The How of Happiness, chapters 1-3 summary...
The author, Sonja Lyubomirsky, describes happiness and ways and strategies to become happier in the future. She mentions that overall happiness is divided into three categores. Circumstances, set point, and intentional activity.

The circumstances (or income and environment) only make up a slim 10%. So the people, or even yourself, that say, "I would be happier if I had _____." are in for a surprise. Your environment and material possessions do not account for much happiness. You would have the same level of happiness if you owned a mansion and a sports car than if you lived in an apartment and drove a station wagon. The majority of the pie chart is taken up by your genetics. Lyubomirsky agrees that genetics do give us a basic set point for happiness, but she says that we can overcome this set point by our actions. The 40% of the chart is taken up by just that, actions. Our activies and relationships are in our control. We can wake up every morning and determine whether or not we will be happy that day. It's up to you. "If you're not happy today, then you won't be happy tomorrow unless you take things into your own hands and take action" (Lyubomirsky 2007). 

Lyubomirsky also discovers that happiness occurs on a continuum just like height, temperature, or IQ. All of us fall somewhere on the range of that scale, and in order to improve your rating you must first find out where you rank. With the use of a subjective happiness scale, taken at least three times with a period of at least 2 weeks in between each score, can determine your set point. 

The author also uncovers popular myths about happiness. These three myths are, 1) happiness must be found 2) happiness lies in changing our circumstances and 3) you either have it or you don't. All of these myths are FALSE. 1). You don't have to find happiness, it's not lost, it can be found within yourself. However you may have to do a little digging. "...happiness more than anything, is a state of mind, a way of perceiving and approaching ourselves and the world in which we reside" (Lyubomirsky 2007). 2.) Just as stated before, a person will not become happier (for an extended period of time), if they get those expensive shoes or a new car. It is a temporary high, that disappears just as quickly as it appears. 3.) Happiness for the most part is not a degree that is set in stone with your genes. It is true that your genes provide you with a baseline, but only you have the power to rise about that set point. 

When finding a strategy to improve your happiness level, it is important to choose one that fits you perfectly. You want to play up your strengths. Chose an activity that you are already good at. "For example, an achievement-oriented person may do well at pursuing significant life goals or taking up competitive sports as a way to boost his happiness, while a creative person may choose to express gratitude or forgiveness through painting or writing" (Lyubomirsky 2007). Secondly, choose an activity that fits with your lifestyle. If you have a busy schedule, choose something that does not take up more time. If you are thinking about becoming more religious, maybe choose a spiritual activity. Whatever you choose make sure it's something you have an interest in, so it becomes almost natural or second nature for you to complete.