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Broadcasting Happiness: The Science of Igniting and Sustaining Positive Change
We are all broadcasters. And the messages we choose to broadcast predict our success.
All of us constantly broadcast information to others, even when we don’t say a word. Sales professionals broadcast to potential clients in a way that wins new business. Managers broadcast to their teams about projects. Colleagues broadcast to one another about available resources. The messages we choose to broadcast shape others’ belief in the potential for success and their ability to create positive change.
Working as a CBS news anchor, Michelle Gielan saw how nonstop coverage of the 2009 recession left many viewers feeling paralyzed. She had an idea: a new interview series focused on positive psychology and creating happiness in the face of tragedy. “Happy Week” generated the greatest viewer response of the year.
In Broadcasting Happiness, Gielan shows us how our words can move people from fearbased mindsets, where they see obstacles as insurmountable, to positive mindsets, where they see that change is possible and take action. Using scientifically proven communication strategies, we have the ability to increase others’ happiness and success at work, as well as our own, instantly making us more effective leaders.
New research from the fields of positive psychology and neuroscience shows that small shifts in the way we communicate can create big ripple effects on business and educational outcomes, including 31 percent higher productivity, 25 percent better performance ratings, 37 percent higher sales, and 23 percent lower levels of stress.
In Broadcasting Happiness, learn the seven keys of communicating more effectively to influence others and drive measurable results. Gielan, a happiness researcher and expert on positive communication, will teach you how to:
Inoculate your brain against stress and negativity by fact-checking challenges
Drive success by leading a conversation or communication with positivity
Rewrite debilitating thought patterns and turn them into fuel for resilience and growth
Deal with negative people in a way that lessens their power
Share bad news more effectively to increase future social capital
Create and sustain a positive culture at work by creating contagious optimism
In the midst of challenges such as restructuring, low retention, and some of the lowest levels of engagement in history, creating a positive mindset is only the first step. Broadcasting Happiness showcases how real individuals and organizations have used these techniques to achieve results that include tripling revenues to more than a billion dollars, raising the graduation rate by 45 percent, and shifting the work culture from toxic to thriving.
Changing your broadcast can change your life, your success, and the lives of others around you. Broadcasting Happiness will show you how!
All of us constantly broadcast information to others, even when we don’t say a word. Sales professionals broadcast to potential clients in a way that wins new business. Managers broadcast to their teams about projects. Colleagues broadcast to one another about available resources. The messages we choose to broadcast shape others’ belief in the potential for success and their ability to create positive change.
Working as a CBS news anchor, Michelle Gielan saw how nonstop coverage of the 2009 recession left many viewers feeling paralyzed. She had an idea: a new interview series focused on positive psychology and creating happiness in the face of tragedy. “Happy Week” generated the greatest viewer response of the year.
In Broadcasting Happiness, Gielan shows us how our words can move people from fearbased mindsets, where they see obstacles as insurmountable, to positive mindsets, where they see that change is possible and take action. Using scientifically proven communication strategies, we have the ability to increase others’ happiness and success at work, as well as our own, instantly making us more effective leaders.
New research from the fields of positive psychology and neuroscience shows that small shifts in the way we communicate can create big ripple effects on business and educational outcomes, including 31 percent higher productivity, 25 percent better performance ratings, 37 percent higher sales, and 23 percent lower levels of stress.
In Broadcasting Happiness, learn the seven keys of communicating more effectively to influence others and drive measurable results. Gielan, a happiness researcher and expert on positive communication, will teach you how to:
Inoculate your brain against stress and negativity by fact-checking challenges
Drive success by leading a conversation or communication with positivity
Rewrite debilitating thought patterns and turn them into fuel for resilience and growth
Deal with negative people in a way that lessens their power
Share bad news more effectively to increase future social capital
Create and sustain a positive culture at work by creating contagious optimism
In the midst of challenges such as restructuring, low retention, and some of the lowest levels of engagement in history, creating a positive mindset is only the first step. Broadcasting Happiness showcases how real individuals and organizations have used these techniques to achieve results that include tripling revenues to more than a billion dollars, raising the graduation rate by 45 percent, and shifting the work culture from toxic to thriving.
