Take-Home Tools for Personal Happiness
Program: 3 days (Formerly “Happiness Option Weekend”)
It can seem, to most of us, that our happiness or unhappiness is a
product of the events in our lives, especially when we are facing a
difficult time. This isn’t surprising, given that from a young age we
see fear, grief, anger, frustration, and anxiety as the “normal” and
“appropriate” responses to
challenging events.
Happiness GPS is a concise program designed to point you in a new direction and give you some concrete take-home tools to move past emotional challenges, enhance personal happiness, and begin to overcome any crises you may be facing. Isn’t your long-term happiness worth a short weekend?

In Happiness GPS, you will learn to:
- Choose how you react and feel in any and every situation
- Stop self-criticism in its tracks
- Turn up self-esteem and confidence, even when others are critical, doubtful, or dismissive
- Use the fundamentals of the Option Process® Dialogue, our core questioning technique, to uncover and replace hidden beliefs
that cause unhappiness - Build a toolkit of mental and emotional shortcuts to internal
comfort and happiness



Read Reviews
The Happiness GPS was more life-changing than I could have imagined. I have attended three Son-Rise Program® courses, and thought I had a pretty good grasp of the concepts, but the learnings here were more in-depth in relation to loving and changing myself. I have been walking around saying “Happiness is a choice“, but I never fully bought into that belief until this weekend. Now I am comfortable with myself and my ability to choose happiness if I want.
Spring Peden
Small Business Owner, Minnesota
I have learned that I don’t have to please others in order to love myself. The attitudinal process I learned here helps me to extend love to myself and others. I now no longer fear being authentic. My life is truly my own; I am in control. I expected I would cry during the course. I didn’t expect I would laugh harder than I had in a long time!
Mindy McHardy
Mother & Research Manager, Canada
I came to the weekend with several family issues that seemed intractable. I’m leaving with the same issues, but a completely different relationship to them. Now, I’m excited about the opportunities they present to get what I really want – a deeper bond with my family and a more nurturing environment for all of us. I’m empowered, excited and looking forward to being who I am – someone who can inspire, lead and model.
Jerry Peters
Software Project Manager, New York
I had no idea of what to expect when I came here. In fact, I was scared and nervous initially, but I knew how brave I was to be doing this. What I found were loving and accepting people who helped me change many of my self-defeating beliefs. Thank you, everyone.
Marion (Bess) Bartlett
Retired, NY
After attending the Happiness GPS course, I feel like I can handle anything that life sends my way with comfort, curiosity, and a smile!
Kris Hooper
Dad & Navy Public Affairs Staffer, OK
The Happiness GPS was a joy. The staff are truly an inspiration. The Option Process is so simple and true. It is truly one of the best investments of a weekend that can and will change your life.
David Berman
Business Analyst, MD
I first came in 2003 for the Happiness GPS. When I came back in 2009 for Couple Course, I was inspired by how it changed my perspective – not only regarding my relationship, but also how my beliefs have effected my whole life. I am so excited about the journey I am on!
Bethany Naismith
Massage Therapist, Michigan
This Happiness GPS was absolutely life changing! After two years of personal turmoil, I finally feel I have the tools and the ability to make my own choices. I choose happiness! Thank you Option Institute, from the bottom of my heart!
Gwen Ruby
Office Manager, Maryland
I had suffered bouts of depression from a young age. Burying myself into my studies, athletics, and other activities was how I learned to cope. As an adult the depression worsened. It didn’t take much of a trigger to send me into a spiral. The feeling was beyond ‘not good enough’. It was debilitating.
I was first prescribed anti-depression medications in the ’90’s. Some would work for awhile, though I always found myself back at square one. Then friends suggested The Option Institute. I attended Happiness GPS. Loved it and wanted more! The next stop was ‘Fearless’ later that year.
Marcia Ryder-O’Donnell
Customer Service Professional, New York
My reason for attending the Option Institute’s Happiness GPS was to improve my self esteem. What I achieved was life changing. When I arrived at The Institute, I was a man with a belief that I was unlovable. I wasn’t worthy of the unconditional love my wife, sons and many others had for me. Not accepting that love also made it impossible for me to bestow it on others. The second day at The Institute, during an exercise, I stopped and yelled out, “I am a lovable person”. I repeated it several times. The joy it gave me had me in tears. I could already feel the love of my family. For the first time I felt what it meant to be loved unconditionally. I couldn’t wait to tell my wife. I called that evening and said “I am a lovable person, you better be ready when I come home, I am a different man.
Floyd M.
Accountant, Vermont