Shawn Achor

Shawn Achor is an author, speaker, and enthusiast of positive psychology whose unique perspective is at once credible and rather infectious. The bestselling author is best known for expanding on existing research to focus on the effects of positive psychology in cultivating meaningful, lasting happiness. By leveraging prosocial behavior and a powerful sense of the presence of well-being, Achor has produced many influential works that help readers manage stress, anxiety and overwhelming life changes easily and effectively.

For Achor, happiness inspires success, not the inverse. This optimistic perspective is at the core of his work, which employs a holistic approach to tackling the frustrations of everyday life. In his books, Achor addresses issues like coping with stress in the workplace, raising self-awareness of emotions, and understanding how to truly enjoy a sense of worthiness.

Achor’s best-known book is probably “The Happiness Advantage”, which was published in 2010. He achieved broad acclaim for his book, which puts forth the idea that positive mindsets can increase success. Achor builds off the concept of positive psychology, suggesting that cultivating a feeling of contentment, combined with directed action and effort, can move individuals forward professionally and personally.

The key to this success, he proposes, lies in cultivating habits of gratitude, mindfulness and positivity. By engaging in activities that bring joy and excitement, Achor argues, readers can release endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine which can then be used to fuel further productivity and creativity. Achor believes that such habits can flip the traditional view of success on its head and creates a better understanding of the world around us.

Achor’s second book, “Before Happiness” (2013) is a continuation of his first book and focuses on the prerequisites for successfully achieving meaningful happiness. He argues that, in order for long-lasting, true happiness to be achieved, individuals must rewire their neural pathways, much like a computer, to achieve sustainable contentment.

Achor also suggests that when individuals leverage their biological rewards systems, they can tap into a powerful source of encouragement that is much stronger than the traditional sticks and carrots of motivation. He argues that unlocking one’s underlying potential can help build resilience and create better overall performance in the face of life’s struggles.

Finally, Achor’s newest book “The Orange Frog” (2017) explores the idea of “outliers of happiness.” Building on his previous works, Achor examines the phenomenon of happiness and how, when cultivated in the right environment and under the right circumstances, it can spark major leaps forward.

Shawn Achor’s work is truly inspiring and pushes readers to truly, profoundly appreciate the present. By applying the teachings of positive psychology, Achor helps readers acknowledge, accept and act on the possibilities and opportunities that life presents. He achieves a unique combination of practical insight and optimistic perspective that will speak to readers of all ages.