Books on positive psychology have gained immense popularity in recent years. These books offer readers insights into the science of happiness and resilience. Some of these books include Arete-Activate Your Heroic Potential; Sonja Lyubomirsky-The Myths of Happiness
They help individuals understand how to lead a more fulfilling life by identifying their strengths and weaknesses and cultivating positive emotions and relationships. These books are written by some of the most renowned psychologists of our time and offer practical advice on how to reach one’s maximum potential.
By reading these books, one can learn about the latest research on positive psychology and how to apply it in their daily lives. Apart from these two books, many other impactful books on positive psychology can help you transform your life and experience a greater sense of meaning and purpose.
30 Best Books on Positive
1. Arete: Activate Your Heroic Potential
- Author: Brian Johnson
- First Published: November 14, 2023
- Number of Pages: 1060
Brian Johnson’s book aims to help readers win the ultimate game of life and fulfill their destiny by integrating ancient wisdom, modern science, and practical tools. The book provides more than just coping mechanisms for modern stress; it offers a training program for the soul
2. Authentic Happiness: Using the New Positive Psychology to Realize Your Potential for Lasting Fulfillment
- Author: Martin E.P. Seligman
- First Published: August 2, 2002
- Number of Pages: 336
Esteemed psychologist and bestselling author Martin Seligman suggests that true and long-lasting happiness doesn’t come from good genes or luck but from focusing on personal strengths instead of weaknesses. Seligman provides practical exercises, brief tests, and a dynamic website program to help people identify their highest virtues and use them to improve different aspects of their lives.
Read Also: 30 Best Books On Emotional Intelligence
3. The Gifts of Imperfection
- Author: Brene Brown
- First Published: August 27, 2010
- Number of Pages: 137
Dr. Brené Brown is a renowned Research Professor Social Work and licensed Master Social Worker. and thought leader who has dedicated her career to studying topics such as vulnerability, courage, worthiness, and shame. In her work, she has identified ten guideposts that can help individuals embrace the power of wholehearted living, which involves engaging with the world from a place of worthiness. These guideposts include cultivating authenticity, practicing self-compassion, embracing vulnerability, and cultivating gratitude and joy. By following these guideposts, individuals can learn how to show up in the world with their whole selves and live a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
4. Positive Psychology in a Nutshell
- Authors: Ilona Boniwell
- First Published: October 1, 2012
- Number of Pages: 352
The book aims to delve into the various models and theories that underlie positive psychology and provide a comprehensive analysis of its benefits and practical applications in real life. In doing so, it seeks to examine how positive psychology can help individuals achieve greater happiness, well-being, and life satisfaction. Additionally, the book also endeavors to critically evaluate the potential limitations and drawbacks of positive psychology, taking into account the various criticisms and controversies surrounding its research and practice. Through a nuanced and balanced approach, the book offers readers a deeper understanding of the field of positive psychology and its implications for personal growth and societal well-being.
5. Pursuing the Good Life: 100 Reflections on Positive Psychology
- Author: Christopher Peterson
- First Published: November 30, 2012
- Number of Pages: 341
Christopher Peterson’s book Pursuing the Good Life explores the field of positive psychology through one hundred short reflections. Peterson uses his humor, warmth, and wisdom to take readers on a journey through the positive side of psychology.
6. The Myths of Happiness
- Author: Sonja Lyubomirsky
- First Published: January 1, 2012
- Number of Pages: 320
Sonja argues that there are cultural myths that make us believe that we can achieve lifelong happiness once we hit certain markers of success. This limited perspective on happiness discourages us from recognizing growth opportunities and the positive aspects of negative experiences. Unrealistic expectations transform normal life events into emotional obstacles and can lead to harmful decisions.
7. Rethinking Positive Thinking: Inside the New Science of Motivation
- Author: Gabriele Oettingen
- First Published: October 16, 2014
- Number of Pages: 240
Gabriele Oettingen’s research in the science of human motivation challenges conventional wisdom by showing that the obstacles we perceive as preventing us from achieving our dreams can help us achieve them. She introduces a new way of visualizing the future called “mental contrasting,” which involves focusing on our dreams while also visualizing the obstacles that stand in our way. This technique is based on groundbreaking research and large-scale scientific studies.
8. What You Can Change and What You Can’t: The Complete Guide to Successful Self-Improvement
- Author: Martin E.P. Seligman
- First Published: December 1, 1993
- Number of Pages: 336
Martin Seligman has analyzed scientific research on treatments for various conditions such as alcoholism, anxiety, weight loss, anger, depression, phobias, and obsessions. He reports what does not work and identifies the techniques and therapies that work best for each condition. Seligman explains why they work and how to use them to change behaviors.
