improving outlook -> happy books?!?!

[onwisconsin]

Hi everyone! I CP this on the Health & Fitness board, but does anyone have some good reading suggestions for improving one's outlook in life?

My general 'default' outlook is on the pessimistic side (though I really have no rational reason why) and I REALLY need, and want, to improve my thinking.

Also, I've read several Chicken Soup for the Soul books and I'm looking for something more concrete...with examples and 'assignments', etc.

Any input is greatly appreciated!

[duckduck]

I highly recommend The 100 Simple Secrets of Happy People. www.goodreads.com/book/show/441261.The_100_Simple_Secrets_of_Happy_People

I picked it up years ago when I was in college and realized that I didn't like living my life as a see-the-worst-in-everything pessimist like my parents. I never, ever say this about a book, but this one literally changed my life.

Each "Secret" gets about a page and a half (of a small book!). The headline is always something very simple, like "Cheer for the home team," "Eat some fruit every day," or "When in doubt, assume that people have good intentions." There will be a little story illustrating what that can look like in a person's life and the effects in can have. After that is a paragraph that's taken from a scholarly, peer-reviewed study that discovered the link between that action and increased happiness.

Most of them were simple changes. I'd read a couple a day and try to start implementing them in my life. It had a PROFOUND impact on my overall happiness level and how I try to live my life. I'll probably always be a "wired-negative" person, but even when biology and upbringing inclines you one way, your choices can make a huge difference. Good luck! ;D

[curmudgeon]

I really enjoyed Stumbling on Happiness, it is not "how to be a happy person" but scientific evidence for the types of decisions that bring people happiness, even in unexpected ways.

Caveat: I am still a hopeless pessimist, but I am slowly figuring out techniques to make a negative outlook work for me, rather than bringing me down.

[duckduck]

I forgot to mention The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin. I didn't think it was nearly as good or as concrete as 100 Simple Secrets, but it has some good ideas. I can at least attest that I am a happier person when I make sleep a real priority!

You might find it worth checking out from the library, anyway.

[lemondrop]

I'll add these to my TBR list, too. I need to be a little less pessimistic.