Creating Your Best Life

Miller (psychology, Univ. of Texas, Dallas) and clinical psychologist Frisch pull from psychological theories on goal setting, social cognitive theory, and learned optimism to help readers achieve goals contributing to their quality of life. The authors emphasize the necessity of creating a life list, which sets goals as to where an individual wants to go in life and what he or she wants to leave behind as a legacy. They provide ideas for happiness boosters (e.g., engaging in physical exercise and volunteer work) and willpower boosters (e.g., hiding temptations and getting rid of clutter) as well as numerous life list exercises and work sheets. A particularly realistic chapter covers overcoming hurdles and failures. A+ for the authors' ability to integrate science with a practical application for the general public. One of the best of its kind.