Each week, I post a video about some 'Pigeon of Discontent' raised by a reader. Because, as much as we try to find the 'Bluebird of Happiness,' we're also plagued by those small but pesky 'Pigeons of Discontent.' Gretchen Rubin bluebirddiscontentfind share on social
One of the most important elements of my identity is my identity as a reader. I love to read - really, if I'm honest with myself, it's practically the only activity that I truly love to do. Gretchen Rubin activityelementhonest Change image and share on social
For quotes, I have one document for general quotes; the other for happiness-related quotes, which I use for the 'Moment of Happiness,' my daily emails of happiness quotes. Gretchen Rubin dailydocumentemail Change image and share on social
People are powerfully moved by imagination, belief, and knowledge. They can consider the past and future. They can make changes in their behavior out of reason in a way that animals can't do. Gretchen Rubin animalbehaviorbelief Change image and share on social
Try to never say 'yes' on the phone; instead, say, 'I'll get back to you.' When you're actually speaking to someone, the desire to be accommodating is very strong, and can lead you to say 'yes' without enough consideration. Gretchen Rubin accommodatebackconsideration share on social
One of my most important 'Secrets of Adulthood': Outer order contributes to inner calm. Gretchen Rubin adulthoodcalmcontribute Change image and share on social
The biggest waste of time is to do well something that we need not do at all. Gretchen Rubin bigtimewaste Change image and share on social
Working is one of the most dangerous forms of procrastination. Gretchen Rubin dangerousformprocrastination Change image and share on social
During my study of happiness, I noticed something that surprised me: I often learn more from one person's highly idiosyncratic experiences than I do from sources that detail universal principles or cite up-to-date studies. Gretchen Rubin citedatedetail share on social
Keeping a habit, in the smallest way, protects and strengthens it. I write every day, even if it's just a sentence, to keep my habit of daily writing strong. Gretchen Rubin dailydayhabit Change image and share on social