He looks at a whole bunch of psychological studies and lets us know the results. Then he summarizes what we should do to improve our lives, based on actual science.
This approach is in sharp contrast to 99% of self help books, which don't do any of this. Instead, their authors say what they think, and base their opinions on personal experience.
Anyway, from memory, this is what the book (and science) says you should do:
- Have a plant at your desk at work
- Do a puzzle to distract your conscious mind before you make a complicated decision
- To get over being mad at someone, don't get worked up by punching a punching bag. Instead, write down the ways in which you have learned from the experience.
- To be happier, write down the things you're grateful for. Do a small act of kindness.
- To lose weight, keep track of the calories you consume and how much you burn by doing basic exercises. Hang a mirror in your kitchen and use smaller bowls and utensils. Start off eating at a normal pace, but slow down as the meal progresses.
- To have a better marriage, every once and awhile write out why you're lucky to have your spouse.
- Don't visualize success, visualize practicing.
- Dogs are better than cats at lowering stress.
- To get someone to say yes, lightly touch their arm.
- Phrase something in a unique way to get a more positive response. E.g instead of saying "It costs $3." Say, "It costs 300 pennies."
- Servers who repeat your order back to you get more tips than those who say "Coming right up!" or a similar phrase.
- In job interviews try to say the negative stuff about yourself at the beginning of the interview.
These suggestions are all backed up by scientific evidence and references listed at the end of the book.
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