Changing your broadcast can change your life, your success, and the lives of others around you. Broadcasting Happiness will show you how!
289 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 11, 2015
149 people are currently reading
1870 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
October 15, 2017
Overall very informative with practical advise and examples, including takeaway bullet points to help influence for the positive - increasing energy and productivity.
I didn't agree with everything, and I am skeptical at how much impact it could have in a large corporate environment where upper management keeps itself isolated from what things are really like in the trenches for their employees, but still I think there is value here for employees and most especially those in management.
I didn't agree with everything, and I am skeptical at how much impact it could have in a large corporate environment where upper management keeps itself isolated from what things are really like in the trenches for their employees, but still I think there is value here for employees and most especially those in management.
August 11, 2015
**Review is also on pome-mag.com**
Raise your hand if you’ve complained on Facebook. Or if you’ve walked into work with a terrible attitude. Or if you’ve focused on all the things that bother you about your partner. I’m willing to bet everyone has their hand raised.
I’ve been guilty of this; we all have. But it wasn’t until I read Michelle Gielan’s Broadcasting Happiness that I recognized the constant negativity that invaded every aspect of my life, from home to work to social media, and its strong effect on my mood. It all boils down to positive psychology and the profound impact it has on everyone in their everyday life.
Gielan was a news reporter for CBS when she realized that she no longer wanted to perpetuate the negativity focused on by the news. She left the business, got her degree in positive psychology, and founded GoodThink, a consulting firm dedicated to creating positivity in the work force. With Broadcasting Happiness, Gielan culminates all she’s learned about positive psychology and helps her readers change their everyday lives.
Broadcasting Happiness set out to give the reader tools that will change the amount of positivity in every aspect of their lives. From delivering bad news at work to dealing with people you don’t like to creating a stronger relationship with your partner, Broadcasting Happiness and the power of positive psychology can change everything around you. But you have to take the first step by becoming a happiness broadcaster. I consider this the strongest aspect of the book: that it can be applied to every area of your life.
Another attractive aspect of Broadcasting Happiness is that making these personal changes isn’t hard. You don’t have to purchase expensive retreats or subscribe to any annoying newsletters. It’s a mental change that starts with you and expands outward towards your external environment. I can say with confidence, and with experience, that once you introduce these ideas to your life, you will see a change. People are more at ease around you, and your happiness is contagious. I experience a lot less negativity in my life which brings my stress levels down and makes me more productive at work and at home. Gielan argues that by setting yourself up with a positive attitude before taking on any challenge, you’re giving your brain an advantage. “When our brains are focused on the positive, we get the ‘happiness advantage’ -- our brains move into the high performance zone.”
Recently, positive psychology reached me at the time when I had the most need for it. On July 26th, I had to put my dog, Zoey, to sleep. She had advanced cancer with no viable treatment options. It was a shock to my system, as she had been a constant in my life for the past 6 years. That evening, I broke the news on Facebook to all my friends. I very carefully concentrated on the good things about Zoey instead of my pain. It was difficult for me in the beginning. But that changed with the incredibly outpouring of support from my friends, both those who knew Zoey and those who did not. Through all of the overwhelming sympathy my friends showed me, the best and most helpful support came from the people who took the time to send me old pictures of Zoey, shared funny memories, or told me how much she meant to them. Focusing on my wonderful memories of Zoey rather than pitying myself for my loss has helped me tremendously. Whenever I miss her, I can go back to Facebook and see all the positivity that my loved ones sent my way and I feel better.
Broadcasting Happiness is a wonderful book. Because of her background in journalism, Gielan knows how to make her subject matter compelling but not difficult. A lot of her messages resonated with me and inspired me to take action.. I’ve already notices a positive change in my life after implementing Gielan’s strategies, and I know you will too.
