The Happiness Equation is an inspirational book that promotes making a decison to be happy rather than working toward the goal of happiness. Most people are under the mistaken impression that once they've "made it" in some way that some milestone will bring happiness. New studies indicate that happiness is a decision and that we can redirect our habitual thought patterns to make happiness a choice and habit. The book covers many avenues of achieving happiness by redirecting or retraining our thought patterns. For example, want nothing + do anyting = have everything (Pasricha 2016). The Happiness Equation My choice to read The Happiness Equation was based on my desire to be happy all the time as well as inspire people who are down to be happy. …show more content…
Ikigai is ones life's purpose or simply the primary reason one looks forward to getting up in the morning. He suggests being thankful and writing for twenty minutes at the end of each day, The 20-Minute Replay, that helps us remember the people and esperiences in our lives (Pasricha 2016, p.21). Begin everyday with being happy and stay in that zone Happy people don't have to be the best at everything. They make the best of everything. Be happy first (Pasricha 2016, p.27). Most of us have insecurites that are reinforced by the media, family and friends that come along with the worries of achievements that will make everyone and then ourselves happy. Pasricha suggests we have it backwards. He proposes that by choosing to be happy first will set the pace for everything else to fall into place. Genuine happiness is magnetic it seems. As Walt Whitman wrote, "Keep your face always toward the HAPPINESS EQUATION sunshine -- and shadows will fall behind you." And, Sam Walton wrote about having a positive 3 attitude, "...life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how I react to it." Just like driving a car, throwing a football, or doing a headstand -- you can learn to be happier (Pasricha 2016,