Habits for Action

by Timothy J. Sharp

Genres: Nonfiction, Audiobook, Self Help, Psychology, Productivity, Personal Development

Audiobook

About the author

Dr Tim Sharp is a highly-respected clinical psychologist at the forefront of Positive Psychology. He is a much sought after conference speaker and has a niche position in the media as the people's resource for happiness and wellbeing, going by the moniker 'Dr Happy'. Tim's broad appeal has seen him publish several books, including the best-seller 'The Good Sleep Guide', he writes a weekly column for the Sunday Telegraph (Body and Soul) and appears on ABC radio regularly. Note from the editor: Not only is positive psychology the most productive and far-reaching arm of clinical research, but Tim makes the most recent discoveries incredibly accessible for the busy person who simply wants proven techniques to improve their life today.

Reviews

[The Cats’ Mother · Rating 4 out of 5]

Habits for Action is an eight part audiobook series which is free with an Audible subscription, written and narrated by Australian psychologist and motivational speaker Dr Tim Sharp, aka “Dr Happy”. In it he tackles the most common excuses people use for not making positive changes in their lives, such as “I don’t have time” or “I’m too old” in a friendly pragmatic way.
I listened to this while running on the treadmill, and found having a chirpy Aussie talking to me about all the benefits of Action (and demolishing my excuses), boosted my motivation and definitely kept me going longer than I would’ve otherwise.

Each chapter is about 30 minutes long, and covers two common excuses - there are fifteen in all, using a mixture of research evidence, behavioural science, personal anecdotes, and sometimes plain old common sense to back up his arguments. He’s sometimes blunt, but never brutal, and he freely admits when he’s straying out of his area of expertise eg when referring to diet, or diagnosing depression. Some of it did get a bit repetitive, which is common to all the self-help books I’ve listened to since joining Audible, and there’s rather too much self-promotion for his website & social media platforms, but I think most people would find at least some of his tips helpful. I also liked the “real people” examples.

[A.M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dr Tim has done the research on this stuff, and these audiobooks are upbeat and easy to listen to. Of course, like everything, following through on the good advice is the issue.
But the more people learn that ‘I’ll be happy when…’ thing is a huge mistake, the better.

Ep 1: No More Excuses
Ep 2: There’s No Perfect Time
Ep 3: You’re Never Too Busy
Ep 4: It's Not Too Hard
Ep 5: Happiness Is Here & Now
Ep 6: It's Not Too Late
Ep 7: Happiness is a Choice
Ep 8: Make Happiness A Priority

Worth a listen.
4 stars

[Sian · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this audiobook, it inspired me to be more active and make efficient decisions. What I didn’t enjoy, was listening to all the different people’s comments on their journeys. There was too many for each segment and it was too many different energies and experiences that, in my mind, took up too much time in the book, so honestly, I ended up forwarding them. I don’t feel like I missed out by doing so.

[Andreea · Rating 1 out of 5]

Let me summarize this book for you: JUST DO IT. Oh, you don't know what or how? JUST GOOGLE IT.

This is the book basically. Advice and tips we already know, but nothing to actually help you set things in motion. It doesn't say anything that couldn't be said in a small article.

[Maral Madani]

Really enjoyed it. Focusing on some common themes. Enjoyed episodes 6 and 8 the most.

[Steph · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think this series could have been much shorter and to the point. In each episode there were 'interview' pieces with people which were good because it put the ideas into a practical setting. And in each episode there were probably 2 or 3 main/key points or sentences. If you can sift through the other waffle to these then there were some good ideas.

Overall it was a bit too vague and aimless, which is ironic.

[Sahana Ramesh · Rating 3 out of 5]

HABITS FOR ACTIONS

Dr. Tim Sharp aka Dr. Happy

This is an Audible Original Podcast. Free for members.

I give this a 3.5/5

We all know for a fact that reading books, watching inspirational videos, and listening to podcasts will not take us anywhere unless we implement the learning. This is exactly what is said in this podcast. Don't just limit yourself to reading but execute the learned formulae in real life. The narration is neat and has clarity. I enjoyed it thoroughly. Hope you do too.

[Bryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some good advice. I particularly enjoyed the concept that the problem isn't having enough time, the problem is focusing on the goals that are important to you and not getting sidetracked by unimportant goals.

[Evelyn Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this a lot. Timothy has made me realise I have a lot to change but also that I'm half way there. I've begun organizing, going for walks even picking wildflowers. I will definitely be listening again.

[Rebee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not super useful. Lots of tips but also lots of repetition and plugs for his other books and his website.

[Kylie Abecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loads of great information and go-getter points made in this book. A great read right before setting my New-Year, New-Me goals 🤣

[Terry McIntire · Rating 3 out of 5]

A pretty good book illustrating the benefits of good habits. Recommend reading a book on establishing the habits, maybe Atomic Habits.

[Rotimi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty elaborate and insightful

[David Lillico · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good reminder that you can do it!

[Susan Marano · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed listening to his Australian accent on Audible. He has a lot of practical information that he shares. I now follow him on Instagram as well for inspirational content.

[o n o · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sharp's delightful!

[Pamela Mukherjee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liked the book. But I found few chapters are repetitive as like habits for happiness type.

[Jade · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5⭐️

[Hilary Cockshaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook

[Tracey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has some useful tips for living a more positive life. I found the shared reflections/anecdotes after each topic to be helpful and relatable. Overall though, I found the advice quite repetitive and not particularly memorable. There’s others that I’ve found more engaging and life changing.

[Rehnell Blackett · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was ok but didn't learn anything new. I much prefer Dr Tim Sharp's Habits for Happiness. This one is only 20 minutes long. Although there are some good principles mentioned that you can use for not just careers but every day like situations.

[John Fox · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an 8 part series on common excuses on why people don't make positive changes to their lives. Dr Happy tackles all these excuses well and gives practical tips on how to combat them. Quite useful and motivational.