A Review of Mo Gawdat's Solve for Happy
Welcome all.
Happiness at any age can be a slippery thing. For me personally it's been a tricky emotion to get my hands on for most of my life.
As we enter middle age we all reach an unusual stage. We find ourselves taking stock of what's important, where we're going and what we should be focussing on. But for many of us, happiness is often sadly overlooked.
My personal pursuit of attaining happiness led me to find Mo Gawdat and his book Solve for Happy.
So how can we achieve happiness in middle age?
After the death of his son in 2014 Mo Gawdat, a former Chief Business Officer at Google X, embarked on a profound journey and led him to write Solve for Happy. So is it worth reading?
Let's take a look at the core principles found in the book.
A Stoic Attitude:
Gawdat introduces a simple equation: Happiness can simply be found when we adjust the way we perceive, and have expectations around, the events in our lives.
To give you an example, something annoys us or makes us unhappy. He suggests that our approach should be to:
A. Consider how this is effecting us emotionally. What is it about the situation that is making us unhappy?
B. Examine the issue and ask ourselves whether there is truth in it. Are we making something out of nothing, or is it an actual issue that may cause us legitimate harm.
C. If there is truth in the event try to remedy it ourselves as soon as possible. If not dismiss it and move on.
This mindset very much lies at the heart of the stoic philosophy.
Simply put, we cannot get too hung up on the situations that befall us in our lives. We can only do good work for good works sake and not get too attached to the outcome.
Purposeful Living:
Central to Gawdat's message is purpose.
He advocates for aligning actions with a deeper meaning, emphasizing that true contentment stems from living purposefully.
This is a big one. We all need a why to get up for, and as middle-aged men the pursuit of fulfilment is particularly important for us.
He suggest we set ourselves a goal. A personal pursuit that can be worked upon and chipped away at.
Purpose = a reason to get up in the morning and a to follow.
The Power of Gratitude:
Gawdat highlights the transformative power of gratitude. By appreciating the positive aspects of life, even in the midst of challenges, we can shift our perspective.
It's a practical tool for finding contentment, reminding middle-aged men to value the richness of their experiences.
I have been trying this lately, and it had made a big difference to the way I perceive even the most mundane aspects of my life.
Embracing Change: Change is inevitable, and Gawdat encourages embracing it rather than resisting.
Adapting to life's shifts, and rolling with what will be becomes a source of personal growth and, in turn, happiness.
For middle-aged men facing transitions, this outlook offers resilience and an open-minded approach to the future.
The Verdict:
In "Solve for Happy," Mo Gawdat provides a practical, human, and accessible guide to happiness. For middle-aged men juggling life's demands, his insights offer a helpful roadmap to navigate life complexities.
By managing expectations, finding purpose, practicing gratitude, and embracing change, Gawdat invites us to rediscover joy in the everyday. It's not about lofty ideals but simple, actionable steps toward a more fulfilling life.
I have found Solve for Happy and the principles therein incredibly powerful.
Beyond offering straightforward answers, Gawdat's words act as a gentle guide, encouraging readers to question, reflect, and embark on their individual quests for happiness.
The initial confusion, born from the complexities of joy, transforms into a profound sense of empowerment and understanding.
I believe Gawdat's book is not a mere recommendation; it is an invaluable companion for anyone navigating the labyrinth of life. It extends a compassionate hand to those seeking not just happiness but a deeper connection with their own existence. Well worth a read.
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