Step 1: The How of Happiness—Gratitude

Positive psychology guru Sonja Lyubormirky’s new book The How of Happiness: A Scientific Approach to Getting the Life You Want reveals the University of California professor’s research-based tactics for taking control of the 40 percent of happiness and joy within our control. Here, we'll share her advice in an ongoing series:


THE HOW OF HAPPINESS
Step 1: Show Gratitude

By Sonja Lyubomirsky

There's a lot more to gratitude than saying "thank you." Emerging research shows that people who are consistently grateful are happier, more energetic and hopeful, more forgiving and less materialistic. Gratitude needs to be practiced daily because it doesn't necessarily come naturally.

—Think of three to five things each day for which you are grateful but usually take for granted, from the mundane (your dryer is fixed) to the magnificent (your child's first steps or the beauty of the sky at night).

—Acknowledge one ungrateful thought each day, such as "my sister forgot my birthday" and substitute it for a grateful one – "but she's always there for me."

—Think of someone who has been important in your life and tell them in a letter, phone call or visit.



The How of Happiness: A Scientific Approach to Getting the Life You Want
By Sonja Lyubomirsky
Penguin Press HC
Hardcover
Dec. 27, 2007
ISBN-10: 159420148X
ISBN-13: 978-1594201486
available from booksellers everywhere and Amazon.com