About the Book
Discover the inspiring story of a man who learned that having a perfect life isn’t the same thing as having perfect happiness.
Told in Todd Patkin’s own words, Finding Happiness explores the painful emotions that often lie just beneath the surface of a “perfect” life.
Born into a prosperous family, Patkin felt the need to “prove” himself from childhood on. Combined with a personality that tended toward worry, this drive led to high grades and, eventually, astounding business success…but it also cultivated separation anxiety, damaging perfectionism, low self-esteem, high levels of stress, and depression that Patkin kept hidden from the outside world. And eventually, this “perfect-on-the-outside” life imploded when, at the age of thirty-six, Patkin suffered a complete, crippling breakdown.
As you read about Patkin’s struggles, progress, and realizations, you’ll probably recognize challenges that have cropped up in your own life. And, like Patkin, you may realize that the things that actually make you happy are very different from those you thought would bring you contentment.
Part memoir, part self-help guide, Finding Happiness describes one man’s quest to find the “good life” that eludes so many of us. Patkin’s book is interspersed with expert commentary by his coauthor, psychologist Dr. Howard J. Rankin, on subjects ranging from depression to bullying to healthy goal setting. It concludes with Patkin’s own tried-and-true “Twelve Weeks to Living a Happier Life,” a program that will give you the step-by-step tools you’ll need to proactively build your best and happiest life.
Packed with candid observations and lessons that can be applied in the living room, the boardroom, and just about everywhere in between, Finding Happiness has something to teach us all.
Excerpts
Potato Salad or Coleslaw: Inside a Breakdown
A Footwear Faux Pas: A Look at How Our Memories Can Deceive Us and Influence Our Self-Worth
Self-Help at Work: How Tony Robbins’ Teachings Helped Todd Manage Stress
Paying It Forward: How Todd Spreads Happiness in the Workplace
Praise
Here’s What People Are Saying about Finding Happiness:
“Todd is a gifted storyteller. And the powerful, uplifting stories he shares in Finding Happiness motivate and inspire us to strive for the stars. Juxtaposing stories about being bullied as a child with magnificent narratives about his impact on worldwide leaders, Todd provides a true-life path to follow that can take any one of us from despair to hope, from anguish to joy. Todd is the real deal; he has the credibility of life experience to guide us on a quest for happiness.”
-Dr. Richard Levin, Executive Coach & Leadership Developer, Boston, MA
“Depression with high achievers is sadly too common. Todd Patkin courageously pulls back the curtain on this disorder and uses his own life experience to help us understand its perils. This is a must-read for any high achiever who struggles with depression, as Todd reveals to us through his own heartfelt story a practical prescription to a more balanced and satisfying life.”
-Jeffrey S. Davis, CEO & Founder of Mage, LLC, Co-Host of MYOB The Radio Show, Adjunct Professor of Entrepreneurship, Babson College
“I am convinced that Finding Happiness will bring hope to many, in large part by reducing the stigma associated with depression and bipolar disorder. Todd Patkin’s success in overcoming the obstacles that life and genetics have placed in his path is truly inspirational. In fact, Todd himself is a gift. He radiates positive energy and love, in person and throughout the pages of his book. There is no doubt in my mind that his story will further his lifelong goal to help others.”
-Dr. Mary Ann McDonnell, CEO & Cofounder of STEP Up for Kids, Inc., Owner of South Shore Psychiatric Services, Marshfield, MA
“This book tells one man’s compelling story—but it’s also a powerful call to action. It’s time for us to change what we prioritize, how we live our lives, and how we measure success. We can choose to pursue our present course of being overstressed, overworked, and fundamentally dissatisfied, or we can choose to take Todd Patkin’s message of healing and hope to heart. The lessons he teaches apply to people from all cultures and walks of life. And best of all, in Finding Happiness, Todd also gives us the tools to get started growing in a healthier, happier direction.”
-Salman Ahmad, Author of Rock & Roll Jihad (Simon and Schuster 2010), Founder of Pakistani Rock Band Junoon , UN Goodwill Ambassador
“Helping others—and not just yourself—is a key component of cultivating happiness. I know. I have a small optometry practice in a close-knit Massachusetts town. I like to think that my job enables me to make people’s lives better—and I am continually amazed by how much joy that brings me. Quite simply, helping others feels great. By telling his own life story in Finding Happiness, Todd Patkin makes a consistent and compelling case for reaching out and giving back…for your own good.”
-Dr. Fatima Garcia-Fedorowicz, Optometrist
“There are plenty of people in the world who have enjoyed financial success…but very few who have done with that success what Todd Patkin has. He has given back to the world in so many ways and with so many different causes and personal relationships. Finding Happiness is yet another gift to a world Todd’s already done so much for. I believe that the ripple effects of this book will make the world a better, brighter place in ways that even Todd himself may not fully realize. Todd’s honest account of how to finally let the sunshine in is a wonderful and educational summary of one of the most extraordinary and interesting lives I’ve ever had the honor to intersect with.”
-Gary Marino, Executive Director of Generation Excel, Producer & Star of Million Calorie March: The Movie
“Reading this book is like having a conversation with Todd Patkin. It’s frank, funny, and disarming. As one who has seen depression, I was grateful for this tour through the mind of someone who suffered from the condition and got out. Finding Happiness is a useful guidebook for anyone who is looking to break out of a rut as well as for those who would like to help another person through to the sunshine on the other side of sadness.”
-Charity Sunshine Tillemann Dick, Soprano, Former National Spokesperson for the Pulmonary Hypertension Association
“I have known Todd Patkin for many years. When I read Finding Happiness, I was pleased—though not at all surprised—to see his forthright honesty on subjects that most people shy away from. He openly discusses money, religion, and politics and the role they have (and haven’t) played in his happiness journey. Depression isn’t an easy thing to talk about, either, yet Todd gladly does so in his desire to help others. I deeply admire him for exposing his life so that others can learn what the components of happiness truly are…and aren’t.”
-Brian Fox, Creative Fine Artist
“Whether you read one page or one hundred pages of Todd Patkin’s book, you will find hope and inspiration in his words. He is truly courageous to reveal his personal pain and struggles, to share his experiences and insights, and then to offer practical steps that will help all of us build happier lives in today’s world. As Todd reminds us, happiness is a journey, not a destination.”
-Renée Kwok, President, TFC Financial Management
Finding Happiness with Todd
Check out Todd’s new video series
Finding Happiness with Todd
In this new series, Patkin identifies twelve things that will help anyone begin to lead a happier life, especially if they’re added on one at a time to your life and in the order in which they’re given. You’ll begin to focus more often on the behaviors, people, and things that will enrich and fulfill you, and that will inspire your positive physical, mental, and emotional growth. And conversely, you’ll stop allowing your negative moods and habits to dictate your life. If you’re ready to take control of the stress, anxiety, and negative thoughts that have been running your life so far, then tune in to learn about Patkin’s Twelve Weeks to Living a Happier Life…and why they’ll work for you.