10% Happier: How I Tamed the Voice in My Head, Reduced Stress Without Losing My Edge, and Found Self-Help That Actually Works

Dan Harris’s 10% Happier became an unexpected sensation; when the book came out, he feared it would harm his career, as it contained embarrassing personal stories. However, Harris's frustration with trying to find a way to balance his busy, ambitious life without resorting to harmful coping mechanisms like drugs resonated with readers who were also searching for ways to be happier without sacrificing their families, careers, and lifestyle. One of the reasons the book became successful is that many Americans have become dissatisfied with organized religion but would like, as Harris did, to have principles that guide them through emotional trials or physical hardships. This need was heightened by the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic of 2020, in which people were further isolated and anxiety increased. Harris describes how meditation, especially loving-kindness meditation, helped him feel less alone and less powerless, and this was eye-opening to many people who considered meditation esoteric or culturally incompatible with their lifestyle. Kirkus characterized the book as "[f]riendly, practical advocacy for the power of mindfulness and enlightenment" (“10% Happier.” Kirkus Reviews, 2014). The descriptions "friendly" and "practical" emphasize that the book is approachable for the average reader who is not an expert on meditation.