1. According to the author, what is happiness and how is it attained? (Please cite your sources).
According to Dr. Lyubomirsky, the happiness is defined as the experience of joy, contentment, positive well-being. Happiness is the combination of good life, while it remains meaningful and rewarding (32). The author says that in order to achieve the happiness, it is necessary to follow five steps to sustain the happiness (257). Firstly, one has to remain positive, to create moments of delights, serenity, enthusiasm, and thrill. Secondly, to choose the variety of activities and give them adequate timing. For instance, to work out on certain days of the week or to avoid overthinking when dealing with the boss. Thirdly, to remain socially active.
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The happiness of the past can also be the happiness of the future. Only 10% of our happiness is determined by circumstances, which is a small fraction of happiness determinant (40). Chasing to change our circumstances won’t make us much happier.
Myth 3: You either have it, or you don’t (40). The notion that we are born happy or unhappy is widespread. Unhappy people tend to blame their genetics, even though the genetics can be reprogrammed (41).
Dr. Lyubomirsky considers these “myths” with a purpose of dispelling them to become happier. What holds us back from becoming happier is a strong belief in things that make us unhappy. These negative elements are brought to us by family, friends, peers, and role models. Also, they are presented and reinforced by our own culture.
5. What is meant by “hedonic adaptation,” and how does that fit in with the study of happiness? “Hedonic adaption” is a quick ability to adapt to changes. Dr. Lyubomirsky says that we tend to get accustomed to the things that make us happy, such as marriage, relocation, job changes, and purchase of a new house or car (48). It is considered short-lived and applies not only to physical objects but any new circumstances or events. The study of happiness has shown that marriage, new house or car, promotion, makeovers, etc. does make us happy, but only for a short period of time, which is a hedonic
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According to Dr. Lyubomirsky, set point accounts for 50% of happiness (20). The happiness twin’s research study has shown that genetics play an inevitable role in happiness set point (57). For instance, if we experience positive emotions due to marriage, promotion, relocation or negative emotions: unemployment, the death of a loved one, etc. our feelings of happiness and satisfaction will fluctuate. As time passes, we eventually return to our set point. It can’t be changed; it is solid. But, the level of happiness can be changed (57). What determines our level of happiness is our behavior, thoughts, and our life experiences. Like in genetics, already set up genes are not expressed, unless the specific environment triggers them to do