Handbook to a Happier Life: A Simple Guide to Creating the Life You've Always Wanted

by Jim Donovan

Book Overview

Jim Donovan didn't set out to be a book author, he just wanted to pass along much of the distilled wisdom he had collected or discovered in his own life, much the way he passed it along through his speaking career. He set out to put a few words down on paper, and then added stories that illustrated the point, and the next thing he knew he had a book, and the book moved people and helped them make their lives better. The goal of Handbook to a Happier...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1577314018
• ISBN13: 9781577314011
• Release Date: March 2003
• Publisher: New World Library
• Length: 176 Pages
• Weight: 0.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 5.5" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

A Rational Approach to Life Enhancing Changes

I loved this book. I love it so much, I want to give copies to my sisters, my friends and to get my husband to read it. The ideas seem so simple and straight forward, that when you read it, you say "of course, I can do that in my life." Much of it covers identifying your goals, focusing on those and affirming that you can achieve them. I found it very rational and not just wishful thinking. I really like the exercises included in some chapters. One exercise was to write a description of what would be a your perfect day. He explains the purpose of each exercise and ask questions/gives direction for carrying it out. It's the type of book that can be sampled and parts re-read at intervals to reinforce your efforts for a happier life.

Personal Development 101

Handbook to a Happier Life is Personal Development 101. For those who haven't already steeped themselves in self-help books and courses, Donovan offers an easy entry to the idea that you can indeed create your own happiness by following some simple steps - 62 to be exact. "Developing a Positive Attitude," "Willingness," and "Energy Pickup" are among the bite-sized personal growth nuggets Donovan offers to simply change our lives for the better. Each of the 62 nuggets is a 2-3 page chapter of personal stories (his and others) along with his thoughts about the topic. By answering the questions he poses, we can take each concept to a deeper level. The wisdom he shares with us is timeless and his questions are often provocative. For example, he writes, "I've been amazed at how often I have seen the effectiveness of ...[having consistency of purpose]. Why, for instance, do people age differently? What keeps some people going strong, while others seem to have given up on life...? I am convinced the difference lies in having a purpose. We need a reason to get out of bed in the morning. We need something outside ourselves to keep us going." Although any of the 62 nuggets could potentially be life changing if applied, reading them all in one serving could be overwhelming. My suggestion for getting the most out of this book is to take just a few minutes each morning to read a chapter and then apply what you've read throughout the normal course of that day. In a mere two months, there's a good chance you'd live up to the promise of this book -- a happier life!

One Very Happy Selection

In the course of many years, I have read many self-help books and attended many seminars. While all good, nothing has given me the sustained "bounce" that Donovan's book has.Why? While nearly all similar such materials contain like truisms, this book has managed to get to the heart of the matter in a very interesting, logical, articulate, and effective way. One of the features I especially enjoy is that it is a "bite-sized" handbook--one easy to digest and use as a valuable reference later. Not too short with quippy one-liners and not so long so that one gets lost or tires before getting to the pivotal points.I ordered several books on the topic and so far this is the absolute best. I can honestly say that some of the insights have helped make the last few weeks among the happiest of my life. May you also have abiding happiness in your life. God bless.

Get Happy Now!

This is a reader-friendly goal-setting and achieving book that motivates you to have the happy life you deserve. The book puts your life in a spotlight. What do you want? What stops you from getting it? Then, and only then, does Donovan give you the ideas to break through your walls of resistance, inside and outside.Along the way, you gain some valuable personal emotional intelligence to keep your psyche in balance.

Go from rock bottom to the stars!

I love this book! There are no arcane theories here; just the most pragmatic self-help advice in easy to read bits that I've ever seen. If you buy this book, easily worth twice its price, you'll kick yourself for not having read it sooner.