Victorian philosopher William James had a theory about emotion and
behavior: It isn't that our feelings guide our actions (feel happy and
you will laugh). On the contrary, it is our actions that guide our
emotions (laugh and you will feel happy). This led James to a remarkable
conclusion: "If you want a quality, act as if you already have it."
Roused by James's astonishing discovery, renowned psychologist and
bestselling author Richard Wiseman confirms James's principle and shows
how the self-help genre has for too long put the cart before the horse
in trying to help us take control of our lives. Bringing to the table a
dazzling array of firsthand experiments, surprising histories, and
psychological case studies, Wiseman illustrates in brilliant detail how
we can apply this principle in our daily lives:
-- Smile to become measurably happier
-- Wash your hands to drive away guilt
-- Clench your fist to increase your willpower
-- Eat with your nondominant hand to lose weight
-- Nod while speaking to become more persuasive
-- Act like a newlywed to rekindle your marriage
Lively, engaging, and truly mind-changing, The As If Principle is that
rare gem that offers real, workable solutions for your day-to-day goals
while helping you to instantly take control of your emotions. Whether
it's quitting a bad habit, persevering through a difficult task, or
achieving your dream self, The As If Principle can help. Don't just
think about changing your life. Do it.
