The Happiness Formula: A Scientific, Groundbreaking Approach to Happiness and Personal Fulfillment

by Alphonsus Obayuwana

A scientific, groundbreaking approach to happiness and personal fulfillment.

In 1979, Dr. Alphonsus Obayuwana was awarded a national research grant and Smith-Kline Medical Perspective Fellowship to develop an instrument for measuring human hope, with the purpose of detecting hopelessness early enough in troubled human individuals so assistance could be offered in time to prevent suicide. The Hope Index Scale (HIS) that resulted from this grant became very popular with Fortune 500 companies and government institutions both in the US and in other countries. This led to the foundation of decades of research on the mathematics of happiness and the basis for The Happiness A Scientific Approach to Personal Satisfaction.

Unlike other books about happiness, which are too often filled with dos and don’ts, wishful thinking, and empty aphorisms, The Happiness Formula breaks new ground. It introduces a universal unit of measure called the "Personal Happiness Index" or PHI—making it possible for the first time to assign a numerical happiness score to human individuals—by plugging their unique hopes, hungers, assets, and aspirations into an equation.

Despite its title, The Happiness Formula is much more than a mathematical equation for measuring happiness. It is a book about the relationship between human hope and hunger and one’s ultimate overall feeling of subjective wellbeing. It begins with a brief history of positive psychology, then introduces the Triple-H Equation—the simple but profound formula that is at the core of the mathematics of happiness and serves as a reminder of what makes life worth living. Each of the subsequent chapters provides detailed definitions and explanations of the variables in the equation as well as other important aspects of the human happiness narrative—including a theory explaining why humans are in constant pursuit of happiness. And finally, it ends with numerous self-help tips and a very comprehensive guide for happiness coaches and advocates.

Genres: Nonfiction

224 pages, Paperback

Published March 12, 2024

Reviews

[Sarah Nantais · Rating 5 out of 5]

The pursuit of happiness is a lofty goal that many human beings strive for. We work to be happy, engage in activities to be happy, connect with others to be happy. But happiness seems fleeting and not sustainable. There are moments of happiness in life, but being able to answer the question: “What makes you happy?” can be extremely difficult for many. In The Happiness Formula by Alphonsus Obayuwana readers are exposed to a different way to measure happiness. This is no ordinary ‘self-help’ book. This is not a book filled with lists, strict guidelines on what to do or what not to do. It is also more than just breaking down happiness into a numerical value and ascribing a mathematical formula to it. It is a blending of science, math and hope to truly quantifying happiness and therefore opening up more options on how to achieve it.
The book itself is broken into 15 chapters and the beginning has a helpful summary of each one. This is valuable for repeat readers if they want to refer to a specific section and also valuable to new readers as it allows them to get a sneak peek into what they will be learning in each section. These 15 chapters work towards an overarching exploration of happiness while debunking popular myths, introducing new concepts and carefully works on identifying some central truths about happiness.
While this book is backed by science and research, it does not read as a textbook. As well, it does not read as a preachy ‘thou shalt do this’ type of book. Obayuwana speaks to us like what we are: people. People on a search for happiness and joy in our lives. This book is easily accessible to many types of readers. It’ll satisfy the more data driven readers, the more emotional readers and the curious readers in between. Even those of us who are not mathematically inclined will find benefit from the Triple-H Equation.
Scientifically backed, carefully curated and filled with tangible activities The Happiness Formula by Alphonsus Obayuwana carefully shares the fruits of nearly three decades of research and care. A different take from mainstream self-help books Obayuwana includes activities and case studies as part of his work. Thought-provoking, this book will touch many different types of readers from casuals who are interested in surface-level information as well as those who appreciate a deep-dive into a topic. An absolutely must-have for any library.

[Steven Finkelstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

For some, enduring happiness is a pipe dream. Others experience fleeting moments of it. Rarely has anyone attempted to quantify it, though. Taking a scientific approach to explaining or measuring happiness seems challenging at best and impossible at worst. However, Dr. Obayuwana has attempted to do this very thing, and he has been successful. The Personal Happiness Index, or PHI, is now a reality. Once you have a better understanding of how hope and hunger equal happiness you can use this formula to find what makes you happy.

The Happiness Formula, by Alphonsus Obayuwana, is a nonfiction account of the author’s research and discoveries while measuring human hope. This was something he did successfully when he was awarded a national research grant. In the following decades, Obayuwana was able to create a formula by which hopelessness could be measured. I appreciated the scientific approach Obayuwana has taken in his book as there is something tangent for readers to look at. I also appreciated that the author doesn’t just touch upon the subject of always being happy but he provides advice as well as research on what to do when tragedy strikes. The idea that humans can use a happiness formula to enact changes in their lives is an interesting one. Many people struggle with unhappiness and depression, and typically, things like therapy and medication are deemed the best options. Obayuwana feels there’s another way, and his research that delves into human behavior and psychology seems to support that theory.

