In "The Paradox of Choice: Why More Is Less," Barry Schwartz discusses the differing mentalities of happy and unhappy individuals. Happy people possess a remarkable capacity to divert their attention from negative thoughts, allowing them to progress and focus on positive aspects of life. This ability helps them to maintain their well-being and enjoy their experiences.

Conversely, unhappy individuals often find themselves trapped in a cycle of rumination. Instead of moving past their troubles, they dwell on negative thoughts, which exacerbates their feelings of misery. By understanding this contrast, we can see the importance of fostering a mindset that encourages distraction and progression toward happiness.