Overview
Creating Your Best Life is the only research-based book on the topic of goals and happiness, and it has found receptive audiences worldwide. Filled with interactive exercises and quizzes, it helps readers set and accomplish life list goals and understand the link between goal accomplishment and happiness, also known as Positive Psychology. In a step-by-step fashion, the book teaches readers how to coach themselves on how to set goals in 16 life domains, as well as take control of their environment to maximize their chances of success.Synopsis
Creating Your Best Life is the only research-based book on the topic of goals and happiness, and it has found receptive audiences worldwide. Filled with interactive exercises and quizzes, it helps readers set and accomplish life list goals and understand the link between goal accomplishment and happiness, also known as Positive Psychology. In a step-by-step fashion, the book teaches readers how to coach themselves on how to set goals in 16 life domains, as well as take control of their environment to maximize their chances of success.
Publishers Weekly
Life coach Miller collaborates with Frisch, a researcher and clinical psychologist, to create a fascinating book that connects the research on goal-setting with the new science of positive psychology. Turns out these two have a symbiotic relationship, for as Miller says, "[H]appiness requires having clear-cut goals in life that give us a sense of purpose and direction.... when we make progress toward attaining goals in one area of life, we raise our overall life satisfaction in other areas because of the 'spillover' effect." Each chapter focuses on ways to increase happiness and self-efficacy, and directs readers to a particular "life list" at the back of the book. These range from "100 Things to Do Before I Die" to a list of mood-boosters that bring "Jolts of Joy" or a "Web of Influence Map," where readers can chart how the closest people in their lives reflect their values; research indicates that rates of obesity and smoking are determined by who we socialize with. The authors share ingenious tips on reminders (cellphone ring tones, screen savers) that will help readers achieve long-term goals by suggestion. An excellent resource list rounds out the book. (Jan.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Editorials
Library Journal
Miller (psychology, Univ. of Texas, Dallas) and clinical psychologist Frisch pull from psychological theories on goal setting, social cognitive theory, and learned optimism to help readers achieve goals contributing to their quality of life. The authors emphasize the necessity of creating a life list, which sets goals as to where an individual wants to go in life and what he or she wants to leave behind as a legacy. They provide ideas for happiness boosters (e.g., engaging in physical exercise and volunteer work) and willpower boosters (e.g., hiding temptations and getting rid of clutter) as well as numerous life list exercises and work sheets. A particularly realistic chapter covers overcoming hurdles and failures. A+ for the authors' ability to integrate science with a practical application for the general public. One of the best of its kind.Publishers Weekly
Life coach Miller collaborates with Frisch, a researcher and clinical psychologist, to create a fascinating book that connects the research on goal-setting with the new science of positive psychology. Turns out these two have a symbiotic relationship, for as Miller says, "[H]appiness requires having clear-cut goals in life that give us a sense of purpose and direction.... when we make progress toward attaining goals in one area of life, we raise our overall life satisfaction in other areas because of the 'spillover' effect." Each chapter focuses on ways to increase happiness and self-efficacy, and directs readers to a particular "life list" at the back of the book. These range from "100 Things to Do Before I Die" to a list of mood-boosters that bring "Jolts of Joy" or a "Web of Influence Map," where readers can chart how the closest people in their lives reflect their values; research indicates that rates of obesity and smoking are determined by who we socialize with. The authors share ingenious tips on reminders (cellphone ring tones, screen savers) that will help readers achieve long-term goals by suggestion. An excellent resource list rounds out the book. (Jan.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Library Journal
Instead of making New Year's resolutions, it may be more beneficial to assemble a goal-setting list. So believe positive psychologist/life coach Miller and clinical psychologist Frisch (Baylor Univ.), who have put together dozens of interactive exercises and assessments to guide readers in self-discovery and life-list creation. Whether or not readers follow through with every assignment, they will undoubtedly be inspired to think about goals and live more consciously and productively. Recommended for all libraries.
—Deborah Bigelow