THE HAPPINESS PROJECT AND THE SECRET

The Happiness project and The Secret

The Happiness Project and the Secret

The Happiness Project

Rubin started her own blog The Happiness Project (which later became the book) as part of her revelation that life was zipping past and the thought that she wasn't focusing enough on the really important things in life (love, friendship, passions, parenthood, personal energy and leisure among others) and set out to do something about it. Rubin read up on happiness (a true writer, researching everything) and then used what she had learnt, dedicating a year of her life focusing on changing one particular area a month, attempting to achieve some sort of self improvement, achievement and above all… happiness. Rubin takes us though her journey, one month at a time, demonstrating what works and what failed, what she got out of it and what was expecting too much. Each month has her own techniques on how she improved the particular area, my favorite of which is 'Take Time To Be Silly' but some of which are as simple as 'Go To Sleep Earlier' or as interesting as the suggestion to 'Stimulate The Mind In New Ways'. The book itself is written in a friendly, comfortable manner, making what could otherwise be slightly scary concepts acceptable, as if you were working them through in your own mind or with your best friend. The fact that she shares all of her own thoughts and results (whether good or bad) makes Rubin seem very approachable and instead of the typical self-help book, where they tell you what you should be doing and that pretty much everything you have done so far is wrong, it's more like a different way to approach your already pretty good life.

I have noticed several common complaints about Rubin's book. Firstly, that we already know all of this. Yes, we could have figured this stuff out on our own. But I hadn't and I bet a lot of other people haven't either. Sometimes it takes a book or someone else's perspective (in this case both) to make you think about how your life is. Even if you are happy (I certainly was before reading) doesn't mean that there aren't things that can be done to make you happier, or to be make your happiness easier.

Secondly, she talks about her need for reward and acknowledgement a lot. Personally, I see nothing wrong with this. I think everyone wants recognition for their accomplishments, no matter how minor. For example, I love this blog and I am just by happy writing it but checking my stats every once in a while, to see that people have come and visited and checked out my accomplishment (thank you guys by the way!) gives me a huge feeling of excitement and it is very gratifying to see that other people appreciate my effort. I can however, see how some people wouldn't agree with the need for acknowledgement and, as always, I respect their ...