The idea of gratitude sounds simple.
Just say thank you and appreciate what you have.
But when I started a gratitude journaling practice, it didn’t seem to change too much in my life. I didn’t feel impacted by it. And so I quit.
Maybe that sounds like you.
While self-help gurus often push gratitude as a powerful cure, they often skip over the practical challenges and how to really make it stick.
That’s where the best books on gratitude can help.
These books reveal inspiring and practical real-life situations. And you’ll learn, step by step, how to weave it into your everyday life.
So let’s dive in!
#1: Thanks!
Thanks! How Practicing Gratitude Can Make You Happier delves into the scientific research of gratitude. Emmons presents evidence from his studies to show how gratitude increases happiness, reduces depression, and boosts your resilience.
You’ll also get practical strategies for developing an attitude of gratitude in everyday life. And he includes methods to recognize the good in challenging situations.
About the author: Robert Emmons is a professor of psychology at the University of California, and a leading scientific expert on gratitude.
Get your copy here#2: Gratitude Works!
Gratitude Works!: A 21-Day Program for Creating Emotional Prosperity is a practical guide by the same leading expert, Robert Emmons. In this book, you get a structured approach to developing a gratitude practice.
Each of the 21 days is designed to increase happiness through targeted gratitude exercises. What I like most is that you experiment with different scientifically proven ideas to find what works best for you.
It’s especially helpful if you’re more skeptical of gratitude practices. After all, it’s only a short-term, day-by-day guide to test the effects of various ideas.
About the author: Emmons is not only the leading expert on gratitude but also widely respected as an authority in the field of positive psychology.
Get your copy here#3: A Simple Act of Gratitude
A Simple Act of Gratitude: How Learning to Say Thank You Changed My Life is a heartfelt recount of how a simple New Yearβs resolution transformed the author’s life.
His resolution?
Write one thank you note a day for a year.
During a time of personal challenge and professional failure, Kralik found peace of mind by expressing gratitude to friends, family, and even strangers.
What do I like most about this story?
Most of us struggle and fail all the time. And you may feel like most stories are disconnected from your reality.
Not this one.
It’s what makes this book a powerful testament to how gratitude can shift your perspective and bring more joy in life.
About the author: John Kralik is a former lawyer and a judge in Los Angeles. He turned adversity and failures into fulfillment and success through the power of gratitude.
Get your copy here#4: The Gratitude Diaries
The Gratitude Diaries: How a Year Looking on the Bright Side Can Transform Your Life shares the author’s year-long journey of living gratefully.
You’re being presented with a real-life case study of how a positive outlook can transform your life. You’ll learn about the significant impact gratitude had on Kaplan’s health, relationships, and career.
It’s a great read if you’re more into personal stories and actual applications of psychological concepts.
About the author: Janice Kaplan is a renowned journalist and writer known for her ability to delve deep into the subjects of psychology and behavior.
Get your copy here#5: The Gratitude Project
The Gratitude Project: How the Science of Thankfulness Can Rewire Our Brains for Resilience, Optimism, and the Greater Good brings insights from various experts to explore the many facets of gratitude.
It’s a compilation of expert ideas that explores the power of gratitude through scientific, psychological, and cultural lenses. It discusses not only the personal benefits but also its role in improving our global well-being.
So if you’re interested in learning about gratitude from a wider perspective, this book is for you.
About the authors: The editors are associated with the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley, a leading institution that studies the psychology of emotional well-being.
Get your copy hereWhat’s next?
If done right, gratitude is a powerful tool to regain perspective, reframe challenges in a more positive light, and increase happiness and joy.
The best books on gratitude prove that it’s more than just saying thanks; it’s about deepening your connection to the world and the people around you.
Do you want to dive deeper into the topic of gratitude?
- Best gratitude journals to experience more joy
- The ultimate guide to gratitude
- Deep dive into gratitude
Challenge: Pick one book in this list and read it for 15 minutes each day. Then, spend 5 minutes to reflect on what you’ve read.
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