Those who lack happiness and want to make a change can apply this book’s teachings to their lives. Much like those who try to become happier through other means, though, the focus shouldn’t necessarily be on the treatment but rather on the fact that each individual is taking the initiative and trying to enact positive changes in their lives. Without that impetus, each unhappy person will likely remain that way. It’s a lesson Obayuwana learned with barely any research necessary.

[Lilly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unlike conventional happiness guides filled with platitudes, The Happiness Formula provides a tangible and numeric approach to understanding and enhancing personal satisfaction, human hope, and subjective well-being. It challenges existing happiness paradigms, debunking myths and introducing the Triple-H Equation—a profound formula that delves into what truly makes life worth living. Beyond measuring happiness, the book explores the interplay between hope and happiness, offering insights that go beyond mere numerical calculations.

Having immersed myself in this book, I am captivated by Dr. Alphonsus Obayuwana's groundbreaking approach to unraveling the complexities of human happiness. The introduction of the Personal Happiness Index (PHI) is a game-changer, providing a measurable and scientific lens through which we can understand, evaluate, and enhance our well-being. The book's departure from clichéd advice sets it apart; it's not a collection of dos and don'ts but a profound exploration of the intricate relationship between hope and happiness. Dr. Obayuwana's meticulous research, spanning decades, adds credibility to his findings, making this book a valuable resource for both happiness seekers and advocates. The debunking of happiness myths and the unveiling of the Triple-H Equation add layers of depth to the discourse on what truly constitutes a fulfilling life.

In a landscape flooded with self-help literature, The Happiness Formula stands out as a beacon of scientific rigor, offering readers a genuine opportunity to engage with their own happiness in a quantifiable and meaningful way. This book is a must-read for anyone on the quest for genuine and lasting personal fulfillment.

[Ivan M · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Happiness Formula, by Alphonsus Obayuwana, is a book that revolutionized the way of looking at happiness, a concept so hard to grasp, understand, and conquer. The author introduces a mathematical way of calculating happiness, something that might seem odd and impossible, but he made it work. The Personal Happiness Index (PHI) is an equation that considers the individual hopes, hungers, and assets, to quantify happiness and guide the reader in this particular process. The core of this book, the Triple H Equation, was what I enjoyed the most, and the biggest topics of discussion in this read.

In my personal experience, happiness is an enigma. If I consider my life and the achievements I accomplished over the years, plus family and friends, I should be happy right? It’s not that simple, even though I should feel happy, I don´t, so that was my motivation to read this book. What I enjoyed about this book is that the author did a lot of research on the matter at hand. A variety of philosophers and academic eminencies are mentioned, which gives a background and sustains his findings. It happened in other situations where I felt cheated, with generic answers that didn´t give me much to think about. This is not the case, this book left me filled with new ideas and a vast understanding about life itself.

This book was a revelation. It's destined for readers who want to expand their knowledge and are not afraid of trying new approaches. Even though Happiness is a very personal feeling and can´t be taught or bought, there are guidelines to follow that will eventually get you there, so I'll do my best effort to make it happen—take what it takes!

Definitely recommended, thank you Mr. Obayuwana.

[Claudia A · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're looking for a self-help book that goes beyond the usual cliches and platitudes, you might want to check out The Happiness Formula by Alphonsus Obayuwana. This book is not just about finding a simple formula for happiness, but it is a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the science and art of happiness. You will learn about the latest research on positive psychology, the history and myths of happiness, the theory of human motivation, and a new way of measuring happiness. You will also discover practical tips and tools for improving your happiness and well-being.

The World Health Organization notes over 800,000 suicides yearly, with the highest rates among 15 to 25-year-olds, a period when the demand for responsibility clashes with developing adaptive skills. Is it possible to quantify happiness akin to weight or fever? The author critiques the World Happiness Report, asserting the difficulty of ranking happiness universally and proposing a new approach.

I found this self-help book to be highly informative, practical, and exceptionally well-organized. While it occasionally repeats certain points, I recognize the author's intention to reinforce key concepts. This book is an inspiring and distinctive read, offering valuable tools and advice that I've been actively incorporating. I even calculated the equation and was relieved to find I had a decent score!

If you have a passion for self-improvement, this book is perfect for you. It offers a unique and enjoyable way to assess your happiness.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Creating someone's own happiness is not just a matter of attitude. It is not about making complex visualizations or wishing for something impossible. As demonstrated by Alphonsus Obayuwana happiness is a mathematical formula that has science and some mystique and magic. The result is a set of 15 principles that vary our emotional state, and each of them modifies the fundamental equation of happiness, making it more precise and applicable to a wide range of life decisions. Obayuwana helps readers measure their unrealistic projections and their current life situation to develop a diagnosis of their current state of happiness and improve it in the future.
The key to prosperity, love and personal satisfaction lies in living in the present without projections towards the future or the past. Happiness is built day by day by being aware of what happens to us now. The result of the happiness equation is infallible: whatever your current circumstances, being happy depends solely and exclusively on each person. Each one has a different genetic predisposition and develops in a different context. It is these factors that can determine a person's tendency in relation to their way of experiencing and coping with their emotions. However, we can take conscious actions to achieve a happier life.