Raise your hand if you’ve complained on Facebook. Or if you’ve walked into work with a terrible attitude. Or if you’ve focused on all the things that bother you about your partner. I’m willing to bet everyone has their hand raised.
I’ve been guilty of this; we all have. But it wasn’t until I read Michelle Gielan’s Broadcasting Happiness that I recognized the constant negativity that invaded every aspect of my life, from home to work to social media, and its strong effect on my mood. It all boils down to positive psychology and the profound impact it has on everyone in their everyday life.
Gielan was a news reporter for CBS when she realized that she no longer wanted to perpetuate the negativity focused on by the news. She left the business, got her degree in positive psychology, and founded GoodThink, a consulting firm dedicated to creating positivity in the work force. With Broadcasting Happiness, Gielan culminates all she’s learned about positive psychology and helps her readers change their everyday lives.
Broadcasting Happiness set out to give the reader tools that will change the amount of positivity in every aspect of their lives. From delivering bad news at work to dealing with people you don’t like to creating a stronger relationship with your partner, Broadcasting Happiness and the power of positive psychology can change everything around you. But you have to take the first step by becoming a happiness broadcaster. I consider this the strongest aspect of the book: that it can be applied to every area of your life.
Another attractive aspect of Broadcasting Happiness is that making these personal changes isn’t hard. You don’t have to purchase expensive retreats or subscribe to any annoying newsletters. It’s a mental change that starts with you and expands outward towards your external environment. I can say with confidence, and with experience, that once you introduce these ideas to your life, you will see a change. People are more at ease around you, and your happiness is contagious. I experience a lot less negativity in my life which brings my stress levels down and makes me more productive at work and at home. Gielan argues that by setting yourself up with a positive attitude before taking on any challenge, you’re giving your brain an advantage. “When our brains are focused on the positive, we get the ‘happiness advantage’ -- our brains move into the high performance zone.”
Recently, positive psychology reached me at the time when I had the most need for it. On July 26th, I had to put my dog, Zoey, to sleep. She had advanced cancer with no viable treatment options. It was a shock to my system, as she had been a constant in my life for the past 6 years. That evening, I broke the news on Facebook to all my friends. I very carefully concentrated on the good things about Zoey instead of my pain. It was difficult for me in the beginning. But that changed with the incredibly outpouring of support from my friends, both those who knew Zoey and those who did not. Through all of the overwhelming sympathy my friends showed me, the best and most helpful support came from the people who took the time to send me old pictures of Zoey, shared funny memories, or told me how much she meant to them. Focusing on my wonderful memories of Zoey rather than pitying myself for my loss has helped me tremendously. Whenever I miss her, I can go back to Facebook and see all the positivity that my loved ones sent my way and I feel better.
Broadcasting Happiness is a wonderful book. Because of her background in journalism, Gielan knows how to make her subject matter compelling but not difficult. A lot of her messages resonated with me and inspired me to take action.. I’ve already notices a positive change in my life after implementing Gielan’s strategies, and I know you will too.
June 18, 2015
In Broadcasting Happiness: The Science of Spreading Positivity and Creating a Spiral of Success, Michelle Gielan taps into the constant negativity surrounding us in the world and helps us learn to reframe our thoughts in a more positive light. This, in turn, creates more positivity in the world around us. From Gielan's point of view, we are all broadcasters, whether we know it or not. We affect the attitudes of those around us, from our best friends to the Starbucks barista who served us coffee this morning.
I could not be more thrilled to have picked this book up! I managed to read it in three sittings-- I probably would have finished faster if I had more time, though! It was fantastic. I really connected with this book, as someone who spends most of her day working with other people. I want to be a positive person and enable empowerment and creativity in those around me. Gielan showed me in this book that you don't need to ignore the negative to be positive. You simply reframe the situation. Yes, bad things happen. And they are horrible. You're allowed to feel those negative emotions and acknowledge the negative. But it's how you navigate your thinking that matters.
