress toward attaining goals in one area of life, we raise our overall life satisfaction in other areas because of the 'spillover' effect. Each chapter focuses on ways to increase happiness and self-efficacy, and directs readers to a particular life list at the back of the book. These range from 100 Things to Do Before I Die to a list of mood-boosters that bring Jolts of Joy or a Web of Influence Map, where readers can chart how the closest people in their lives reflect their values; research indicates that rates of obesity and smoking are determined by who we socialize with. The authors share ingenious tips on reminders (cellphone ring tones, screen savers) that will help readers achieve long-term goals by suggestion. An excellent resource list rounds out the book. (Jan.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Product Description

The passion for life lists has spawned an industry that includes thoughtful experts such as Caroline Miller, a life coach and motivational book author, and Dr. Michael Frisch, a positive psychology coach and clinical psychologist at Baylor University. Working together, they have fashioned the most useful, science-based, and up-to-date book on the topic of goal setting and accomplishment.
Creating Your Best Life supplies dozens of interactive exercises and quizzes readers can use to identify their most cherished needs, ambitions, and wishes. The exercises are fun, making the process of self-discovery enjoyable and productive. The authors’ unique “life list coaching” program organizes life lists into 16 key areas that are universally known to make people happy—to help you actually achieve your aspirations. No other life list book offers research-validated information on why certain steps matter in goal accomplishment, or even how goals are connected with any type of life satisfaction.
Readers will feel both educated and inspired to start writing goal-setting lists in order to live their lives more consciously, productively, and happily.

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Product Details Hardcover: 288 pages Publisher: Sterling (January 6, 2009) Language: English ISBN-10: 1402762593 ISBN-13: 978-1402762598 Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.2 x 1.1 inches Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies) Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews) Amazon.com Sales Rank: #27,156 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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	88% buy the item featured on this page: Creating Your Best Life: The Ultimate Life List Guide 4.9 out of 5 stars (15) $13.57
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Customer Reviews

15 Reviews 5 star:  (13) 4 star:  (2) 3 star:    (0) 2 star:    (0) 1 star:    (0)           Average Customer Review 4.9 out of 5 stars (15 customer reviews)		Share your thoughts with other customers:
Most Helpful Customer Reviews 9 of 10 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars persisting at meaningful life challenges, February 24, 2009 By  Todd B. Kashdan - See all my reviews There are far too many self-help books out there and in recent years, an abundance of books on happiness. Miller's book distinguishes itself from the pack. It is nearly impossible to read this book without reflecting on your life goals, what exists in your life that facilitates them, what obstacles get in the way, what successes can you build on from your past, and most interestingly, what occurs on the fringes of conscious awareness that pushes you toward your goals or pulls you away from them. Despite studying and teaching positive psychology for nearly a decade, I found myself scribbling all over the pages. By the time I finished, a list of new life goals emerged, elaborating new meaningful themes to direct my limited time and energy. I suspect people are skeptical of a book titled "Creating your best life" and they should be. Miller seems to beckon skepticism and in response, does an excellent job of providing the scientific basis for the main points and exercises in every chapter. The reason that this book is compelling is that it has great forward momentum. If you ever read a book written by scientists, you know that smooth prose is the exception not the rule. This book is an easy read (and I mean this as a profound compliment). Guided by ample scientific research, this book provides the necessary tools for someone to immediately improve their quality of life. 10 of 13 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars Double Thumbs Up!, December 28, 2008 By  The Inveterate Reader (New York, NY) - See all my reviews Miller and Frisch's book should be a permanent and well-thumbed fixture on the bed sides of both the consummate goal-setter and the weary New Years warrior. In a world filled with self-help platitudes, "Creating Your Best Life" is the rare book that marries evidence-based research with its practical application. In doing so, it provides the enigmatic "how" that is invariably missing from other self-improvement books. I highly recommend that you read this book with a pen and notebook in hand for it will ignite latent dreams and spark many good ideas! 5 of 6 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars a great book on happiness, January 14, 2009 By  M. Joseph Sirgy (Blacksburg, Virginia) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)    This is a great self-help book on "how to be happy." Miller and Frisch did a great job writing a book that is rich in good advice advice and useful suggestions. Many of the "how to" principles are based on solid science from quality-of-life studies and positive psychology. I recommend this book to those interested who are seeking a self-help book on happiness based on solid science.		Ad feedback   Most Recent Customer Reviews 5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Resource Finally! A self-help book that is engaging and challenges you to reflect on your own life with each page. Read more Published 28 days ago by reading_chick 5.0 out of 5 stars From NYC to Los Angeles I originally picked up this book in NY, at a library. I LOVED it so much that I had to buy my own copy. Read more Published 2 months ago by InfoFish 5.0 out of 5 stars Create your own life If you are looking for a book to help you draw out a map of your future, this is it. I have always been big about writing out goals and achieving them. Read more Published 3 months ago by Steve Burns 4.0 out of 5 stars Highly recommended for life coaches and their clients A good book that brings some sanity and science to the world of self-help. They present a number of strategies that won't be new to anyone familiar with self-help and life... Read more Published 4 months ago by Dr Cathy Goodwin 5.0 out of 5 stars Life Path I love the idea of life lists. Life, for many of us, is empty drudgery. Living to just to get by. This book helps us see that there is so much more to life and gets us to begin... Read more Published 5 months ago by Hal 5.0 out of 5 stars Great Practical Book I have never previously reviewed a book. I have read many of the positive pyschology books. I found this book very practical and useful, with much insight on how actually to get a... Read more Published 9 months ago by LeanRainmakingMachine 4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book for self-awareness & growth This book has many ideas for anyone to focus on goals and life achievements, and gain an edge on how to make the most of them and get more done. Read more Published 9 months ago by William D. Hart 5.0 out of 5 stars Self-Help Skeptic This book is TERRIFIC for those of us who are sick and tired of self-proclaimed self-help gurus who want us to believe that there way is best "just because". Read more Published 9 months ago by H. Miller 5.0 out of 5 stars Helpful book This is an excellent practical book on happiness, with lots of concrete suggestions. Ed Diener Published 9 months ago by Ed Diener 5.0 out of 5 stars If you thought "The Secret" was bunk-- You will really enjoy Caroline Miller's extremely well researched book. It is chock full of scientifically-based guidance regarding happiness and goal setting. Read more Published 9 months ago by Washington Reader Search Customer Reviews Only search this product's reviews

