Shawn Achor

“Not every vacation is equal. And theory - the idea that vacations should increase happiness - doesn't always translate to reality.”

“We sometimes think that the best doctors are the ones who have the most specialized knowledge or the fanciest degrees, but in fact, study upon study, including one published in the 'New England Journal of Medicine,' show that the best doctors are the ones who also know how to connect with their patients.”

“Research shows you get multiple tasks done faster if you do them one at a time. It also decreases stress and raises happiness.”

“Scientifically, happiness is a choice. It is a choice about where your single processor brain will devote its finite resources as you process the world.”

“Our daily decisions and habits have a huge impact upon both our levels of happiness and success.”

“Success does not mean happiness. Check out any celebrity magazine to look for examples to disabuse you of thinking that being beautiful, successful or rich will make you happy.”

“Traveling the world can be an amazing - and even better - a happy experience. You just have to do it the right way.”

“Smart vacations lead to greater happiness and energy at work and, therefore, greater productivity, intelligence, and resilience.”

“Poorly planned and stressful vacations eliminate the positive benefit of time away. The less the stress, the more likely you will experience a positive benefit from the time off. A positive, well-managed vacation can make you happier and less stressed, and you can return with more energy at work and with more meaning in your life.”