John Grohol sums up the positive psychology basics in 5 Reliable Findings from Happiness Research. Here they are, minus the explanations, which await you at PsychCentral:
1. You control about half your happiness level.
2. Money doesn’t buy happiness.
3. Lottery winnings create only temporary, short-term happiness.
4. Relationships are a key factor in long-term happiness.
5. Focus on experiences, not stuff.