What is the main message of New Happy?

The main message of New Happy is finding joy and contentment by embracing positivity in everyday life.

Who is the author of New Happy?

Stephanie Harrison is the author of New Happy.

Psychology

New Happy Book Summary - New Happy Book explained in key points

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New Happy summary

Name: New Happy
Author: Stephanie Harrison

Stephanie Harrison

Getting Happiness Right in a World That's Got It Wrong

21 mins

Topics

Mental Health Happy Social Psychology Self-Help

Table of Contents

New Happy
Summary of 5 key ideas

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What’s in it for me? Unlock the secrets to lasting happiness.

Have you ever found yourself chasing happiness, only to feel emptier than before? Stephanie Harrison, the author, was once in that exact place. In 2013, despite having everything she thought would make her happy – a prestigious job, a great apartment, and a promising future – she found herself deeply unhappy, battling daily panic attacks, and feeling overwhelmingly lonely. It wasn't until an unexpected moment that she began to question her understanding of happiness and decide to change her life.

Harrison moved from New York to San Francisco, pursued meaningful work, and began studying the science of happiness. Her journey took a significant turn when she met Alex, a man who inspired her with his zest for life, only to fall mysteriously ill, requiring her full-time care. Through this challenging period, Harrison discovered a new definition of happiness grounded in love, service, and humanity.

In this Blink, you'll learn about Harrison's insights and the “New Happy” philosophy. Discover how rethinking your approach to happiness can transform your life, and get ready to explore practical steps that can lead to lasting fulfillment. Harrison's story shows that even in the midst of adversity, a different kind of happiness is not only possible but within your reach.

Rethinking what happiness means

Every action, goal, and decision we make aims at achieving happiness. But have you ever stopped to think about what happiness truly means to you?

Many people adopt society's definition of happiness without realizing it. Society tells us that happiness comes from achieving perfection, earning more money, and acquiring material possessions. In reality, research shows that these pursuits often lead to dissatisfaction and unhappiness. The pressure to be perfect, to constantly achieve, and to compete with others creates stress and loneliness rather than happiness.

In Dickens’s A Christmas Carol, Ebenezer Scrooge’s pursuit of wealth and success leaves him isolated and miserable. It isn’t until he redefines his understanding of happiness – shifting from selfish pursuits to valuing connection and generosity – that he finds true joy. This reminds us that our definition of happiness deeply influences our well-being.

Society teaches us what to value from a very young age, shaping our worldview and affecting our behavior and decisions. Central to this worldview are three questions: Who am I? What should I do? and How am I related to others? The answers we’re taught often tell us that we’re lacking something, that we need to achieve certain outcomes, and that we are separate from others. And so we arrive at what the author calls “Old Happy”, which promotes the idea that individual success, material wealth, and competition are the keys to happiness.

You have the power to redefine your understanding of happiness. By recognizing and naming the outdated beliefs of Old Happy, you can create space for true, “New Happy”. Start by observing when these old beliefs arise – whether it’s the voice in your head criticizing you or societal pressures to conform. Acknowledge them, but don’t let them dictate your actions.

True happiness comes from discovering who you are and using your unique gifts to help others. You don’t need to overhaul your entire life to find it. It starts with a single, conscious choice to pursue what genuinely matters to you. This choice not only benefits you but also positively impacts those around you.

Your happiness can also change the world. Small, consistent actions can lead to significant social change, creating a world where everyone is valued, connected, and fulfilled. You don’t need to quit your job or radically change your life. Begin by making choices aligned with your true self and the well-being of others.

To find and cultivate lasting happiness, follow the steps outlined in the coming sections. First up is transforming your worldview from old happy to a new, more fulfilling perspective.

Challenging the lies about happiness

In the late 1990s, Demi Moore, one of the most celebrated stars of her generation, seemed to have it all: beauty, fame, wealth, and a high-profile marriage. Yet, behind the scenes, she battled with self-doubt and body image issues, and her marriage was actually failing. Her autobiography reveals a startling truth: despite her monumental success, she never felt good enough. This sentiment is echoed by many who achieve societal milestones of success only to find themselves feeling inadequate.

The problem is, we’ve all been taught three lies about happiness.

The interconnected nature of true happiness

In 1943, Abraham Maslow, a humanistic psychologist, published A Theory of Human Motivation, outlining five core human needs: physiological, safety, love, esteem, and self-actualization. These needs were misrepresented into the form of a pyramid, even though Maslow never created such a pyramid.

The pyramid reinforces several Old Happy misconceptions, such as that self-actualization is about reaching external achievements like fame, power, and wealth. In actual fact, Maslow described self-actualization as pursuing actions that are authentically motivated by your true inner self.

Discovering and using your unique gifts

One day, when Richard Adams was driving his kids to school, they asked him to tell a story. As a result, he invented a tale about two rabbits, Hazel and Fiver, embarking on a dangerous journey. This story became the beloved book Watership Down. Adams, a civil servant, discovered his gifts at 52, showing that it’s never too late to uncover your own.

Everyone has unique gifts, which fall into three categories: humanity, talent, and wisdom. Your gifts are joyful, incomparable, and have the power to make a significant contribution to others. These gifts are deeply personal and can only be identified by how they make you feel. When you use them, you feel alive and connected to your true self.

Seeing the world through new eyes

Imagine you’re an astronaut like Edgar Mitchell, looking down at Earth from space. You see the interconnectedness of everything below you, and a sense of profound responsibility and connection overwhelms you. This realization, known as the “overview effect”, highlights your interdependence with the world and the need to use your unique gifts to contribute to its well-being.

Albert Einstein understood this interconnectedness. He believed that true satisfaction comes from developing and using your latent gifts, which not only brings personal happiness but also contributes to the flourishing of your community. Indigenous worldviews also emphasize the importance of community and interconnectedness, resulting in mental, physical, and ecological benefits.

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What is New Happy about?

New Happy (2024) challenges the conventional notion that personal success leads to happiness, revealing that true joy comes from helping others and living a life of purpose. Through a blend of art and science, it guides you to dismantle society’s false definition of happiness, uncover your unique gifts, and use them to improve both your life and the world around you.

New Happy Review

New Happy by Stephanie Harrison (2022) inspires readers to cultivate genuine happiness in their lives. Here's why this book is worth your time:

Explores innovative happiness techniques that go beyond traditional self-help books, offering fresh perspectives for a fulfilling life.
Integrates the latest studies in positive psychology and mindfulness practices to provide evidence-based strategies for sustainable well-being.
Challenges conventional notions of happiness by encouraging self-reflection and personal growth, sparking new insights and fostering a deeper sense of contentment.

Who should read New Happy?

Individuals experiencing dissatisfaction with success
People interested in the science of happiness
All those who seek lasting happiness

About the Author

Stephanie Harrison is the creator of the “New Happy” philosophy, founder of The New Happy, and an expert in the science of well-being. She has a master’s degree in positive psychology from the University of Pennsylvania, where she has also taught. In her previous role as director of learning at Thrive Global, Harrison developed well-being programs for Fortune 500 companies. Her work has been featured in Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, Forbes, and Architectural Digest.

Categories with New Happy

Psychology Personal Development Mindfulness & Happiness

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