One example used in the book had to do with a young girl accidentally killed in an act of gang violence. As a news reporter, Gielan had to cover the story from a more eye-catching, negative perspective: Girl killed in gang violence, where has this city gone wrong? However, at the young girl's funeral, she found a more inspiring story-- a community attempting to change its ways and stand by a mother who tragically lost her young daughter. This way of thinking does not make the event any less tragic, but instead allows us to simultaneously see the potential for growth.
I cannot wait to use this book in future work settings!
4.5 STARS
I didn't give the book five stars because I found the summaries at the ends of the chapters to be somewhat unnecessary and incredibly repetitive. I'd recommend condensing those into a "Spark Notes" version of the book for a pamphlet or webinar rather than added into the book.
I could not be more thrilled to have picked this book up! I managed to read it in three sittings-- I probably would have finished faster if I had more time, though! It was fantastic. I really connected with this book, as someone who spends most of her day working with other people. I want to be a positive person and enable empowerment and creativity in those around me. Gielan showed me in this book that you don't need to ignore the negative to be positive. You simply reframe the situation. Yes, bad things happen. And they are horrible. You're allowed to feel those negative emotions and acknowledge the negative. But it's how you navigate your thinking that matters.
One example used in the book had to do with a young girl accidentally killed in an act of gang violence. As a news reporter, Gielan had to cover the story from a more eye-catching, negative perspective: Girl killed in gang violence, where has this city gone wrong? However, at the young girl's funeral, she found a more inspiring story-- a community attempting to change its ways and stand by a mother who tragically lost her young daughter. This way of thinking does not make the event any less tragic, but instead allows us to simultaneously see the potential for growth.
I cannot wait to use this book in future work settings!
4.5 STARS
I didn't give the book five stars because I found the summaries at the ends of the chapters to be somewhat unnecessary and incredibly repetitive. I'd recommend condensing those into a "Spark Notes" version of the book for a pamphlet or webinar rather than added into the book.
April 27, 2020
This book had a very timely message about the power of positive information.
February 5, 2024
A book that makes you think about broadcasting happiness to the people around you and how we can make a change with the most simplistic ways like a smile. Good book!
April 27, 2021
Broadcasting Happiness: The Science of Spreading Positivity and Creating a Spiral of Success is watching a slow sunrise.
Want to read
September 28, 2016Intrigued by the chapter about "strategic retreat", as mentioned in this article
July 3, 2015
Even when we don’t try, we are constantly broadcasting information to others: it can be words, actions or even the things we don’t explicitly do. This book looks at the world of positive psychology and neuroscience to see if we can change things for the better by ”broadcasting happiness” and maybe secure some personal wins too.
The author seeks to get us to understand how our words or actions can ”move other people from a fear-based mindset in which they see obstacles as insurmountable, to a positive mindset where they see that change is possible, get unstuck, and take action” and one key part of this is increasing their happiness and success at work, as well as our own, instantly making us more effective leaders. That is the theory at least and the author draws heavily from the fields of science to sustain the point, referencing research that claims small shifts to the way we communicate can lead to up to 19% greater accuracy, 31% higher productivity, 25% greater performance ratings, 37% higher sales, and 23% lower levels of stress. Even a few percentage points would be better than nothing, especially if you really only have to change HOW you communicate and interact! The reader is promised the works, guidance about selecting the right message, communications advice, and the use of positivity and much more besides.
This book did not fall at the first fence. It was not one of those interminable hype-filled books that seem to infect the business book space, promising greatness by being a black belt supermaster-guru that only the author’s special brand of mumbo-jumbo and thinking can deliver. By referencing scientific sources, the sceptical reader can always dig deeply and reach their own conclusion. The author believes that change can be possible with relative ease – taking just a few minutes a day. The reader might be the best judge of that!
