A brilliant new guide to living a happier life (even if it’s not so perfect)

Tal Ben-Shahar knows about the burden of perfection. As professor of the most popular course in Harvard’s history, he has seen the best and the brightest buckle under the pressures of perfectionism. In his provocative new book, he argues that people are unhappy because they’re caught in “The Myth of Perfection,” a dangerous trend fueling society’s obsession with youth, beauty, money, success, and “having it all.” Ben-Shahar believes you need to be more realistic in your goals, and more accepting of yourself, to live a richer, fuller, happier life. The Pursuit of Perfect shows you how.

Filled with the same “Time-Ins,” meditations, and exercises that made his bestselling book Happier such an uplifting, interactive experience, this prescriptive guide uses practical strategies and positive psychology to help you get off the perfection treadmill, get in touch with your emotions, and happily get on with your life.

Reviews:

Praise for Ben-Shahar and Happier

[Tal Ben-Shahar has] a rare brand of good sense that is embedded in scientific knowledge about how to increase happiness.”

--Martin E. P. Seligman , author of Authentic Happiness

“Ben-Shahar teaches that happiness isn’t as elusive as people think.”

--Publishers Weekly

“One of the most popular teachers in Harvard’s recent history.”

--Ellen J. Langer , author of Mindfulness and On Becoming an Artist

"This book will inspire you to realize your innate potential for happiness and awaken the genuine aspiration to change, while avioding the trap of perfectionism.

--Mathieu Ricard, author of Happiness: A Guide to Developing Life's Most Important Skill