Life, for most of us, is perhaps an endless pursuit of happiness. We all want to be happy and chase dreams and goals that we think will make us joyous. Everything we do is because we want a happy and comfortable life. But are we ever really happy? Doesn’t it sometimes feel like chasing your shadow? Right there but always out of reach? The moment you achieve something you thought would make you happy, there’s another thing that you want that you believe you need to complete your happiness. And the cycle goes on.
For me, being happy has always been the main thing and I really try to find joy in simple things. I believe there will always be something or the other that makes you sad or unhappy but if you practice gratitude and start enjoying the little things in life—a good cup of coffee, a nice bunch of flowers, a date with a friend, a lazy Saturday afternoon—you will start seeing that there’s a lot that has the potential to make you happy and fall in love with life. Oftentimes, we take things for granted and let them just pass us by. We only realize the value of good health when we are feeling sickly, we regret not giving time to a friend when he moves abroad and we aren’t able to see him on a whim, and we don’t appreciate what we have till, for some reason, we don’t have it anymore.
But does that mean we are doomed to this fate? Of chasing happiness and it always being slightly out of reach? It doesn’t have to be as there are some pretty neat books that can teach you how to incorporate happiness in everyday life. I’m not saying reading these will dramatically change your life but over time, you will come to understand that happiness isn’t about achieving one particular goal but a series of consistent things—good health, sound relationships, the ability to sleep well at night etc. These four books will teach you how to look at life in a positive way and be more at peace with yourself.
Stumbling Upon Happiness by Daniel Gilbert
If you think you don’t know what makes you happy, then you must read this book. This book was published in 2006 and has been translated into more than 30 languages because it’s relevant and insightful. Daniel Gilbert is a renowned Harvard psychologist and in ‘Stumbling Upon Happiness’ he breaks down the rules of happiness by showing us the mistakes we make in our imaginations and illusions about the future and how we will get there. He draws on research, philosophy, and behavioral economics to make a convincing case. Instead of telling you what will make you happy, Gilbert focuses on why we are so bad at predicting what will bring us joy. The writing is entertaining and smooth and there are many great techniques that will help you master the art of focusing on what’s important and thus forging your unique path to happiness.
The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin
I thought I’d keep ‘The Happiness Project’ out of this list as I felt that I had recommended it just one too many times. But then I thought a list about books on happiness would be incomplete without this gem of a book that takes you on the writer’s own happiness journey. Rubin breaks down happiness into simple, manageable goals. On a bus ride, Rubin suddenly thinks that time is passing and she isn’t focusing on the things that matter. She then decides to dedicate a year to what she calls her happiness project and this book is a documentation of that journey. The chapters are structured month by month. One month, Rubin focuses on friends and creating connections, while in another she chooses to organize her house and look at her finances. The goal, she says, is to simplify things and get rid of unnecessary clutter to make room for what truly matters.
The Korean Book of Happiness by Barbara Zitwer
Barbara Zitwer is an international literary agent who specializes in Korean literature. She is the one who discovered Nobel Prize winning author, Han Kang. ‘The Korean Book of Happiness’ explores how Korean culture and way of life can help you feel more fulfilled and happy. The writing is witty and charming, making reading the book a breeze. The author shares what she learnt about the country during the course of her travels and its fascination with the ancient philosophies of Han, Heung, and Jeong (resilience, joyo, and the art of giving). The book is a memoir, travelogue, guidebook as well as a cultural commentary. It also includes recipes of some authentic Korean dishes.
Kaizen by Sarah Harvey
Everyone recommends ‘Atomic Habits’ by James Clear as the most remarkable book on creating lasting changes that will turn your life around and while I really liked the book and would recommend it as well, I think ‘Kaizen’ by Sarah Harvey is the one you should pick up if you aren’t keep on self-help but would like to get started. This is like a starter-kit to a world of self discovery. It outlines Japanese habits that are seemingly small but leave a lasting impact in your life if practiced consistently. Kaizen meaning good change will help you transform your habits without being too hard on yourself. Harvey shows you how to use the principles of Kaizen in every area of your life and tailor it to suit your personality.