9. Thanks!: How the New Science of Gratitude Can Make You Happier
- Author: Robert A. Emmons
- First Published: August 6, 2006
- Number of Pages: 244
Robert Emmons delves into the concept of gratitude in his book, Thanks! He encourages readers to learn how to incorporate this powerful emotion into their lives. From a scientific perspective, regular expressions of gratitude can lead to a 25% increase in happiness. Keeping a gratitude journal for as little as three weeks can result in better sleep and more energy. He supports the benefits of gratitude by incorporating the writings of philosophers, theologians, and novelists, who have all experienced the positive effects of living a grateful life.
10. The Happiness Project
- Author: Gretchen Rubin
- First Published: January 1, 2009
- Number of Pages: 301
The book describes the author’s experiences while testing various methods to become happier. The author discovered that novelty and challenge can bring happiness, money can contribute to happiness when spent wisely, outer order can lead to inner calm, and even small changes can make a big difference.
11. Stumbling on Happiness
- Author: Daniel Todd Gilbert
- First Published: May 2, 2006
- Number of Pages: 263
The book by Harvard psychologist Daniel Gilbert explores the human tendency to misconceive our tomorrows and misestimate our satisfactions. Gilbert explains how the human brain tends to imagine the future and predict our satisfaction with it, based on scientific research in psychology, neuroscience, philosophy, and behavioral economics. He sheds light on the human ability to predict the future and why we know so little about the people we are about to become.
12. The How of Happiness: A Scientific Approach to Getting the Life You Want
- Author: Sonja Lyubomirsky
- First Published: 2007
- Number of Pages: 384
The How of Happiness provides a life-changing approach to increasing happiness and fulfillment in everyday life. It introduces activities such as practicing optimism, savoring life’s pleasures, and staying active. The guide redefines what happiness is and what it is not.
13. Happier: Learn the Secrets to Daily Joy and Lasting Fulfillment
- Author: Tal Ben-Shahar
- First Published: June 5, 2007
- Number of Pages: 192
Happier is a book that combines scientific studies, self-help advice, scholarly research, and spiritual enlightenment. It is based on the “positive psychology” movement and provides a set of principles that you can apply to your daily life. By following Happier’s thoughts, you will feel more fulfilled and content.
14. Mindset: The New Psychology of Success
- Author: Carol S. Dweck
- First Published: 2006
- Number of Pages: 276
Carol S. Dweck, a psychologist from Stanford University, has offered new insights into her widely accepted concept of the growth mindset. She explains the false growth mindset and guides adopting a deeper, truer growth mindset. The concept of mindset is also applied to the cultures of groups and organizations. With the right mindset, you can motivate those you lead, teach, and love to transform their lives as well as your own.
15. The Happiness Hypothesis: Finding Modern Truth in Ancient Wisdom
- Author: Jonathan Haidt
- First Published: December 1, 2006
- Number of Pages: 297
Jonathan Haidt explores the world’s philosophical wisdom through psychological science. The book highlights how understanding enduring maxims can transform our lives, including the well-known sayings “Do unto others as you would have others do unto you” and “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.”
16. The Happiness Advantage: The Seven Principles of Positive Psychology That Fuel Success and Performance at Work
- Author: Shawn Achor
- First Published: 2010
- Number of Pages: 272
Shawn Achor, a researcher and lecturer at Harvard University for over ten years, has conducted extensive research on potential and happiness. In his book, The Happiness Advantage, he shares insights from his studies, including one of the most comprehensive studies of its kind at Harvard, as well as research conducted at companies such as UBS and KPMG. By drawing on case studies and real-life examples from his work with thousands of executives from Fortune 500 companies across 42 different countries, Achor demonstrates how we can retrain our brains to become more positive, which can give us an advantageous edge in the workplace.
17. Flourish: A Visionary New Understanding of Happiness and Wellbeing
- Author: Martin E.P. Seligman
- First Published: April 5, 2011
- Number of Pages: 368
Flourish is a book that builds on Dr. Seligman’s work on optimism, motivation, and character to show how to get the most out of life. It unveils a new theory of what makes a good life—for individuals, communities, and nations. While happiness is certainly a part of well-being, Flourish refines what positive psychology is all about by showing that it alone doesn’t give life meaning.
18. Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience
- Author: Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
- First Published: 1990
- Number of Pages: 303
Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi’s research on “optimal experience” shows that true satisfaction comes from a state of consciousness called flow, which brings creativity, engagement, and enjoyment. In the book Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience, Csikszentmihalyi explains how we can control this positive state and improve our lives by organizing the information that enters our consciousness.
19. Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance
- Author: Angela Duckworth
- First Published: May 3, 2016
- Number of Pages: 273
Angela Duckworth explains how success doesn’t necessarily depend on talent but on identifying our passions and following through on our commitments. Duckworth shares her personal story of growing up as the daughter of a scientist who often criticized her intelligence. She talks about her career path, which included teaching, business consulting, and neuroscience research, and how she developed the hypothesis that success is driven by a combination of passion and perseverance over the long term instead of innate genius.
20. The Optimistic Child: Proven Program to Safeguard Children from Depression & Build Lifelong Resilience
- Author: Martin E.P.Seligman
- First Published: 1995
- Number of Pages: 352
Teach life skills to children with The Optimistic Child study. Optimism reduces depression risk, boosts performance, and improves health. It opens up a bigger world of possibilities.
21. Man’s Search for Meaning
- Author: Viktor E. Frankl
- First Published: 1959
- Number of Pages: 165
Viktor Frankl was a psychiatrist whose written memoir has captivated readers for generations. It details his experiences in Nazi concentration camps and shares the lessons he learned about spiritual survival. Frankl believes that while suffering is inevitable, we have the power to choose how we respond to it, find purpose in it, and move forward.
22. Happiness: Unlocking the Mysteries of Psychological Wealth
- Author: Ed Diener
- First Published: 2008
- Number of Pages: 304
Happiness is a book that challenges our current understanding of what makes us happy. Drawing on three decades of research by the world’s leading happiness expert, it redefines our modern notions of happiness. The book uses sophisticated methodology to explore the causes and consequences of happiness, presenting new insights that can help us live happier lives. The language used in the book is simple and easy to understand, making it accessible to a wide audience. Overall, happiness offers a fresh perspective on the subject and is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to live a happier life.
23. The Upside of Stress: Why Stress Is Good for You, and How to Get Good at It
- Author: Kelly McGonigal
- First Published: March 19, 2011,
- Number of Pages: 294
In The Upside of Stress, author Kelly McGonigal shares new research proving that stress can be beneficial if embraced properly. The book correlates resilience and mindset to show how stress can make us stronger, smarter, and happier.
24. Transcend: The New Science of Self-Actualization
- Authors: Scott Barry Kaufman
- First Published: 2020
- Number of Pages: 432
In this book, Kaufman’s new hierarchy of needs emphasizes self-actualization as a path to fulfillment, which involves merging the self with the world.
25. The Happiness Track: How to Apply the Science of Happiness to Accelerate Your Success
- Author: Emma Seppala
- First Published: 2016
- Number of Pages: 224
The book challenges traditional ideas of success that link it to stress, razor-sharp focus, and constant discipline.
26. Strength Finder 2.0
- Author: Tom Rath
- First Published: May 5, 2007
- Number of Pages: 174
Tom Rath’s book uses the updated version of Gallup’s online assessment tool, Strength Finder 2.0. The new version offers hundreds of strategies to help users apply their strengths and gain a new perspective on themselves and the world.
27. Happiness: A Guide to Developing Life’s Most Important Skill
- Author: Matthieu Ricard
- First Published: 2003
- Number of Pages: 304
Happiness is a book that draws inspiration from various sources, such as fiction, poetry, philosophy, Buddhism, scientific research, and personal experience. It guides how to live a happier life in a fast-paced modern world. The book contains lessons and exercises that are designed to help you rethink your reality and find a path to happiness. The author, Ricard, weaves together a forward-looking and inspiring account that is both eloquent and stimulating. The text is easy to read and understand, with short sentences that are organized logically. The vocabulary used is simple and familiar, with everyday language favored over acronyms, jargon, and legal terms. The book is written in the active voice, with the subject doing the action of the verb.
28. Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself
- Author: Kristin Neff
- First Published: April 19, 2011
- Number of Pages: 320
This book talks about how self-compassion leads to greater well-being and feelings of security and self-worth. It’s important to treat yourself with the same caring support you’d give to a good friend.
29. Thinking, Fast and Slow
- Author: Daniel Kahnman
- First Published: October 25, 2011
- Number of Pages: 499
The author talks in his book about the reliability of our intuitions and the benefits of slow thinking. It emphasizes the importance of understanding how choices are made in both personal and business settings and provides techniques to overcome mental glitches that may affect our decision-making processes.
30. A Primer in Positive Psychology
- Author: Christopher Peterson
- First Published: June 28, 2006
- Number of Pages: 386
A Primer in Positive Psychology covers major topics of positive experiences, traits, and social institutions. Each chapter includes exercises, a glossary, and suggestions for further reading.
