BookReview: The How of Happiness

Book Review: “The How of Happiness: A New Approach to Getting the Life You Want” - Sonja Lyubomirsky, PhD by Beth Osowski

book that explains that things like a new car, a bigger house, the perfect body or winning the lottery do not increase our happiness as much as we think they will, nor do they make us feel lastingly happy. Through scientific examination, the field of positive psychology has shown that we don’t have to wait for a windfall or “find” happiness as if it’s hidden somewhere. We can become happier by the thoughts we engage in and the actions we take each day. Increasing happiness does require effort and intention: it takes work, commitment and discipline throughout your life to continue to create a positive state of mind. Dr. Lyubomirsky reminds us that “you are the only person who has the power to make this happen.”

The book offers 12 approaches to building and creating genuine happiness, and provides examples of how to go about them. There’s even a test to help you choose which of the 12 activities fit you the best, as picking a few is a good way to get started. Here are my four top happiness builders listed below, along with an example of each:

• Expressing Gratitude and Positive Thinking - once a

What really makes us happy? The How of Happiness: A New Approach to Getting the Life You Want, is a research-based week, write down five things you are grateful for.

• Practicing Acts of Kindness - do a kind deed that you tell nobody else about.

• Doing More Activities Which Truly Engage You: Increasing “Flow” Experiences - absorb yourself in an activity you really enjoy and that gives you the right amount of challenge.

• Committing to Your Goals - strive for something personally significant, then outline the steps to achieve your goal and reach it within a time frame.

I liked this book because, hey, who wouldn’t like to have access to a toolkit of ways you can boost your happiness? It’s up to you to decide what kind of thoughts you are going to let your mind believe and how you are going to approach life. The good news is that you can actively do things, starting right now, to feel happier!