In the book The How of Happiness, author and researcher Sonja Lyubomirsky distinguishes her book from other books on self-awareness by being the first to use empirical studies. He uses data obtained through the scientific method to provide support for his hypothesis. This hypothesis consists primarily of the idea that we have the ability to overcome genetic predisposition and circumstantial barriers to happiness through how we think and what we do. Emphasize that being happier benefits ourselves, our family and our community. “The How of Happiness is science, and the strategies for increasing happiness that [she] and other social psychologists have developed are its main supporting players” (3). Using a pie chart, he illustrates the crux of his research; 10% of our happiness increases or decreases depending on our circumstances. 50% of our happiness increases or decreases due to genetic predisposition, 40% depends on our ability to control it. We have “opportunities to increase or decrease our levels of happiness through what we do and how we think” (22). It provides 12 specific activities to increase happiness. It implores us to commit time, resources and energy to this “intentional activity”. Promote these changes in our lives to be happier, which will ultimately benefit everyone. Through a series of assessment tools, it reveals the types of activities we can commit to doing daily that will improve our level of happiness. It reinforces the many benefits of being happier. Happier people are more sociable and energetic, more charitable and cooperative, and more liked by others. Being happy strengthens their immune system, improves productivity and can lead to a longer life. It allows them to be more creative and... middle of paper... have a gift. Whether it was given to me by my parents or cultivated through years of need, I have it. Some others don't have it. These strategies can be effective in increasing what may be a lower-than-average baseline level of happiness and therefore improving quality of life. At the end of the experiment I will complete the last two steps of the scientific process. I will analyze the data obtained and formulate a conclusion. I don't think much research has been done on the effects of positive psychology on those people with a higher than average level of happiness, as the catalyst for this research came from the desire to increase pathological treatment for depression. It will be interesting to see the impact, if any, on my current level of happiness. Works Cited Lyubomirsky, Sonja. The how of happiness. New York. Penguin books. 2007. Print.