Thank you for your feedback, and you are welcome. I am going to read Sonja book. My goal is to become more of a happier person. After reading Sonja book, I would be able to take the best of both research and see where it takes me.

I have been applying some of Fordyce fundamentals. Its not magic, or overnight cure but it does work. It takes lot of insight and lot of work. Its not that hard to become happy, its fun to do and it’s worth it.

I am looking forward to reading Sonja book, and apply some of her suggestions. Both research could be applied, if someone wants to be happier in his/her life.

Thank you, have and have a great day

Mike

Many of the 12 top-level ideas are very, very old, and yes, they do overlap extensively with Fordyce’s list. What Sonja Lyubomirsky’s book contributes are specific activities that have been studied empirically, descriptions of the studies, and the best-fit chapter about how to pick the ones that are most likely to work for you AND that you are most likely to practice until they become habits. There has been a considerable amount of new research since 1987, so it’s also an update on what’s known.

Thanks for the reminder about Fordyce.

Kathryn

From: Chapter 3
THE “FOURTEEN FUNDAMENTALS” PROGRAM

The “Fourteen Fundamentals” are fourteen, highly characteristic traits of happy individuals, according to years of collected research.

Each of these 14 happiness traits, according to the research, make a significant contribution to the happiness that the happiest individuals enjoy.

All of these fourteen happiness traits can be developed by ordinary individuals.

And finally, virtually anyone who develops these characteristics will become noticably happier.
The above are the major proposition which underlie the happiness program we have developed…

The “Fourteen Fundamentals” are:
1. Be more active and keep busy.
2. Spend more time socializing.
3. Be productive at meaningful work.
4. Get better-organized and plan things out.
5. Stop worrying.
6. Lower your expectations and aspirations.
7. Develop positive optimistic thinking.
8. Get present-oriented.
9. WOAHP — work on a healthy personality.
10. Develop an outgoing, social personality.
11. Be yourself.
12. Eliminate the negative feelings and problems.
13. Close relationships are #1 source of happiness.
14. VALHAP — the “secret fundamental”.

I think authors enjoy getting appreciative mail from their readers. It helps them believe they aren’t dropping words into a black hole. So go ahead and write!

Thank you for your comment about the review.

Kathryn