The How of Happiness: A Scientific Approach to Getting the Life You Want

Part 2 of The How of Happiness encourages readers to explore and engage in happiness activities tailored to their individual preferences, as determined by the Person-Activity Fit Diagnostic introduced in the previous chapter. However, before embarking on these activities, the author advises readers to assess their current happiness level using the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire. This assessment will serve as a baseline measurement that can be revisited periodically to gauge the effectiveness of the happiness-enhancing activities. It’s important to note that these scores reflect one’s happiness level, which can fluctuate based on actions and thoughts, rather than a fixed happiness set point determined at birth.

While delving into the significance of our thought patterns, Lyubomirsky introduces three happiness-enhancing activities. First, she emphasizes the importance of gratitude as a means to enhance happiness. This chapter debunks the myth that external circumstances alone determine happiness and emphasizes the role of one’s thoughts and attitudes, highlighting the theme of The Interplay of External Circumstances and Internal States in Determining Happiness. The chapter frames gratitude as a powerful tool for changing the way we think about our lives and thereby improving our happiness levels. Lyubomirsky lists eight ways in which gratitude contributes to happiness, including boosting self-esteem, helping individuals cope with stress and trauma, inhibiting negative emotions, and countering hedonic adaptation.