Resisting happiness: a true story about why we sabotage ourselves, feel overwhelmed, set aside our dreams, and lack the courage to simply be ourselves . . . and how to start choosing happiness again! book cover

Resisting happiness

a true story about why we sabotage ourselves, feel overwhelmed, set aside our dreams, and lack the courage to simply be ourselves . . . and how to start choosing happiness again!

Matthew Kelly
4.04(6766 Reviews)

Overview of Resisting happiness

Why do we sabotage our own happiness? Matthew Kelly's bestselling guide reveals the hidden resistance blocking your joy. With its transformative blend of spiritual wisdom and practical steps, this book has sparked a movement helping thousands break free from self-sabotage.

Key Themes in Resisting happiness

  • overcoming self-sabotage
  • resistance to change
  • spiritual fulfillment
  • breaking bad habits
  • intentional living

Quotes from Resisting happiness

  • We all want happiness-it's hardwired into our very being. Yet strangely, we actively resist it every day.

  • We often choose immediate comfort over long-term fulfillment.

  • Our search for happiness is actually a search for God, whether we recognize it or not.

  • God wants our happiness even more than we want it ourselves.

  • Everyone is fighting a hard battle, often invisible to others.

Characters in Resisting happiness

  • Matthew KellyAuthor who shares his personal struggles

About the Author

About the Author of Resisting happiness

Matthew Kelly, bestselling author of Resisting Happiness and a globally recognized motivational speaker, combines insights from personal development and spiritual growth to address themes of self-sabotage, purpose, and intentional living.

A Sydney-born entrepreneur and founder of Floyd Consulting, Kelly’s work is rooted in his signature concept, “the-best-version-of-yourself,” which has influenced Fortune 500 companies and millions through his nonprofit, The Dynamic Catholic Institute.

His books, including The Dream Manager and Rediscover Catholicism, have collectively sold over 50 million copies and appeared on New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestseller lists.

Known for blending practical wisdom with faith-based principles, Kelly’s talks and writings—translated into 30+ languages—emphasize overcoming obstacles to achieve lasting fulfillment. He resides in Florida with his wife and five children, balancing corporate consulting with initiatives to revitalize modern spirituality.

Resisting Happiness has been celebrated as a transformative guide, drawing from Kelly’s 25-year career in helping individuals align daily choices with their deepest values.

Download Summary of Resisting happiness

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"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA
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12
likes
117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum
platform
comments
12
likes
108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
platform
comments
254
likes
17

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful
platform
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4.5K

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@Jaded_Falcon
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201
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"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke
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"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn
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comments
37
likes
483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu
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star
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star
star

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn
platform
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star
star
star
star

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA
platform
comments
12
likes
117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum
platform
comments
12
likes
108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
platform
comments
254
likes
17

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful
platform
comments
96
likes
4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon
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comments
201
thumbsUp
16

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn
platform
comments
37
likes
483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu
platform
star
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