A simple idea that says everyone carries an invisible bucket — and every kind word or action fills it a little more.
"Shortly after 11-year-old Andrew went to Heaven, I learned about 'The Theory of the Dipper and the Bucket' by Dr. Donald O. Clifton. I chose to replace the broken parts of my heart with 'Bucket Filling' in memory of my beloved Andrew."
This is the picture book Amy turned to first — the one she now shares with every family who visits this site.
Carol McCloud · illustrated by Glenn Zimmer
A children's picture book (not just for kids!) about choosing to fill buckets instead of dipping from them — and now, adding a "lid" to protect your own.
Learn more →Tom Rath & Donald O. Clifton, Ph.D.
The adult companion book — positive strategies for work and life, co-authored by Dr. Clifton and his grandson Tom Rath, built on the original bucket theory.
Learn more →A heartwarming read-aloud of Carol McCloud's beloved book — shared with her permission.
The Theory of the Dipper and the Bucket is born
In the late 1960s, Dr. Clifton (1924–2003) created "The Theory of the Dipper and the Bucket" and shared it orally with many adults. Shortly before he went to Heaven, he and his grandson, Tom Rath, co-authored How Full Is Your Bucket?: Positive Strategies for Work and Life.
Dr. Clifton was cited by the American Psychological Association as the Father of Strengths Psychology and the Grandfather of Positive Psychology. His work has impacted millions of people around the world.
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