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 288 pages
• Publisher: Sterling (January 6, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402762593
• ISBN-13: 978-1402762598
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.2 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #27,156 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars persisting at meaningful life challenges, February 24, 2009

By	Todd B. Kashdan - See all my reviews

There are far too many self-help books out there and in recent years, an abundance of books on happiness. Miller's book distinguishes itself from the pack. It is nearly impossible to read this book without reflecting on your life goals, what exists in your life that facilitates them, what obstacles get in the way, what successes can you build on from your past, and most interestingly, what occurs on the fringes of conscious awareness that pushes you toward your goals or pulls you away from them. Despite studying and teaching positive psychology for nearly a decade, I found myself scribbling all over the pages. By the time I finished, a list of new life goals emerged, elaborating new meaningful themes to direct my limited time and energy.

I suspect people are skeptical of a book titled "Creating your best life" and they should be. Miller seems to beckon skepticism and in response, does an excellent job of providing the scientific basis for the main points and exercises in every chapter. The reason that this book is compelling is that it has great forward momentum. If you ever read a book written by scientists, you know that smooth prose is the exception not the rule. This book is an easy read (and I mean this as a profound compliment). Guided by ample scientific research, this book provides the necessary tools for someone to immediately improve their quality of life.

10 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Double Thumbs Up!, December 28, 2008

By	The Inveterate Reader (New York, NY) - See all my reviews

Miller and Frisch's book should be a permanent and well-thumbed fixture on the bed sides of both the consummate goal-setter and the weary New Years warrior.

In a world filled with self-help platitudes, "Creating Your Best Life" is the rare book that marries evidence-based research with its practical application. In doing so, it provides the enigmatic "how" that is invariably missing from other self-improvement books.

I highly recommend that you read this book with a pen and notebook in hand for it will ignite latent dreams and spark many good ideas!

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a great book on happiness, January 14, 2009

By	M. Joseph Sirgy (Blacksburg, Virginia) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is a great self-help book on "how to be happy." Miller and Frisch did a great job writing a book that is rich in good advice advice and useful suggestions. Many of the "how to" principles are based on solid science from quality-of-life studies and positive psychology. I recommend this book to those interested who are seeking a self-help book on happiness based on solid science.