Happiness. We all want it. Right? Our U.S. Bill of Rights even guarantees us the right to pursue it. At the same time, it can sometimes feel like you are on a hamster-wheel in desperate pursuit of that sometimes-elusive goal. According to my guest, the pursuit of happiness can turn into a nightmare. Russ Harris, M.D. is the author of The Happiness Trap: How to Stop Struggling and Start Living. Dr. Harris is an Australian physician, psychotherapist and executive coach. As a general practitioner he became increasingly interested in the psychological aspects of health and wellbeing (and increasingly disenchanted with writing prescriptions). Ultimately this interest led to a total career change, and he now works in two different, yet complementary roles: as a therapist and as a life coach. His work is very much guided by ACT (Acceptance Commitment Therapy) developed over the past 30 years by University of Idaho professor Steven C. Hayes, Ph.D. The ACT approach is well-researched and has proven to be extremely effective, emphasizing mindfulness, acceptance, and a values-driven life. My guest, Dr. Russ Harris is one of the leading exponents of ACT and leads workshops on this approach around the world. In this interview, you will learn key principles of ACT that you can apply right away in your own life.