We can accept ourselves and also expect more from ourselves.
In my work, I investigate unexpected truths about everyday life—and identify ways we can take happiness from the transcendent to the concrete.
“One of the best ways to make yourself happy is to make others happy. One of the best ways to make others happy is to be happy yourself.”
GRETCHEN RUBIN
NEW PRODUCTS
The new Happiness Project collection is here
Workbooks, tear-away inspiration, a countdown calendar for special milestones: meet the new additions to the Happiness Project collection.
RESOURCE
Gift Idea Generator Worksheet
Giving somebody a gift they love is satisfying, but it’s not always easy, especially if you’re trying to come up with something on the spot. This guide will help you generate thoughtful gift ideas now so you can avoid a last-minute scramble when it’s time to shop for presents.
READ
The Secret to Happiness Is Self-Knowledge: How to Know Yourself Better
People often ask me, “What’s the secret to happiness? If you had to choose one thing, what would you choose?”
Depending on your perspective, that question can be answered in a few different ways.
LISTEN
Exercise Tips from NPR’s LifeKit: Could Watching TV Actually Help You Get Moving?
For “Move Happier,” Gretchen talks with Marielle Segarra, host of NPR’s Life Kit, about ditching the all-or-nothing rule, making the most of everyday activities, and the importance of smell and lighting.
HAPPIER APP
Jump-Start Your Habits with the Happier™ App
Choose a short, guided challenge to help you make progress on habits, organization, relationships, and more, with clear prompts you can start anytime.
READ
Do You Follow Any “New” Traditions?
I’m very interested in the traditions of everyday life.
Research shows that traditions and rituals boost physical and emotional health. They can elevate experiences, enrich memories, strengthen relationships, and reduce decision-making. They can add a sense of whimsy, community, and holiday to our lives.
Subscribe to Gretchen’s newsletter.
Gretchen Rubins “Five Things Making Me Happy” newsletter is one of today’s most popular newsletters. You’ll get a weekly round-up of what’s making Gretchen happy, as well as practical tips, research, and resources about how we can make our lives happier, healthier, more productive, and more creative.
Join more than one million subscribers and sign up for free. Find the most recent newsletter here.
WHAT'S NEW
Discover the latest articles and podcast episodes.
CURATED COLLECTIONS
Explore Gretchen Rubin’s work on these popular topics.
Tap in to the power of your five senses as a path to a happier, more mindful life.
Unexpected insights and concrete suggestions about how to create a happier life.
Helpful tips, tools, and strategies for building (and breaking) habits.
Understand yourself and others with Gretchen Rubin’s personality framework.
ABOUT GRETCHEN
About Gretchen
Hi, I’m Gretchen Rubin. For more than a decade, I’ve been studying human nature—the science of the soul. My happiness project is to understand myself, the people around me, and how we can move from good intentions to concrete actions to build happier lives.