The Orange Frog: a parable based on positive psychology

by Shawn Achor

Caught between two worlds, Spark was exactly like every other frog in his pond with one notable exception. Spark emerges from a tadpole with a slight but noticeable orange spot. And this orange spot makes Spark feel uncomfortably different. What’s more, Spark begins to make a disconcerting observation; when Spark does things that make him feel better (and produce more positive results) the orange spots increase. Spark is left with a difficult decision; be normal, which makes him less conspicuous, or continue doing those things that make him happier, more productive and… more orange.

Genres: Nonfiction, Business, Personal Development, Psychology, Self Help

94 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2012

About the author

Shawn Achor is an American educator, author, and speaker known for his advocacy of positive psychology. He is best known for his research reversing the formula of success leading to happiness—his research shows that happiness in fact leads to success. Achor spent 12 years studying what makes people happy at Harvard University. He later authored The Happiness Advantage and founded the Institute of Positive Research and GoodThinkInc. His TEDx talk "The Happy Secret to Better Work" is one of the 20-most viewed TED talks.

Reviews

[Laurel Raleigh · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book is a pretty quick read. It is a parable about working with an open mind an positive attitude. Where I think the book really misses the mark is regarding hard work. Some of the message is really missguided. Hard work is not to be frowned upon and though I understand the overall point of the story is work with a positive can-do team attitude but I just feel that parts of the story are too simplified.

[Diệu Ngọc Thanh Tâm · Rating 3 out of 5]

A theory of positive psychology that is described through the parable about the life of frogs. In that world, the Orange frog is considered an abnormal one and is discriminated against right when it was born; however, at the last, the frogs figure out that the more Orange they become, the happier they feel.
Like the knowledge the author wants to convey, there are 3 positive habits to create happiness life:
1. Gratitude
2. Random acts of kindness (social support)
3. Exercises (physical)
And we should maintain these at least 21 days in a row to create long term change.

[Michael Joe Armijo · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE ORANGE FROG by Shawn Achor was discovered by me while reading an article in the NY Times about positive psychology, positive environment and ways to create a more engaging performance in whatever you choose to do.

The story is a cute 65 page parable about an ORANGE frog who was different and in a quandary about ‘what to do’ not that he is looked upon as so different.
It’s an insightful, inspiring way to focus on being happy by focusing on exercise, helping others, being grateful, having small goals (that lead to big goals) and sharing your triumphs.
Here are a few of the lines that captured me while reading:

“…think of the things you’re grateful for.”

Orange Frog advice: Gratitude, swimming, breaking up your day with fun activities, and especially helping people.

He advised others to keep focusing on the progress that was being made and to continue to tackle each day to accomplish a small goal.

"Happiness is the JOY one feels striving after their potential.”

[Frederika Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant book and very quick to read.

For anyone who needs an introduction to positive psychology and its benefits, especially in organisations, but also for anyone wanting a quick reminder, this is a must-read.

The parable covers so many fundamentals of positive psychology, from choosing to be happy, to happiness coming before success, to the crucial importance of altruism, as well as gratitude and exercise, to name but a few. It took me less than an hour to read the book, and it also helpfully explains the metaphors and key concepts at the end, for those that want to learn more about the science behind it all.

I'm a huge fan of Shawn's work and was delighted to meet him at this year's IPEN (International Positive Education Network) Festival of Positive Education, where he also gave away copies of this fabulous little book. My signed copy takes pride of place on my bookshelf!

I cannot recommend this book highly enough!

[Faith Tydings · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just like the mice in the maze and the other one about mice...and mazes...I liked the idea behind this book, it makes sense. The delivery was so-so. The author tried to add humor into the book which fell a little short for me and the characters were a little cheesy for my liking. However, it was a quick read and it makes sense. I would like to read a little less "parables" about animals and a little more about what it actually means to be happy. I am very interested in his other books.

[Tina M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow; the power of positivism...and of metaphors. "By conquering the Thrall (feeling the work is overwhelming and has no meaning), the found a way to overcome the Deluge (large and disastrous problems at work).

"Only 10% of our long-term happiness can be predicted based upon our environment; 90% of our long-term happiness is predicted based upon how our brains process the world."

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars. I get that the book is a metaphor using positive psychology, but for some reason I felt the author made it kind of awkward the way he narrated it. I also received a different interpretation from the book than the author noted in the back. I don’t think there is a right or a wrong way, just different.
Spark was born as a little tadpole that when he had positive emotions and did nice things for the other frogs, he got orange spots on him. All of his friends were green so they thought him being speckled orange was weird. They also were very fearful that the orange would make the herons eat him and put them all in danger. Naturally Spark was avoided.
Spark was a nice frog and loved helping out his so-called friends. For some reason, him being orange made a bunch of flies come near him so he was always the frog that caught the most. Naturally he shared all of the flies that he caught with everybody else and as he did, he grew more orange spots. After a short while, spark was completely orange!
Misty, one of the all green frogs, began to help deliver flies to some frogs that live further away and lo and behold she started turning orange too! Being orange started to become contagious when many of the frogs realize the benefit that it provided: the herons did not eat them because they thought they were poisonous, they were able to make houses up in the trees for when floods came, and they were much more productive.

