Languishing

The inspiration behind The New York Times' most read, most shared, and most cited article of 2021.

Do you feel demotivated and aimless?
Are you running on empty?
Is it hard to pinpoint what's wrong?

This is an experience millions of us are struggling with, and until now, we've lacked the vocabulary to understand it. But Dr Corey Keyes has identified this feeling as languishing, and here he draws on the latest research and real-life case studies to trace its spread to a level of global epidemic, asking the fundamental question of how we find lasting wellbeing.

Breaking down the science of emotional exhaustion, Keyes shows that our very obsession with happiness complicates the process of finding it. Only by shifting our focus from feeling good to functioning well can we unlock the key to flourishing. He reveals the choices and mental habits that inadvertently worsen the problem, and shares simple but powerful steps anyone can take to restore meaning, joy, and calm to their lives.

Languishing is a must-read for anyone tempted to downplay the feelings of demotivation and emptiness they've been experiencing, to help them find true flourishing in our short time on earth.