Sharpen Your Positive Edge: Shifting Your Thoughts for More Positivity & Success (Book Review)
“Information applied to a situation causes transformation.”
This book helps you do just that: apply information and strategies to real life that help to change your brain to be happier and more productive.
Written by Tina Hallis, a scientist-turned-positive-psychology-practioner, Sharpen Your Positive Edge: Shifting Your Thoughts for More Positivity and Success
After an introduction into the theory of positive psychology and the purpose of the book, the book outlines 80 tips for applying the science and strategies in real life, organized into four major themes:
- Increasing Positivity
- Managing Negativity
- Building Positive Relationships
- Creating Positive Goals
My favorite part of reading Tina’s book was starting in the section that most resonated with me and then jumping around as she suggested associated tips to apply. For example, in reading Tip 43 Being Thankful While You Wait – Using the Extra Time for Gratitude Instead of Frustration there’s a recommendation to also read Tip 16 Creative Gratitude – Why I’m Grateful for Singing in The Shower, Start Trek and Straws. This provided me with additional ideas for applying similar strategies from the science of happiness, supported by stories from Tina’s life. As I read through the tips, I jotted down thoughts and questions along the way that helped me to better apply the strategies to my real life, and to work at Happy Brain Science, after reading.
All-in-all, Shifting Your Positive Edge is a comprehensive toolbox of 80 different strategies, from the research. I highly recommend it for those new to positive psychology and looking for real-life stories of how to apply the science, as well as to seasoned practitioners interested in ‘walking the talk’ and better relaying stories of applying the science at work and in life. As you read, I’d encourage you to test and learn with the strategies included to see what works best for you!