Operation Happiness: The 3-Step Plan to Creating a Life of Lasting Joy, Abundant Energy, and Radical Bliss

by Kristi Ling

In "Operation Happiness," happiness strategist and life coach Kristi Ling teaches you how to create immediate, positive shifts in your life by proving that happiness is a skill that can be cultivated, learned, and mastered--much like playing an instrument.

After experiencing a long-term illness, a divorce, and the sudden deaths of loved ones, Ling spent years studying the science of happiness. She focused on identifying and testing specific emotional support tools. During this process, she discovered something that goes against everything we've been lead to believe about it isn't just something you feel; it's something you "do." Based on this discovery, Ling outlines the three foundational principles that lead to a life of Change Your View, Make Over Your Mornings, and Create New Habits.

Part memoir and part how-to guide, "Operation Happiness" combines compelling personal stories, inspiring perspective shifts, and clear actionable steps to help you create a solid foundation for sustainable happiness that will propel you into a new, light-filled way of living.

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction, Personal Development, Audiobook

274 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 2016

Reviews

[Celia Conrad · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an email raving about this book so I decided to pick up a copy as I was intrigued by the title.

The author comes from the premise that happiness is not just a feeling but an activity which we can become better and better at by making even the smallest changes in our life starting with our morning ritual and how we set ourself up for the day.

On reading this book I really felt that the author writes from the heart and throughout the book she gives numerous examples of situations in her life where she has implemented what she preaches and has overcome enormous obstacles. She has an easy writing style and the book is both an enjoyable and informative read.

We all deserve to be happy and I'm a firm believer in spreading not just a little happiness but happiness in abundance which is clearly why I would recommend this book.

[Mindy C · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the concept of happiness not being a choice, but a skill! That is probably the most vital concept to be gained from this book. Beyond that, there are a lot of great ideas and pointers, but the parts that lost me involved the need for a maid, a therapist, a masseuse...and other costly recommendations which, while they may be helpful for some, are not vital and need not be listed to alienate those who cannot make that a reality. Unfortunately that type of recommendation narrows the audience, in my opinion.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author draws from her own experiences, at times giving this the feel of a memoir. Struggling through a divorce, an illness, and a career change, she discovered that happiness was not only a choice, but a skill that could be learned. She outlines three steps to take on the road to happiness: Change your view, change you mornings, and create new habits.

I wasn’t feeling unhappy when I decided to listen to this book, but when I received a copy for review I figured everyone can use a little extra happiness, so I gave it a try.

I was pleasantly surprised to find many of her life-changing suggestions are very doable for most people. Sure, buy a new house, take a month off of work, or go on a solo vacation are not an option for everyone, but hiking, escaping through reading, volunteering, or going to a movie alone are within most people’s reach.

The advice to ask yourself “what speaks to your soul” resonates with me and is something I had already done. Regular visitors here know I love birds and nature. When I’m out on the nature trails monitoring or photographing birds, I am blissfully happy and unaware of the passage time. My pet birds give me joy. Gardening is my therapy.

I enjoyed this inspirational and uplifting book. While I am already doing some of steps to happiness, I found several more that I will incorporate, notably, a change in mindset (anything is possible) and creating new habits (reinvent my sluggish morning routine).

Audio production . . .
The book was narrated by the author, Kristi Ling. I’m not always a fan of author’s reading their own books, but not in this case. Her cheerful, uplifting tone is very listenable, and her enthusiasm for the subject is inspiring.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it!! It’s a lot of stuff people are already doing but makes you look at areas you can improve upon. Great read for a time going through Covid and everyone having more anxiety and worry in their lives! 💞💞

[Kris]

I read a lot of books around self improvement and creating happiness, balance, better parenting and leadership skills.
My opinion is that this books hit on some really good and easy ways to create more of the life you want. Some books are too detailed and just too much information. I like how the author gave very easy practical steps and make changes to create a more harmonious life.
If you are new to creating harmony or joy in your life this is a great easy read to get some starting pointers.

[Katy · Rating 2 out of 5]

It started out with good intentions. Creating good intentions, creating a better morning, the practice of happiness rather than the expectation of it.... But then came the talk about health and weight. The author may not have intended it to be so, but it felt very, 'if you follow my steps, you'll lose weight, and if you lose weight, you'll be healthy, and everyone wants that right?!' There were some good points, but I couldn't get past the assumption that health and weight were "key aspects" of perfect happiness.

[Norah Davex · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very inspiring book about creating your own happiness. It is full of wisdom and advice about being happy. It teaches you look to at your life and how to make the most of it and gives you tips on making your life better and happier. It teaches you to want to achieve goals and become a better you. The book is definitely a must read! I enjoyed the book so much.

[Love75 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice book, I enjoyed it.

[Jenn. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read via Audible. Read by author!

Some good nuggets. Not a wow. 30 day section at end was most useful. Stories within were relatable and added to the book.

[Kristen Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is full of the truth about what it takes to be truly happy. Mindset, action and habits. I appreciate your story and journey. She’s authentic and truly cares about the reader

[Rubina · Rating 4 out of 5]

While there is nothing exceptionally new in the subject matter, it is still a worthy read. Ling's message is that happiness is a skill we should learn and we can take steps to cultivate positive shifts in our lives. Her writing style and sharing of her personal life experiences make the book an overall pleasant read.

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

FTC Disclosure: I received this book free from Goodreads hoping I would review it.

[hissi · Rating 4 out of 5]

repetitive book with small chapters, good to recap on the things that you need to do to feel happy, like gratitude and helping others.

[Daniell]

for the woo-woo, "feel love and compassion for everyone" crowd. Also having money to redecorate your house and take trips helps:)

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author shares her journey to happiness sprinkled with a milieu of spiritual practices for good measure. Nothing groundbreaking but a feel good title nonetheless that will appeal to New Age epicureans and those desiring to flee the cycle of self sabotage and climb aboard the happiness express. Enjoy the trip!

[Tiff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ling made me feel awesome and inspired. Happiness is something that we have to train ourselves to do, it doesn't fall from a tree. It starts with how we want to start our morning: hitting the snooze button, waking up late, rushing to work; or waking up earlier, slowly waking up with time for your routines and breakfast, arriving to work early. It is all up to you! Thank you, Ling! What priceless advice and so easily overlooked.