It was an engaging, fairly light read that left an impression on this reviewer. If you are sceptical to the potential for change, take a look at the book at a bookstore or library. Clearly it can’t be something for everyone, but even a little more positivity in the world can’t be a bad thing, can it?
Broadcasting Happiness, written by Michelle Gielan and published by BenBella Books. ISBN 9781941631300, 224 pages. YYYY
The author seeks to get us to understand how our words or actions can ”move other people from a fear-based mindset in which they see obstacles as insurmountable, to a positive mindset where they see that change is possible, get unstuck, and take action” and one key part of this is increasing their happiness and success at work, as well as our own, instantly making us more effective leaders. That is the theory at least and the author draws heavily from the fields of science to sustain the point, referencing research that claims small shifts to the way we communicate can lead to up to 19% greater accuracy, 31% higher productivity, 25% greater performance ratings, 37% higher sales, and 23% lower levels of stress. Even a few percentage points would be better than nothing, especially if you really only have to change HOW you communicate and interact! The reader is promised the works, guidance about selecting the right message, communications advice, and the use of positivity and much more besides.
This book did not fall at the first fence. It was not one of those interminable hype-filled books that seem to infect the business book space, promising greatness by being a black belt supermaster-guru that only the author’s special brand of mumbo-jumbo and thinking can deliver. By referencing scientific sources, the sceptical reader can always dig deeply and reach their own conclusion. The author believes that change can be possible with relative ease – taking just a few minutes a day. The reader might be the best judge of that!
It was an engaging, fairly light read that left an impression on this reviewer. If you are sceptical to the potential for change, take a look at the book at a bookstore or library. Clearly it can’t be something for everyone, but even a little more positivity in the world can’t be a bad thing, can it?
Broadcasting Happiness, written by Michelle Gielan and published by BenBella Books. ISBN 9781941631300, 224 pages. YYYY
May 4, 2017
I wanted so much to like this book. I get so fed up with all the negativity around me but also get exhausted trying to be the positive one. So I was looking for tips. And while I did indeed get them, I also came away feeling as though I went on a company retreat to a cult.
First, the positive: there are plenty of helpful tips on how to remain positive during stressful times. From stopping and examining the situation to shed light on the fact that things really aren't as bad as they seem to changing your habits to head off stress at the pass, there is plenty of good here. But...
I felt like I was listening to an infomercial. She means well but all the fancy buzz words are aimed at making her brand. Which I understand she wanted to get out of journalism and start helping people and that's commendable. But throwing around terms like "Social Capital" and "Power Lead" turned me off.
That said, I actually would recommend this book. The good far outweighs the bad. If you're not bothered by all the buzz words this book has plenty to offer, just not for me. There really wasn't anything new for me. As a veteran of many toxic work environments, I've long since honed my optimism skills.
First, the positive: there are plenty of helpful tips on how to remain positive during stressful times. From stopping and examining the situation to shed light on the fact that things really aren't as bad as they seem to changing your habits to head off stress at the pass, there is plenty of good here. But...
I felt like I was listening to an infomercial. She means well but all the fancy buzz words are aimed at making her brand. Which I understand she wanted to get out of journalism and start helping people and that's commendable. But throwing around terms like "Social Capital" and "Power Lead" turned me off.
That said, I actually would recommend this book. The good far outweighs the bad. If you're not bothered by all the buzz words this book has plenty to offer, just not for me. There really wasn't anything new for me. As a veteran of many toxic work environments, I've long since honed my optimism skills.
February 10, 2016
Everyone should read this book! No exceptions. It is powerful and impactful and smart and inspiring. I love it. Michelle Gielan argues that every single one of us is a broadcaster and has the potential to shape our own reality based on the frame of mind from which we see the world. Not only can our perspective change our reality, but it can shape others' experiences in the world, too.
Michelle has great tips that can be implemented at the workplace and at home, with colleagues, friends, and family. It's very practical and hands on. There was never a moment when I felt that her advice was stupid or silly. Each chapter is important and useful.
