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How to Experience Carl Barney’s Happiness Experiment to Revolutionarily Increase Happiness as a Christian Believer

Have you ever felt stuck in survival mode—wondering if joy is something other homeschooling moms get to have, but not you? I know I have. As a Christian homeschooling mom, your days are likely filled with serving others, juggling responsibilities, and wondering where your own dreams fit in. That’s why I was intrigued by The Happiness Experiment: A Revolutionary Way to Increase Happiness by Carl B. Barney. While the book isn’t written from a Christian perspective, its core principles of intentional living, goal-setting, and renewing your mindset align beautifully with biblical truth.

How to Experience Carl Barney's Happiness Experiment to Revolutionarily Increase Happiness as a Christian Believer

Disclosure: I get commissions for purchases made through affiliate links in this post.

How to Create a Path to Happiness

The beginning of the book discusses how Carl Barney (an entrepreneur with a LOT of money in the bank) decided he wanted to give money, which he calls a Gratitude Grant, to those he loves and who have made a difference in his life — now — rather than waiting for it to be distributed through his will after he dies.

In order to make it be most beneficial (and not hurt those receiving the money–we’ve all heard those stories of lottery winners), he created a “Happiness Plan,” which is included in the back of the book. That is the main focus of The Happiness Experiment.

He wants us all to take part in working through our own Happiness Plan.

Barney says that happiness doesn’t happen by accident. He writes,

“The real revelation for me was the commitment to being happy. I needed to practice deliberate, daily behavior that cumulatively created a path to happiness. It was a crucial realignment of goals and actions.” (p. 111).

Doesn’t that sound like what we’re called to do in Scripture? Philippians 4:8 urges us to think on “whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”

How to Experience Carl Barney's Happiness Experiment to Revolutionarily Increase Happiness as a Christian Believer.

Plan for Happiness

Barney also discusses the power of thinking and planning in leading to happiness. What exactly is in the Happiness Plan?

  • Step 1: Create a Dreams List
  • Step 2: Identify What Will Increase Your Happiness
  • Step 3: Identify Actions and Virtues for Increasing Happiness
  • Step 4: Access Circumstances Affecting Your Happiness
  • Step 5: Locate Any Clouds
  • Step 6: Your Happiness Beliefs
  • Step 7: Selecting and Creating Happiness Habits
  • Finalize Your Happiness Plan

He says,

“Few people take enough time to think about what would make them happier. Few intentionally create a plan to pursue it. My request that they do planning before I send the money motivated them to seriously reflect, think, and plan. The thinking and planning, more than the money, were most effective in increasing happiness and, in some cases, life changing.” (p. 109).

Proverbs 16:3 reminds us, “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” God blesses intentional, purpose-driven living.

Write Out a Dreams List

One of the steps in the Happiness Plan is to write out a Dreams List, distinguishing between needs, desires, and dreams (p. 86). As Christians, we know that every good gift comes from God (James 1:17), and He wants us to live with hope and vision.

Writing down our God-given dreams—like learning a new skill, improving our health, committing to working in a ministry, or even taking a family trip—can be the first step toward living more fully for His glory.

How to Experience Carl Barney's Happiness Experiment to Revolutionarily Increase Happiness as a Christian Believer

Pursue Happiness Without Guilt

One of the most valuable principles is learning to pursue happiness without guilt. Barney says,

“Guilt can be a barrier to happiness. Some people suffer from ‘unearned guilt.’ . . . It’s not possible to enjoy your life if you feel guilty or morally ambivalent about success and happiness. We need to accept, own, and enjoy our happiness.” (p. 176)

For Christians, this means understanding that forgiveness and joy is part of God’s design. 1 John 1:9 tells us, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Guilt has no place when we’re walking in the Spirit, accepting Jesus’s work on the cross, and honoring God with our lives.

How to Experience Carl Barney's Happiness Experiment to Revolutionarily Increase Happiness as a Christian Believer

Feed Your Mind with Sunshine

Finally, the book’s focus on feeding your mind with sunshine (p. 98) reminds me of Romans 12:2—”Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Fill your life and renew your mind with things that point to Christ: uplifting music, beautiful art, meaningful friendships, and books that stir your soul.

As homeschool moms, we pour ourselves out every day. But joy isn’t selfish—it’s vital. Making a Happiness Plan—like Barney suggests—isn’t about chasing worldly pleasure, but about stewarding our lives well so that we can thrive and reflect the abundant life Jesus promised in John 10:10: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”

How to Experience Carl Barney's Happiness Experiment to Revolutionarily Increase Happiness as a Christian Believer

My Challenge to You: Your Happiness Experiment

So let me challenge you today: prayerfully make your own Happiness Plan. Dream. Plan. Seek God. Renew your Mind. And Choose Joy—on purpose!

My book review of The Happiness Experiment: A Revolutionary Way to Increase Happiness by Carl B. Barney:

Thought-Provoking and Practical—A Unique Approach to Pursuing Joy

As a Christian homeschooling mom, I found The Happiness Experiment to be both thought-provoking and refreshingly practical. Carl B. Barney presents a unique approach to increasing happiness by encouraging readers to intentionally plan for joy through a concept called the “Happiness Grant” or “pre-quest.” While the book isn’t written from a Christian worldview, many of its principles—like renewing your mind, setting purposeful goals, and practicing life-giving habits—resonate with biblical wisdom (Romans 12:2, Proverbs 16:3).

What stood out most to me was the emphasis on thinking and planning as key elements for happiness. Barney inspires readers to dream again, make a “Happiness Plan,” and invest in experiences and habits that offer lasting joy and personal growth.

I especially appreciated the Happiness Planning Workbook included in the back of the book. It provides practical prompts to help you apply the concepts personally. I also loved reading the stories of individuals who went through the exercises—seeing how their happiness increased in tangible and lasting ways.

If you’re ready to take happiness seriously and intentionally, this book offers both the inspiration and the tools to begin.

(I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)

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