"If I do well at this job, and am successful, then, and only then, will I be happy."

This is the typical thought process about the way to find Happiness: I must work hard, then I will be successful, and then happiness will be the result. But is this true?

Shawn Achor, the author of The Happiness Advantage, has found that, in fact, happiness must come first.

"Waiting to be happy limits our brain's potential for success, whereas cultivating positive brains makes us more motivated, efficient, resilient, creative, and productive, which drives performance upward," writes Achor.

With these positive skills, when you work hard, you're able to enjoy the journey more, which then leads you to even more happiness, because of success! In fact, Achor has found up to 31 percent higher productivity and 21 percent lowered stress levels are achieved, when happiness is an input, rather than an output. Why should we attempt this change? Is it even possible to learn something new once you're in your 30s, 40s, 50s and beyond?

Achor asserts that yes, it is possible for anyone to retrain their brain. And, who doesn't want to be happy?

In "The Happiness Advantage," Achor shares the 7 Principles of Positive Psychology:

1. The Happiness Advantage
2. The Fulcrum and Lever
3. The Tetris Effect
4. Falling Up
5. The Zorro Circle
6. The 20 Second Rule
7. The Social Investment Solution

These seven principles, along with tips and memorable stories supporting the research, are "specific, actionable, and proven patterns that predict success and achievement."

Bottom line: "Happiness is not the belief that we don’t need to change; it is the realization that we can." This is an empowering thought, and with the steps that Achor provides, change is possible!

Take about 12 minutes and watch Shawn Achor's TEDx talk, and then buy the book!