Sovereign - by Emma Seppälä

Book Synopsis

Now in paperback: The acclaimed author of The Happiness Track maps a bold and fresh, science-backed path to break the bonds of self-destructive patterns and beliefs and live a fuller, more authentic life.

"Sovereign is one of the most influential books I have read in years. It's loaded with ideas that will recharge your life and change the way you think and act right away. By far the most highlighted book in my library!"
-- Tom Rath, #1 New York Times best-selling author of How Full Is Your Bucket? and Strengthsfinder 2.0

In the post-pandemic era of war, polarization, and economic and environmental challenges, is it any wonder that we're questioning a lot of things we thought we knew? We're ready to reevaluate what's important and rethink how we are living our lives. We need a new perspective--and acclaimed psychologist Emma Seppälä offers one.

Sovereign delivers a radically new and enlightening message, made for this age of suffering and confusion. It's a manifesto that awakens us to all the areas in our life where we have subjugated ourselves to self-destructive beliefs and tendencies. And it's a roadmap to reclaim our full psychological sovereignty so we can live free, happy, and authentic lives.

Seppälä's voice is raw and honest, laugh-out-loud funny, and deeply reflective, delving into topics ranging from the nature of self-loathing to the nuances of relationship as she shows us how to unbind ourselves in every area:

• In our working life and our family life
• In our physical health and our emotional well-being
• In our minds, our spirits, and our connection to our very selves

Backed by psychological data, neuroscience, and empirically validated methodologies, Sovereign takes us further along the path of personal transformation than we may ever have ventured before--and gives us the true freedom to live life to our fullest potential.

"Skillfully shows us how to reclaim our sovereignty from the variety of thoughts, habits, beliefs, and distractions that otherwise keep us bound."
-- Sharon Salzberg, New York Times best-selling author of Lovingkindness and Real Life

Review Quotes

"Sovereign is one of the most influential books I have read in years. It's loaded with ideas that will recharge your life and change the way you think and act right away. By far the most highlighted book in my library!"
-- Tom Rath, #1 New York Times best-selling author of How Full Is Your Bucket? and Strengthsfinder 2.0

"It is no exaggeration to say this book is life-changing. I couldn't put it down. Emma Seppälä gives us wisdom and guidance in the form of unforgettable human stories of fallibility and courage, of astonishing scientific research (for any skeptics among us), of humor and vulnerability, and inspiration that is nothing short of poetry. This book is a gift."
-- Faith Salie, Emmy-winning contributor to CBS News Sunday Morning, panelist on NPR's Wait Wait . . . Don't Tell Me!, and author of Approval Junkie

"Sovereign is an insightful and entertaining guide to living life on your own terms--backed by science, spiced with humor, and laced with love."
-- Dr. Jennifer Aaker, General Atlantic Professor at the Stanford Graduate School of Business and best-selling author of Humor, Seriously

"With clear stories, science-backed skills, inspiring poetry, and gentle humor, Emma Seppälä invites us to explore the key experience of 'sovereignty, ' a state of clarity and well-being beyond simply our capacity to be self-governing. In this illu­minating exploration of the essential ingredients of a resilient mind, rewarding relationships, and a meaningful life, we are empowered to develop and strengthen this liberating way of being grounded in our lives. Reading this book will be a gift that keeps on giving for all those in your life, including you."
-- Daniel J. Siegel, M.D., New York Times best-selling author of Mindsight, Aware, and IntraConnected

"With a science-backed approach and stories from her own experience, Emma opens the door to greater freedom and happiness as she skillfully shows us how to reclaim our sovereignty from the variety of thoughts, habits, beliefs, and distractions that otherwise keep us bound."
-- Sharon Salzberg, New York Times best-selling author of Lovingkindness and Real Life

"For many, modern society has separated us from ourselves. Sovereign is a deeply personal narrative that offers us a path to recognize our own agency and empowers us to reach our greatest potential."
-- James R. Doty, M.D., Director of CCARE and New York Times and international best-selling author of Into the Magic Shop and Mind Magic

"Sovereign is a gift to your inner spirit, a salve for anyone yearning to unleash their best self, and a masterpiece of insight about how to show up for life. No matter your background or circumstances, Sovereign helps you tap into your greatest potential and fan your own inner flame--today and every day from here on out."
-- April Rinne, global futurist and author of Flux: 8 Superpowers for Thriving in Constant Change

"In a world where sensory overload is a daily occurrence, Emma Seppälä's Sovereign provides a step-by-step guide to help you stay centered, grounded, and focused so that you can handle whatever curveballs the universe throws your way."
-- Alison Levine, New York Times best-selling author of On the Edge

About the Author

A Yale lecturer and international keynote speaker, Emma Seppälä teaches at the Yale School of Management and directs its Women's Leadership Program. She is also the Science Director of Stanford University's Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education. Her best-selling first book, The Happiness Track, has been translated into dozens of languages.

She regularly speaks and consults for Fortune 500 companies and contributes to Harvard Business Review, The Washington Post, Psychology Today, and TIME. A repeat guest on Good Morning America, she has spoken at TEDx Sacramento and TEDx Hayward.

A psychologist and research scientist by training, Seppälä's expertise is the science of happiness, emotional intelligence, and social connection. Her research has been published in top academic journals and featured in news outlets including The New York Times, NPR, and CBS News and featured in documentaries like Free the Mind, The Altruism Revolution, What You Do Matters, and Bullied.

www.emmaseppala.com