Overview
Answer both engagements separately:
Engagement 6: Engagement assignment - write about a time in your life that you experienced the hedonic treadmill (hedonic adaptation) that Schwartz discusses in chapter 7. Also, from chapter 8, write about his description of the tyranny of comparison and management of expectations.
1. What does he mean by "hedonic treadmill" and how did it have a negative impact on your life?
2. In your own words, describe what he means when he says that comparison can rob you of happiness. How does this happen and what are some real-life solutions that you (yes, you) could incorporate into your life to decrease the likelihood of life dissatisfaction?
Engagement 7: Throughout the whole book, Schwartz worked hard to help readers understand the negative impact that results from modern life's numerous options. He presents a number of ways that each individual can begin to manage their own life and resulting happiness. In Chapter 11, he outlines at least 6 methods. Make sure that you fully understand all of these!
For this assignment, briefly explain 3 of them and write about how they relate to your own life. This means that this assignment (like a couple others) should be very personal. Your writing shouldn't sound like anyone else's and it definitely shouldn't be generic. Number each concept, explain it and then write about how you can implement it in your life.