What led you to write this book? I noticed that when I focused on what was going well in my life—as opposed to fixating on the problems that crept up— I was happier and things worked out better for me.

How does " Thank You Power " differ from the power of positive thinking? You have to not only count your blessings but write them down. “Thank You Power” is an active endeavor.

What are the steps? I actually have a thank-you list—I jot down three or four things a day that I am grateful for in a little notebook. Focusing on these moments puts you in “positive affect”—which is the scientific word for feeling good.

What do you say to skeptics? Give it a shot. If the Britney Spearses of the world had some “Thank You Power” training, I wonder if they wouldn’t find their own lives better to live.