Obayuwana’s approach is clear and concise. It is a book about life, the relationship between human hope and happiness, and how to find, measure, and enhance them. All in all, this is a book for happiness seekers and advocates everywhere.

[Agustina Sureda · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book, readers will learn about the self-assessment tools to distinguish between happy and unhappy people. They will also learn a strong theoretical basis to ensure happiness coaching and comprehend that happiness is not a luxury but a necessity, and we are here to fulfill that necessity and purpose.
I am impressed by the amount of information there is out there about happiness. With so many bad things going on around world, how important is it to have a guide that can help people understand, achieve, and maintain happiness not as something we should look forward to, but as something we are entitled to. Having this tool can help society understand the contemporary struggles of young adults when dealing with day-to-day stressful situations; if we have more information or tools like this available, we can avoid depression or even suicide attempts. This is a change of paradigm for sure and a change that I believe needs to happen sooner rather than later. Providing extensive knowledge and information like the triggers of happiness or the meaning of a happy life, Obayuwana makes the reader think outside of the box and engages with them constantly by providing exercises and questionaries that are mandatory to keep reading! He helps readers self-evaluate their status of hope with tools like the Personal Instant Self-Assessment (PISA), the Hope Scale, and the Hunger Scale. The author is concise, clear, and easy to understand, which makes this a fast-paced book. I highly recommend this book; I believe this book should be on everyone's bookshelves.

[Mayra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alphonsus Obayuwana's The Happiness Formula emerges from his extensive experience in personal and interpersonal studies, presenting a well-articulated exploration of detecting and addressing hopelessness. His insights are particularly valuable in the context of preventing suicide, offering timely assistance to those in need. As a reader, I found the book's structure notably effective, especially the sections titled "Why the Book?" and "Overview and Summary." Positioned at the beginning and near the end, respectively, these segments provide a cohesive frame and clarify the author's intentions. Distinct from many books in the happiness genre, The Happiness Formula goes beyond mere dos and don'ts, avoiding wishful thinking and empty aphorisms. Instead, it guides readers in constructing a foundation for a more fulfilling life. The book teaches how to balance hopes, needs, assets, and aspirations, presenting this as a kind of equation. This approach was not only enlightening but also deeply engaging. The author imparts wisdom in a manner that is direct and clear, yet also gentle and approachable. The language used effectively frames his explanations and descriptions of various events and moments in each chapter. As someone continually seeking happiness, I find this book to be an invaluable resource, one that I anticipate returning to for further insight.

[Marina L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book I found! Without a doubt, happiness is a fundamental aspect of the human experience. To delve into the pages of this work is to immerse yourself in a revolutionary journey toward understanding and maximizing happiness and personal fulfillment. In a world saturated with generic advice on how to achieve happiness, this book stands as a beacon of scientific knowledge and innovation.

What sets The Happiness Formula apart from other treatises on happiness is its practical, evidence-based approach. Far from generalities and abstractions, here we find a detailed manual on how to find and measure happiness, as well as effective strategies to enhance it. The scientific approach presented here has allowed me to understand it more clearly and concretely. I've discovered what brings me joy and make a conscious effort to nurture those aspects in my everyday routine. The Happiness Formula isn't your typical happiness book; it's a hands-on, groundbreaking guide that'll reshape your approach to finding personal fulfillment. Since diving into its pages, my whole outlook on happiness has transformed, and I've gained concrete strategies to enrich my life.

[Autumn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Obayuwana's take on happiness and how to quantify it! He and I have very similar views on the components of a happy life, and I think if this had been published ten years ago (and I had read it then), I would not have felt compelled to start my own happiness project. I don't agree with him entirely, especially on the spirituality aspect. He does clarify in one section that a person doesn't necessarily have to have a relationship with God to be happy, but the PISA Scale uses a relationship with God in the measure of a person's hope. I would probably rephrase that one statement if I were to use this scale as a measure of happiness. And while the author spends a fair amount of time on gratitude, I do believe expectations (vs. outcome) are a prominent factor in a person's happiness that Obayuwana has mostly overlooked.

I will say (for other readers) this is a very academic look at happiness that's not going to appeal to all readers, and it seems targeted toward coaches and scientists who could use a quantification of happiness as an indication of progress. I might eventually go the wellness coaching route, so I'm glad I purchased the ebook for future reference.

[Celeste · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a reader who's always been intrigued by the elusive concept of “happiness”, The Happiness Formula offered a unique promise: a scientific approach to measuring and understanding this subjective yet universally sought-after state of being. The book provides insights into positive psychology and then thoroughly introduces and describes the “Happiness Formula" in itself. Each chapter is crafted, offering detailed explanations of the equation's variables and their implications for individual happiness. One aspect of the book that most caught my attention is how the author explores the theory behind humanity's perpetual pursuit of happiness. The way he responds to this phenomenon is clear evidence of his profound understanding of the human condition and the driving forces behind our actions. The book is very clear, and the different components of the formula are easy to understand and follow. Additionally, the self-help tips and happiness coaching guide are comprehensive and very useful.