Positive psychology is the study of human potential and optimal functioning offering the theoretical conceptualization for psychological well-being and happiness. Positive psychologists suggest that identification of daily positive events may increase happiness. Following previous theory and research, this quantitative study investigated the practice of a positive event exercise. The cognitive behavioral exercise was hypothesized to increase happiness and positive affect, relative to the control condition. The experimental design used a pre-post and posttest treatment and control group. Forty-four participants from a nonclinical, adult, rural population represented diversity in education and racial/ethnicity. Demographic data included generational emmigration status, such as first/second generation. A posttest questionnaire screened for life crises occurring during the experimental phase. Subjective and objective testing instruments were administered for measurement of happiness, positive affect, and heart rate. Statistical analyses were conducted through independent sample t-tests, regression analyses, correlational analyses, and one-way ANOVAs. The positive events exercise was a significant predictor of posttest happiness and positive affect. Sex and education did not have an effect on positive emotions; however, education had a significant effect on negative emotions for the positive events exercise group. Heart rate, a physiological objective measurement used in this research study, did not decrease for the positive events exercise group, when compared to the control group.