Choose the Life You Want

February 25, 2013
Often, people want to improve their lives via a big event or major epiphany that will fundamentally change everything for the better. Ben-Shahar, a practitioner of positive psychology, argues that a sounder option would be to make better decisions around smaller choices. He structures the book around 101 pieces of advice on how listeners can choose the lives they want—offering suggestions like “Appreciate and learn from those around you,” “Maintain the strength of independence,” and “Treat your mistakes as valuable feedback.” Narrator Traber Burns, whose performance is both empathetic and authoritative, adopts a paternal tone that fits well with Ben-Shahar’s material. He thankfully avoids the aggressive chipperness endemic to many self-help audio performances. Ultimately, he sounds less like a performer or preacher and more like a regular person who has seen some rough times, and found his way through them. A The Experiment hardcover.