Build the Life You Want: The Art and Science of Getting Happier

happier is not a state of being, but a state of doing—not a thing you wait around and hope for, but an achievable change you actively work toward.

“It’s not my fault, and I won’t take this personally.”

the best life is to accept your unhappiness (so you can learn and grow) and manage the feelings that result.

“I do not know what this day will bring, but I will accept it.”

When someone says, “You are wrong,” respond with “Tell me more.”

Write down different ways you might react constructively, based on different possible responses from the other person.

Reframe “This coffee is terrible” as “This coffee has a bitter flavor.”

Researchers have shown that asking people to think of happy things from their past can improve their mood.

you can’t choose your feelings, but you can choose your reaction to your feelings.