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

Martin Seligman is a key figure in the field of psychology, particularly in the context of positive psychology; his research and work on the science of well-being have provided the critical underpinnings of the positive psychology movement. In Lyubomirsky’s The How of Happiness, Seligman’s background and life experiences are emblematic of the themes explored.

Seligman began his career by studying and researching the psychological condition of learned helplessness, which emerges when individuals come to believe they have no control over their circumstances. Seligman’s research on this condition shed light on the importance of cultivating optimism and a positive mindset as a means to increase happiness. His subsequent pivot toward positive psychology and the study of learned optimism, which is a central topic in his seminal book Learned Optimism: How to Change Your Mind and Life (1990), greatly informs Lyubomirsky’s work. Namely, Seligman’s transition mirrors the transformative journey that individuals can undertake by shifting from a focus on negativity and helplessness to a mindset of positivity and empowerment. Furthermore, Seligman’s understanding that well-being is not only the absence of mental illness but also the presence of positive qualities, life satisfaction, and meaningful engagement with life also aligns with the central themes in Lyubomirsky’s book.

Seligman’s notion of “flexible optimism,” as discussed in his works, suggests that optimism is a valuable tool, but one that should be applied judiciously. This idea resonates with Lyubomirsky’s recommendations on choosing strategies that fit one’s individual circumstances and goals for increasing happiness. Seligman’s emphasis on the role of personal strengths and virtues in promoting well-being also dovetails with the importance of character strengths and values that Lyubomirsky discusses in her book.

In The How of Happiness, Lyubomirsky draws on the insights from Seligman’s body of work to create a practical guide for readers seeking to boost their well-being and find lasting happiness. Seligman’s influence is present not only in the theoretical foundations but also in the practical applications provided in the book.

Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, another important figure in The How of Happiness, has made significant contributions to the field of psychology. As a renowned psychologist, Csikszentmihalyi is best known for his work on the concept of “flow” and his research on the psychology of optimal human experiences. His life’s work and research findings have profound implications for understanding happiness and well-being.

The purpose of referencing Csikszentmihalyi in the book, albeit indirectly, is to introduce the concept of “flow” and its relevance to happiness. Flow is a mental state in which a person is fully immersed and engaged in an activity, to the point that time seems to stand still. It is characterized by complete absorption, enjoyment, and the sense of being “in the zone.” As the former head of the Department of Psychology at the University of Chicago, and as a prolific author, Csikszentmihalyi has laid the foundation for understanding such optimal human experiences and how they relate to happiness. By drawing on Csikszentmihalyi’s work, Lyubomirsky underscores the significance of experiencing flow states as a means to increase happiness, exploring how these experiences can contribute to a deeper sense of fulfillment in one’s life.

Ken Sheldon’s work on positive psychology and well-being is crucial to the themes in The How of Happiness. Sheldon, a respected figure in the field of psychology, has dedicated his professional life to researching the science of well-being and happiness. His commitment to understanding human needs and their impact on happiness has made him a noteworthy authority in the field.

His influence on the book is evident when Lyubomirsky discusses the role of human needs in the pursuit of happiness. By drawing on Sheldon’s research, the book underscores the significance of understanding intrinsic versus extrinsic goals, as well as the impact of personal values on well-being. Lyubomirsky’s discussions in these areas feed directly into the themes of Personal Agency in Happiness and The Interplay of External Circumstances and Internal States in Determining Happiness.

Sheldon’s significance in The How of Happiness extends further when considering his collaborative research with the author. Their combined research project on happiness plays a pivotal role in the book, contributing substantially to Lyubomirsky’s understanding of how people can lead happier and more fulfilling lives. This collaborative project, funded by the National Institute of Mental Health, employs happiness interventions to investigate the effectiveness of happiness-boosting strategies. The objective is to find out which strategies are effective, how they work, and why they have such an impact. By conducting systematic experiments and using a rigorous scientific methodology, Sheldon and Lyubomirsky aim to provide concrete evidence regarding the attainability of greater happiness. The research findings from their happiness interventions become integral to the book’s Evidence-Based Strategies for Well-Being and broader guidance on how individuals can become happier.