One star off because Gielan herself can get a little annoying at times. The whole book almost feels like a humblebrag. She must have a very wonderful, happy life! That being said, she has had an inspiring and awesome life, from engineering to newscasting to positive psychology research. She deserves to brag!
Highly recommend this book. Will be passing it along to lots of people.
Michelle has great tips that can be implemented at the workplace and at home, with colleagues, friends, and family. It's very practical and hands on. There was never a moment when I felt that her advice was stupid or silly. Each chapter is important and useful.
One star off because Gielan herself can get a little annoying at times. The whole book almost feels like a humblebrag. She must have a very wonderful, happy life! That being said, she has had an inspiring and awesome life, from engineering to newscasting to positive psychology research. She deserves to brag!
Highly recommend this book. Will be passing it along to lots of people.
July 12, 2016
Interesting book. It talks about the science behind positive thinking and the power of spreading positivity.
It has practical tips for becoming a more positive person and be more optimistic. It's not a "you'll be a millionaire if you think positive" kind of book. It focuses on the benefits of looking for the good in people and situations. You can apply the suggestions in your pesonal or professional life.
It was very interesting, well paced, practical book. I recommend it.
It has practical tips for becoming a more positive person and be more optimistic. It's not a "you'll be a millionaire if you think positive" kind of book. It focuses on the benefits of looking for the good in people and situations. You can apply the suggestions in your pesonal or professional life.
It was very interesting, well paced, practical book. I recommend it.
May 22, 2016
DNF, after a couple of chapters I couldn't take it anymore. Though the science is interesting, analyzing happiness takes the fun out of it. Intentional happiness to boost TV ratings, lift sales or increase corporate productivity just feels forced and artificial to me. I did not care for this author's style either. Her stories felt contrived and full of self-importance. I would finish it if I were stuck on a desert island but there are too many other good books out there!
March 23, 2016
Loved this book! Lots of ideas for updating my your situation at work or at home. If you happen to short toward negative tend acids this will help you refocus! Great ideas!
I don't think it will change the world but it might make my Wednesday amazing!!
I don't think it will change the world but it might make my Wednesday amazing!!
September 12, 2016
Excellent!
May 22, 2024
Great takeaways, mostly business centered but definitely has lessons and advice that can be applied by anyone in pretty much any situation. It breaks down the types of negative people you can encounter, how to deliver bad news effectively, how to look at even the most negative situations in an optimistic light, as well as how to be a better listener and how to show up better for others.
Some of my key takeaways:
1. The first step to having more positive interactions is to use a "power lead", instead of asking "how are you", ask "what is the best thing that happened to you today"
2. If you are dealing with a person who is consistently negative, shift the focus by asking leading questions. Ask why they feel this way, scan for positives, try to shift the locus of control, and leave the door open for information you might be missing. This also applies for negative situations in general.
3. When you or someone you are speaking to are ruminating, break the worry down until you reach the root of your issue. Find facts that support this worry instead of suppressing it - this will validate your/their feelings - but then make sure to ask the leading questions to be able to move past the worry.
4. To tackle a problem use "GPS" - Get a specific time frame and think of situations in the past which resolved faster than expected, Pinpoint the domain in life the issue is affecting (since they often bleed into several domains), and identify Success in the past to use those same strategies now.
5. To deliver bad news better, use the 4 Cs: create social capital by investing in relationships, give context to the news, be compassionate and separate the action from the person, and stay committed by giving advice on what next and contact info in case the person needs more information.
6. Optimism is the belief that bad events are temporary and that changes in behaviour have impact on situations.
Some of my key takeaways:
1. The first step to having more positive interactions is to use a "power lead", instead of asking "how are you", ask "what is the best thing that happened to you today"
2. If you are dealing with a person who is consistently negative, shift the focus by asking leading questions. Ask why they feel this way, scan for positives, try to shift the locus of control, and leave the door open for information you might be missing. This also applies for negative situations in general.
