Want to Change Some Habits This Year? Be a Little Happier? This Expert Shares How. With Gretchen Rubin.

Inspiration

Gretchen Rubin's journey into studying happiness began with a moment of reflection during a mundane bus ride. She realized she wanted to be happier and started her 'Happiness Project' by diving into books on happiness, philosophy, and science 1. Rubin emphasizes that happiness is subjective and can be defined in various ways, but the key is to focus on what makes you happier over time 2. She writes books to explore and understand these concepts, often discovering her conclusions through the writing process.

I write the book in order to figure it out. So I don't write the book. Once I figured it out, it's in the writing of the book.

--- Gretchen Rubin

   

Practical Tips

Rubin offers practical advice on cultivating happiness, such as creating a '24 for 2024' list to identify personal aims for the year. This list can include a mix of fun and challenging tasks, helping individuals focus on achievable goals 3. She also highlights the importance of monitoring habits and choosing healthy treats to maintain a positive mindset 4. Rubin's approach is about making small, manageable changes that lead to greater happiness over time.

We manage what we monitor.

--- Gretchen Rubin

   

Embracing Change

Embracing novelty and challenge can significantly boost happiness, even for those who prefer familiarity, Rubin discovered through her research. She found that trying new activities and facing challenges can make life feel richer and more fulfilling 5. Additionally, she advises changing one's environment to make good habits easier and bad habits harder to maintain, such as placing a phone out of reach while driving to avoid distractions 6. These strategies help create a supportive environment for personal growth.

It's easier to change our surroundings and our schedule than to change ourselves.

--- Gretchen Rubin