The Inner Gym: A 30-Day Workout For Strengthening Happiness

by Light Watkins

One of the biggest myths in our society is that you can simply choose to be happy whenever you want, even in spite of challenging circumstances. Or, that happiness is a byproduct of making more money, falling in love, or being successful. But modern research says this is an illusion. Happiness is not sustained through achievements. Rather, it is the result of having strong “inner” muscles.

The Inner Gym is to inner strength what the outer gym is to physical strength—it is a means for strengthening the inner muscles that are responsible for solidifying true happiness, from the inside out. With brawny inner muscles, you will be able to tap into your happiness, no matter the circumstances. With weak inner muscles, you can have it all and still be unhappy. The stability of your happiness depends on much you work out in The Inner Gym.

Genres: Self Help, Health, Meditation, Nonfiction

122 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 7, 2014

Reviews

[Jeffrey Spitz Cohan · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is a surprising amount of timeless wisdom packed into this short book.

I believe Light Watkins is exactly right: Happiness is not a choice, but is the byproduct of certain actions you can implement and certain perspectives you can adopt.

This is an important message for people who futilely try to will themselves to be happy and then grow frustrated when they inevitably fail.

Not surprisingly, meditation is a keystone of Watkins’ program.

So is keeping a daily gratitude journal, be it on paper or just in your mind.

The hard, but equally necessary, part is holding two seemingly contradictory thoughts in your head at the same time:

1. Recognize that you have little control over outcomes, especially when other people are involved.
2. Don’t blame your problems on forces outside of your control; instead, examine your own role in causing them.

The trick is to discern when to apply which approach.

I do recommend this book. Since it’s only 108 pages, the most you have to lose is a couple hours of your time, and there is a lot to gain.

[Kayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was fortunate enough to get this book for Christmas from my sister, and it's a great short read on mental (and a few physical) exercises to do to achieve happiness and maintain it. If you're into apps like Happify and/or Calm, then you'll enjoy this book. It does take a while to read though if you follow Light's advice and take five days to master one thought process/task before starting the next chapter.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great quick read.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick, but interesting read. I think it's a little wordy at times, but there are some good ideas in here. I'm not sure if it will truly change your life, but I think things like being more grateful and giving more unconditionally are always good things to do.

[Ruksana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Happiness takes work and its on you.

[Kara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good ideas for helping yourself be happier.

[Gina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kindle Unlimited ebook. OK but certainly nothing new

[Donavon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great practice

Great quotes and ideas to bring out my happiness. It even talked about my hometown. Will change my life! Read immediately!

[Anas Shugaa Addeen · Rating 1 out of 5]

It wasn’t as I expected

I did not like it ,don’t recommend it to logical folks
It’s just a waste of time ,I don’t really know how I finished it

[Alejandro · Rating 4 out of 5]

As long as you stick to the intention of the book, and really believe in what you are doing, you will most likely change your life for the better in such a significant way that could be pointed out as a before and after. There are definitely some aspects that you may consider more than others when changing the way you think and act. Overall I think if you stick a 100% to the exercises this book instructs on, you and the people around you will increase in value.