The Happiness Trap Summary

Summary of The Happiness Trap Book by Russ Harris

Name: The Happiness Trap
Rating: 4.6 (3994 reviews)
Author: Russ Harris

4.6 . 3994 reviews

Short summary

Internationally acclaimed Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) trainer and author, Russ Harris, explains how to escape the happiness trap and find true satisfaction in life, in this summary, “The Happiness Trap,” Russ Harris explains that the way most of us go about trying to find happiness ends up making us miserable, driving the epidemics of stress, anxiety, and depression. This empowering book presents the insights and techniques of ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), a revolutionary new psychotherapy based on cutting-edge research in behavioral psychology. The techniques presented in “The Happiness Trap” will help readers reduce stress and worry, handle painful feelings and thoughts more effectively, break self-defeating habits, overcome insecurity and self-doubt as well as create a rich, full, and meaningful life.

17 min

9 key points

13 insights

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Table of content

Summary of The Happiness Trap
About the author
What is The Happiness Trap about?
Who should read The Happiness Trap
Topics in The Happiness Trap

first key point

You can learn how to recognize the “happiness trap” and figure out how to climb out of it

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00:00

A growing body of scientific research suggests we are all caught in a powerful psychological trap. This trap is so well hidden, and we don't even have a clue that we are caught and controlled by it.

The good news is there's hope. You can learn how to recognize the happiness trap, and more importantly, you can learn how to climb out of it and stay out. A powerful model for change known as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) has been astoundingly effective in helping patients with a wide range of problems. From depression and anxiety to chronic pain and even drug addiction.

“Negative feelings mean I'm a normal human being.” ~ Russ Harris

In the western world, we have a higher standard of living than humans have ever known before, yet; we have a lot of unhappy people. There is better medical treatment, more and better food, better housing conditions, better sanitation, more money, more welfare services, and more access to education, entertainment and career opportunities. Indeed, today's middle class lives better than the royalty of not so long ago, and yet human misery is everywhere.

Happiness means a rich, full, and meaningful life. When we take action on the things that truly matter deep in our hearts when we move in directions that we consider valuable and worthy when we clarify what we stand for in life and act accordingly, then our lives become rich and full and meaningful, and we experience a powerful sense of vitality.

Evolution has shaped our minds so that we are almost inevitably destined to suffer psychologically: to compare, evaluate and criticize ourselves; to focus on what we’re lacking.

Although such a life will undoubtedly give us many pleasurable feelings, it will also give us uncomfortable ones, such as sadness, fear, and anger. This is only to be expected. If we live a full life, we will feel the full range of human emotions.

The reality is, life involves pain. There's no getting away from it. As human beings, we are all faced with the fact that sooner or later, we will grow infirm, get sick, and die. The good news is that, although we can't avoid such pain, we can learn to handle it much better, to make room for it, rise above it and create a life worth living.

Did you know? The World Health Organization estimates that depression is currently the fourth biggest, costliest and most debilitating disease in the world, and by the year 2020 it will be the second biggest.

second key point

The four major myths that make up the happiness trap

Unlike what fairy tales and movies have made us believe, there are hardly any happy ever afters. True happiness is rare, and not everyone experiences this all the time. Here are four major myths that make up the happiness trap:

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third key point

Using control strategies to search for happiness only creates a vicious circle

fourth key point

Using the six core principles of ACT, you can overcome negative feelings

fifth key point

We’re always experiencing emotion of some sort—they can be controlled

sixth key point

Every emotion gives you the impulse to act in a certain way; this impulse is called “urge”

seventh key point

Connection means being fully aware of your here – and – now experience and being interested

eighth key point

Deal with FEAR so that you can experience change

ninth key point

Conclusion

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What is The Happiness Trap about?

"The Happiness Trap" by Russ Harris is a self-help book that offers practical strategies to break free from the endless pursuit of happiness and find contentment in life. Drawing from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), the author guides readers through mindfulness exercises and cognitive techniques to overcome negative thoughts, embrace difficult emotions, and live a more fulfilling and meaningful life. This book provides a refreshing perspective on happiness and offers valuable tools for personal growth and well-being.

Who should read The Happiness Trap

Individuals seeking practical strategies to overcome life's challenges and find lasting happiness.
Those feeling stuck in negative thought patterns and seeking a way out.
Anyone interested in learning how to live a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

Topics in The Happiness Trap

Self-Help Psychology Mindfulness Happiness Anxiety Depression Self-Awareness Stress Management Personal Development Emotional Intelligence Resilience Self-Care Positive Thinking Self-Esteem

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