3. When you or someone you are speaking to are ruminating, break the worry down until you reach the root of your issue. Find facts that support this worry instead of suppressing it - this will validate your/their feelings - but then make sure to ask the leading questions to be able to move past the worry.
4. To tackle a problem use "GPS" - Get a specific time frame and think of situations in the past which resolved faster than expected, Pinpoint the domain in life the issue is affecting (since they often bleed into several domains), and identify Success in the past to use those same strategies now.
5. To deliver bad news better, use the 4 Cs: create social capital by investing in relationships, give context to the news, be compassionate and separate the action from the person, and stay committed by giving advice on what next and contact info in case the person needs more information.
6. Optimism is the belief that bad events are temporary and that changes in behaviour have impact on situations.
June 28, 2020
Nice book written by a previous news anchor, message is that if you send out positive good messages then you really can make real beneficial changes to the world. Mentions the known negativity bias of news but puts arguments that good news can also be popular.
States some research on fortune 500 companies found the following were markers of successful employees: Work optimism, a belief good things will happen, support and invest in others success, provide positive engagement allowing that in the face of challenges you can succeed.
Interact positively with others is important, particularly at the start of an interaction as it can dictate how the interaction will go and which topics are discussed. Suggests that positivity increases productivity therefore it is worth using this at the start of meetings. Suggests being courteous in emails, such as hope your weekend went well which it describes as being positive.
Suggests good question for a doctor to ask terminally ill patients / family members “Given what your family is up against, what are you hoping for?"
Journalists are trained to ask "anything else" at the end of interviews. Suggests asking “Is there anything we have forgotten to discuss that you want to add?” or “Is there anything else you want to tell me?” is a very useful thing to do when interacting with people.
States some research on fortune 500 companies found the following were markers of successful employees: Work optimism, a belief good things will happen, support and invest in others success, provide positive engagement allowing that in the face of challenges you can succeed.
Interact positively with others is important, particularly at the start of an interaction as it can dictate how the interaction will go and which topics are discussed. Suggests that positivity increases productivity therefore it is worth using this at the start of meetings. Suggests being courteous in emails, such as hope your weekend went well which it describes as being positive.
Suggests good question for a doctor to ask terminally ill patients / family members “Given what your family is up against, what are you hoping for?"
Journalists are trained to ask "anything else" at the end of interviews. Suggests asking “Is there anything we have forgotten to discuss that you want to add?” or “Is there anything else you want to tell me?” is a very useful thing to do when interacting with people.
November 17, 2019
Beginning this book, I was sceptical. Anything that purports to increase happiness in the world by sheer willpower certainly seemed like some sort of scam. I was sure that I was about to hear a slew of cheesy aphorism and bright-side-of-life advice. I was pleasantly surprised; there were the occasional motivational slogan and cringy pun, but overall it was as much a critical review as it was an optimistic rainbow-churner. There was definitely no shortage of scientific literature.
Having objective reasons to be happy beyond myself gave me the stepping stone I needed to justify a better mood. It was, at times, more corporate-focused than is applicable to my life. But I nevertheless found it to be a decent surrogate for similar books, such as Shaun Acor's 'The Happiness Advantage.'
Having objective reasons to be happy beyond myself gave me the stepping stone I needed to justify a better mood. It was, at times, more corporate-focused than is applicable to my life. But I nevertheless found it to be a decent surrogate for similar books, such as Shaun Acor's 'The Happiness Advantage.'
December 30, 2020
Barely 3 stars. Maybe 2 3/4.
I totally agree with the premise of this self-help-type book, that dwelling on negativity (in the news and otherwise) isn't a productive or empowering way to live. However, the author's name dropping and repeated reminders about her career as a journalist bugged me. And I wasn't sure the topic needed to be dragged out into an entire book.
But, there were some good quotes. Here's one:
We need to move away from our obsessive focus on the negative. As mentioned previously, I don’t advocate ignoring the negative. However, getting caught in its web does a disservice to our thinking, happiness, and potential. It changes how the brain processes the world and whether we believe our behaviors matter.