[Jodi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am starting a new job this fall and have a TON of work to do in order to be ready for my students in a little over a week, so I grumbled a bit when I was told I had to read a book and take an online course before our in-service days this coming week. When I picked up my book, I was happy to see it was "thin." However, once I picked up the book and realized how easy it was to read and how quickly I could get through it, I have to admit it was a good book with a great message.

This book is set as a parable about a frog who is different but learns to love himself and changed the lives of everyone around him. My take-away is that my attitude affects everyone else and vise-versa. I can choose to just do what everyone else is doing and not be happy or I can find what I enjoy and be happy. When we are happy, we are able to work to our best potential in live.

I'm hoping to find a lot of orange frogs at my new job, because my last job had me feeling a bit green. I was felt like I was a mix of working so hard but achieving nothing, while feeling like no matter what I did would make a difference. It cause me to look for a new job so hopefully, my few orange spots to into me being all orange! Here's hoping!

[CrystalIsReading on StoryGraph · Rating 3 out of 5]

This little book is a parable about the power of positivity, as told through the lens of frogs on a fictional island. I had to read it for work--these kinds of books aren't usually my thing. I prefer someone to just lay out the facts, and maybe including their interpretation, so I can then draw my own conclusions. But I needed this for a training at work, so I read it. And it's not bad. I felt like it was clunky and obvious while I was reading it, but I've noticed since reading it, when discussing it with coworkers, that the story format, as Achor says in related training and the commentary at the back of this book, helps the lessons of the story stick in my mind better. so while I rolled my eyes at the sermon-like simplicity of the story device, I still caught myself jokingly calling a coworker who was being negative "Plop", and making other references to the story that I have obviously retained. And later catching myself in negativity. So, well played, sir, well played. Your orange frog has infected my mind, as well as all the other frogs, with his bright colors. Mission accomplished.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gifted to us by an elementary school administrator along with orange shirts that say Choose Happy, this was a great book for people that want to see more positivity and teamwork in any organization. It can also apply to your family and/or any group of diverse people. Wowed that the author spent over 10 years at Harvard, taught a course called "Positive Psychology, and did focused research on happiness and the human potential. The book is billed as "A Parable based on Positive Psychology". I read it orally while traveling with family and we are all trying to be more orange!

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Whenever Spark, a green frog, has a positive thought, he gets an orange spot. Once Spark realizes that his thoughts connected to the color of his skin, he begins to work on being positive and thinking those kind of thoughts. His positivity shows and other frogs want to be like him. An interesting read about how your thoughts affect your body.

[Artemis Vitality · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many business owners could highly benefit from the content this book provides, but, unfortunately, many will continue to choose not to. This book reminded me of how much I despise driving back from my “dream pond” each Sunday afternoon to rebuild someone else’s “pond #1” all week long! Take the time to learn and evaluate the concepts. It’s a life changer if you take it seriously!

[AllyRose Caruso · Rating 2 out of 5]

I mean this book does exactly what it sets out to do. It uses a bunch of frogs to explain positive psychology.

However, it’s super cheesy. Having both the story and the field notes was just kind of overkill. Plus the field notes were infrequent enough that when they appeared, they seemed out of place.

[Joette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this book for a conference I went to, good message about happiness and how it can effect your life. Reminds you that happiness is a decision you make, and not to let others take it from you.
Choose happy.

[Carla · Rating 3 out of 5]

I understand the reason behind writing a parable to express the ideas in his book The Happiness Advantage, but I think it could have been written a lot better. It's in your face, with not much to unpack. I liked the ideas at the end though.

[Krista · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this as part of my pre-work for the workshop I am attending by the same name. I was pleasantly surprised when towards the end of the book I realized that one of my favorite Ted Talks was done by the author. I really enjoyed the book which is leading me to his other book Happiness Advantage.

[Shannon Vanderhyde · Rating 5 out of 5]

It will change the way you think!

[Veronica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a very fast read, and basically just was promoting happiness and positivity among all :). Very good!

[Beth Casey · Rating 4 out of 5]

fun quick read for work -change is difficult but can be for good if we are open to it.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a positive message and a great model for changing the culture of a community/organization. :D

[Garrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story.

[Matt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute read, it's good for children or those who learn best by examples!

[Janet Zamudio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful to understand positivity, mindsets, and need to be adaptive in our environment.

[Heather Sobek · Rating 3 out of 5]

Assigned to read this for work. The parable/metaphor was so dumb to me, but the actual studies & explanation at the end were fascinating

[Kayla Verdon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some good insights but didn't have the substance I was hoping for.

[Makenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was required to read this for my employer. Very interesting read that puts a lot into perspective.

[sam]

I get it but shush

[Sierra Adle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute book, read it for work!

[Chris Scroggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short parable is a great story/metaphor for how outlook and approach can change life/outcomes.

[Rachel Feala · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short summary - positive thinking is good.