Sonja Lyubomirsky and Kristin Layous of the University of California, Riverside, explore how simple positive activities can enhance well-being. Their positive-activity model suggests that features of activities (e.g., dosage, variety), features of individuals (e.g., motivation, effort), and person-activity fit moderate the effect of positive activities on well-being. The model posits four mediating variables: positive emotions, positive thoughts, positive behaviors, and need satisfaction. Empirical evidence supports the model, showing that positive activities like gratitude, kindness, and mindfulness can significantly increase happiness. Research indicates that happiness is not just a byproduct of success but can cause it. Positive activities, when practiced intentionally, can lead to long-term well-being. Studies show that activities such as writing gratitude letters, counting blessings, performing kind acts, and visualizing future selves can improve well-being. However, the effectiveness of these activities depends on factors like dosage, variety, and person-activity fit. The success of positive activities is influenced by several factors, including variety, social support, and cultural differences. For example, collectivists may benefit more from other-oriented activities, while individualists may benefit from self-oriented ones. Additionally, the time orientation of activities—past, present, or future—can affect their effectiveness. Older adults may benefit more from reflecting on their legacies, while youths may benefit from visualizing bright futures. Person features also play a crucial role. Individuals who are motivated, believe in the effectiveness of their efforts, and have social support are more likely to benefit from positive activities. Personality traits, such as being extraverted or open to experience, also influence the effectiveness of positive activities. The positive-activity model highlights the importance of person-activity fit, suggesting that activities should align with individual characteristics for optimal results. Future research should explore how people select positive activities and the role of factors like hedonic adaptation in sustaining the benefits of positive activities. Overall, the model provides a framework for understanding how positive activities can be effectively used to enhance well-being.Sonja Lyubomirsky and Kristin Layous of the University of California, Riverside, explore how simple positive activities can enhance well-being. Their positive-activity model suggests that features of activities (e.g., dosage, variety), features of individuals (e.g., motivation, effort), and person-activity fit moderate the effect of positive activities on well-being. The model posits four mediating variables: positive emotions, positive thoughts, positive behaviors, and need satisfaction. Empirical evidence supports the model, showing that positive activities like gratitude, kindness, and mindfulness can significantly increase happiness. Research indicates that happiness is not just a byproduct of success but can cause it. Positive activities, when practiced intentionally, can lead to long-term well-being. Studies show that activities such as writing gratitude letters, counting blessings, performing kind acts, and visualizing future selves can improve well-being. However, the effectiveness of these activities depends on factors like dosage, variety, and person-activity fit. The success of positive activities is influenced by several factors, including variety, social support, and cultural differences. For example, collectivists may benefit more from other-oriented activities, while individualists may benefit from self-oriented ones. Additionally, the time orientation of activities—past, present, or future—can affect their effectiveness. Older adults may benefit more from reflecting on their legacies, while youths may benefit from visualizing bright futures. Person features also play a crucial role. Individuals who are motivated, believe in the effectiveness of their efforts, and have social support are more likely to benefit from positive activities. Personality traits, such as being extraverted or open to experience, also influence the effectiveness of positive activities. The positive-activity model highlights the importance of person-activity fit, suggesting that activities should align with individual characteristics for optimal results. Future research should explore how people select positive activities and the role of factors like hedonic adaptation in sustaining the benefits of positive activities. Overall, the model provides a framework for understanding how positive activities can be effectively used to enhance well-being.