I totally agree with the premise of this self-help-type book, that dwelling on negativity (in the news and otherwise) isn't a productive or empowering way to live. However, the author's name dropping and repeated reminders about her career as a journalist bugged me. And I wasn't sure the topic needed to be dragged out into an entire book.
But, there were some good quotes. Here's one:
We need to move away from our obsessive focus on the negative. As mentioned previously, I don’t advocate ignoring the negative. However, getting caught in its web does a disservice to our thinking, happiness, and potential. It changes how the brain processes the world and whether we believe our behaviors matter.
October 2, 2020
This book was just okay for me. A lot of the suggestions were things that I do already. I was a bit disappointed at how work-oriented the book was, rather than towards more everyday life situations. I generally have no problem finding positivity at work, but it's at home where I struggle, and there weren't many concrete tips available for that area of life.
I think I'm also fatigued on this format of book. Each chapter was formulaic in its structure, and it all just started to feel the same. I skimmed through a lot of it at the end.
I think I'm also fatigued on this format of book. Each chapter was formulaic in its structure, and it all just started to feel the same. I skimmed through a lot of it at the end.
July 15, 2017
This book contains some good ideas for how to promote happiness in your interactions with others and the potential for compounding good things in your life by promoting positivity. While there are some good examples and stories to illustrate the author's points, I feel like there was too much statistic quoting and not great/vague instructions for how to implement some of these ideas or concepts into your life.
January 10, 2019
There was a lot of good examples and advice about promoting happiness and positivity. There was also a lot of the author promoting her own self brand, which detracted from the good parts. I listened to the audiobook version, that may be part of it. I think with a printed copy it would be easier to skim past the frequent requests to visit her web site (along with the repetitive end-of-chapter summaries), but it audio format it’s hard to ignore her reading out her URL over and over.
September 30, 2017
Communication is Everything. How we choose to communicate about the world to ourselves and those around us in our sphere of influence transforms our perceptions of the world. We have a choice to improve the quality of those perceptions or to degrade them. Broadcasting Happiness teaches you practically and effectively how to do the former.
February 17, 2022
Really great book! Provided detailed research on positive psychology, improving interpersonal relationships at work or at home, and maintaining a positive lifestyle. It also provided lots of examples and guidelines that you can use in real life. I recommend to everyone. I listened mostly to the audiobook.
April 19, 2023
Very insightful book. I have read several books on the study of happiness, but this is the first that is incredibly actionable. It also provides the perspective of how to hack your life in the moment, day-to-day, to set your mind on the path of happiness, and how to influence and impact those around you. This will be a repeated read many times for me!
January 19, 2020
Totally loved this book. I actually bought it while I was listening to the author at a conference. She was that good and so was this book. It took me a while to read because I kept stopping to think about the strategies she discussed.
December 7, 2021
Pragmatic book with plenty of action steps and applicability to the real world, including businesses and relationships. I listened to the audio version of this book and now want to purchase a hard copy for future reference.
June 16, 2022
essential for leaders
This book is amazing for identifying solutions to “how can I move the needle on my team”. Great strategies, discussions and ways to support others in so many ways!
This book is amazing for identifying solutions to “how can I move the needle on my team”. Great strategies, discussions and ways to support others in so many ways!
January 9, 2017
(3,5 sterren, mocht dat gaan.)
Boek is gebaseerd op interessant onderzoek en vertaalt dit aan de hand van leuke anekdotes en handige tips.
Boek is gebaseerd op interessant onderzoek en vertaalt dit aan de hand van leuke anekdotes en handige tips.
January 20, 2018
Listened to the audio book.
Entertaining, fairly practical book on why we need to “broadcast” happiness, both for ourselves and for society.
Entertaining, fairly practical book on why we need to “broadcast” happiness, both for ourselves and for society.
February 22, 2018
Lead your day, your conversation- with the positive.
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