Emotional Success: The Power of Gratitude, Compassion, and Pride by David DeSteno

If you're looking for tips on increasing your emotional success, then renowned psychologist David DeSteno's research-backed book "Emotional Success: The Power of Gratitude, Compassion, and Pride" may have the answers you need. In this book, DeSteno looks at the connection between emotional success, backed with psychology and neuroscience, and explains how cultivating an appreciation of gratitude, compassion, and pride can help further success and mend broken relationships.

In DeSteno's book, he stresses the importance of gratitude for emotional success. Gratitude, according to DeSteno, is more than just saying ‘thank you’. True and meaningful gratitude is borne from emotional awareness, where one takes the time to really consider the value and emotional impact of another’s actions or words. DeSteno recommends engaging in weekly gratitude exercises, such as writing down a few things that went well during the day, to cultivate a feeling of thankfulness. Surprisingly, DeSteno argues that expressing gratitude can have a profound effect on one’s physical health, in addition to psychological benefits. For example, studies have found that grateful people are more likely to be seen as trustworthy, have more satisfying relationships, and have a better overall emotional wellbeing.

Another major area of emotional success is compassion. A key part of compassionate behavior is recognizing another person’s emotional experiences, understanding them, and responding in an empathetic way. Empathy is not a trait that only a lucky few are born with, however; it can be learned and cultivated. DeSteno provides readers with exercises and practices to help them develop their skills in understanding and responding to others to create mutual understanding and trust. According to DeSteno, learning to interact with others compassionately can improve relationships, reduce stress, lower the risk of depression, and provide instant emotional rewards.

Finally, DeSteno explores the concept of pride in his book, which is often overlooked in discussions of emotional success. Pride, according to DeSteno, is a positive emotion that is based on an appreciation of one’s own worth. DeSteno suggests that instead of relying solely on external validation, people should take time to recognize and be proud of their accomplishments. Through showing genuine pride in one’s own triumphs, instead of being jealous of others’ successes, one can foster feelings of satisfaction with themselves and their lives.

Throughout "Emotional Success: The Power of Gratitude, Compassion, and Pride", DeSteno emphasizes that cultivating these three emotions can yield great emotional rewards and lead to a greater overall happiness and success. This book provides a wealth of information and exercises for readers looking for practical ways to improve their emotional success. As DeSteno rightly points out, emotional success is not just about the achievement of goals, but lies in an appreciation of the present, an understanding of the importance of worthwhile relationships and an understanding of oneself in order to live a more fulfilling and meaningful life.