russia has launched a full-scale war in Ukraine. Donate to support Ukraine and protect the world’s peace.

Hardwiring Happiness

summary ofHardwiring HappinessBook by Rick Hanson, PhD

14 min
00:00
/
00:00
Get full summary

You’ll learn

  • What is the HEAL method
  • The contrast between the green and red brains
  • How to find your inner power
  • The influence of positive experiences

first KEY POINT

Appreciate even the tiny positive moments

Most of us go from one day to another, trying to surmount different obstacles. These obstacles can be overwhelming, so we can't notice the positive experiences. By default, our brains diminish the positives and exaggerate the negatives.In this summary, you will learn why and how to tap into the power of positive experiences to transform the quality of your life. Good moments can help develop a confident and relaxed brain. These moments are not expensive to experience. They are everyday activities like having a cup of coffee, feeling satisfaction after doing a chore, or enjoying the kindness someone significant shows to you.

To be well, to cope with stress, and to succeed, we need inner strengths hidden in our brain structure.

Our ancestors tapped into their inner strength, but their primary objective for doing so was to escape danger. Consequently, humanity developed a negativity bias. This idea forces us to focus on bad experiences and ignore the good ones. The power of a positive background can satisfy all our needs, from the basic desire for safety to effective interaction with others. Eventually, we will find peace and well-being within ourselves that is independent of external conditions.

Building inner strength, contentment, and love enables you to stay unperturbed through life’s situations.

Your brain directs your thoughts, feelings, and actions. Positive experiences can affect your brain. Now, it is up to you to control the process and stop being a victim of circumstances.

second KEY POINT

Enhance your inner power with joyful experiences

Everyone must cultivate seven inner strengths:• Harmony
• Fulfillment
• Endurance
• Self-belief
• Drive
• Understanding
• CompassionWith this core, you can deal with life’s difficulties, such as healing from old pain and recovering from a stressful life.The good news is that you can develop these strengths, even if you feel they are lacking. You must pay close attention to what’s happening in your mind. Locate the positive thoughts you have and expand them. For example, continue developing this idea if you suddenly think how wonderful it is to have good friends. Feel grateful for the good people around you, remember the beautiful moments you spent together, and smile. Think of your mind as a fertile, uncultivated field. If left untouched, weeds and unwanted plants will grow on it. However, if you want flowers in your area, you must plant them there intentionally.

book cover

Continue reading with Headway app

Continue reading

Full summary is waiting for you in the app

first KEY POINT

You don't have to survive today

second KEY POINT

Take care of your mental health to stay in responsive mode

third KEY POINT

Switch from negativity to responsivity

fourth KEY POINT

Accept the good to anchor the positive experience

fifth KEY POINT

Over time, positive experiences supersede negative ones

sixth KEY POINT

Conclusion

About the author

Rick Hanson is a psychologist, Senior Fellow of the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley, and The New York Times bestselling author.

Join 55+ million learners worldwide

172K 5 reviews on App Store and Google Play

Get started

Frequently asked questions

What is Hardwiring Happiness: The Practical Science of Reshaping Your Brain — and Your Life about?

Hardwiring Happiness: The Practical Science of Reshaping Your Brain — and Your Life, authored by Rick Hanson, explores how to cultivate lasting happiness by rewiring your brain. The book delves into brain science and provides practical strategies to help you transform negative experiences into positive feelings, thereby improving your overall mental well-being.

What are the key takeaways from Hardwiring Happiness: The Practical Science of Reshaping Your Brain — and Your Life?

Key takeaways from Hardwiring Happiness include techniques for focusing on positive experiences to enhance emotional resilience and well-being. Rick Hanson emphasizes the importance of mindful awareness and the practice of savoring positive moments to create lasting neural changes that promote happiness.

Is Hardwiring Happiness: The Practical Science of Reshaping Your Brain — and Your Life worth reading?

Yes, Hardwiring Happiness by Rick Hanson is definitely worth reading for anyone seeking to improve their mental health and happiness. It offers scientifically backed insights and practical exercises that can help readers effectively reshape their thinking and emotional responses.

How many pages is Hardwiring Happiness: The Practical Science of Reshaping Your Brain — and Your Life and when was it published?

Hardwiring Happiness contains approximately 352 pages and was published in September 2013. This length makes it a comprehensive yet accessible read for those interested in psychological well-being.

Who is the author of Hardwiring Happiness: The Practical Science of Reshaping Your Brain — and Your Life?

The author of Hardwiring Happiness is Rick Hanson, a psychologist and wellness expert known for his work on the brain and happiness. His expertise in neuropsychology underpins the practical advice found in the book, making it a valuable resource for those looking to enhance their life.