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Handbook to a Happier Life: A Simple Guide to Creating the Life You've Always Wanted

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Jim Donovan didn’t set out to be a book author, he just wanted to pass along much of the distilled wisdom he had collected or discovered in his own life, much the way he passed it along through his speaking career. He set out to put a few words down on paper, and then added stories that illustrated the point, and the next thing he knew he had a book, and the book moved people and helped them make their lives better. The goal of Handbook to a Happier Life is that everyone rewrite their own life story by making small changes each day that make them happier, more content, and help them achieve their life dreams. Don’t make big changes, he suggests, just start slowly and move bit-by-bit toward your goal, and you’ll reach it.

176 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1998

44 people are currently reading
127 people want to read

About the author

Jim Donovan

49 books50 followers
Jim Donovan is the author of several international best-selling self- help books, including, "Handbook to a Happier Life," "What are you waiting for? It's Your Life," and "happy@work - 60 Simple Ways to Stay Engaged and Be Successful," an inspiring motivational speaker and business consultant.

For a free gift and subscription to his newsletter, visit: www.JimDonovan.com/happy

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5 stars
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9 (21%)
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15 (35%)
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
Profile Image for Jim Donovan.
Author 49 books50 followers
December 6, 2011
This is the totally enhanced and updated edition of my first book, an international bestseller.

It contains 63 "mini" chapters designed to help you start your day on a positive note without having to invest a lot of time. Great for busy people.
Profile Image for Simeon.
95 reviews6 followers
November 2, 2015
A wonderful little reminder. Read it in one sitting and I would recommend it.
Profile Image for Vlad GURDIGA.
61 reviews4 followers
September 5, 2024
Light and easy

A light little book to keep handy when you need a little bit of positive energy. It’s worth a read.
Profile Image for Charity.
60 reviews5 followers
March 25, 2008
This book is like a greatest hits collection for recent self-help topics. The author admits--not out of embarrassment, but because that is actually the purpose of the book--that the book is a summary and simplification of concepts and strategies that have worked for him, combined in a format to make it quick, easy, and relatively painless tool for us to use to improve our lives.

It's basically a collection of friendly reminders--Charity, remember to meditate. (Smile.) Charity, remember to write down all your goals and review them from time to time. (Smile.) Charity, remember to always do your best and take action to meet your goals, but not worry so much about controlling every aspect of your life. (Smile.)

I don't want to be too hard on this book, because my stepdad recommended it to me and it's relatively pleasant to read. I've been reading a lot of Buddhist books on compassion and letting go, which I really like; this is more along the self-help, self-improvement line whereas Buddhism is more along the letting-go-of-self line, so it has been a nice counterbalance to that.

Overall the author doesn't say anything new, but I guess buying and reading this one little book is better than buying and reading the numerous books and cds and seminar materials he summarized so pleasantly. Especially if you already know most of it anyway.
Profile Image for Eleftheria.
151 reviews5 followers
September 7, 2015
Δεν έχω να του αφαιρέσω τίποτα και αυτό νομίζω είναι καλό.
Το βρίσκω πολύ πρακτικό εγχειρίδιο.
Profile Image for Razaz.
6 reviews
December 29, 2021
This book helped me a lot , I do really recommend it .
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews

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