Victorian philosopher William James had a theory about emotion and behavior: It isnât 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: âIf you want a quality, act as if you already have it.â Roused by Jamesâs astonishing discovery, renowned psychologist and bestselling author Richard Wiseman confirms Jamesâs 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:
âSmile to become measurably happier
âWash your hands to drive away guilt
âClench your fist to increase your willpower
âEat with your non-dominant hand to lose weight
âNod while speaking to become more persuasive
âAct 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 itâs quitting a bad habit, persevering through a difficult task, or achieving your dream self, The As If Principle can help. Donât just think about changing your life. Do it.
