Gretchen Rubin's Blog, page 251

Eight Pieces of Advice from My Sister, the Sage.

Every Wednesday is Tip Day.

My sister Elizabeth Craft is a sage. Every time I talk to her, I keep a pen and paper handy so I can write down her words of wisdom. I quote her constantly. She's a TV-writer in Los Angeles (now writing for The Vampire Diaries), so that gives a certain flavor to her advice, but many of her observations are more universal than they appear at first glance. Here's an assortment of some of my recent favorite ...

Video: What Has Been YOUR Most Helpful Resolution?

2010 Happiness Challenge: For those of you following the 2010 Happiness Project Challenge, to make 2010 a happier year – and even if you haven't officially signed up for the challenge -- last month's focus was Fun, and last week's resolution was Start a collection. Did you try to follow that resolution? Did it help to boost your happiness?

This week, I'm doing something a little different.

For me, as for many people, it's not January, but September — with its air of sharp pencils, fresh...

To Make a Friend, Ask Someone For a Favor.

I'm working on my Happiness Project, and you could have one, too! Everyone's project will look different, but it's the rare person who can't benefit. Join in -- no need to catch up, just jump in right now. Each Friday's post will help you think about your own happiness project.

Here's a resolution that might sound counter-intuitive: Ask for a favor.

Ask for help, for advice, for suggestions. Asking for a favor is a sign of intimacy and trust. It shows that you feel comfortable being indebted...

"The Less Money Matters to You, the More Careful You Need to Be With It."

Happiness interview: Zac Bissonnette.

I met personal finance expert Zac Bissonnette when we were on a panel together, and I was impressed by his command of the research and statistics related to working, debt, higher education costs, and money -- particularly because he was still in college! He's now entering his senior year at the University of Massachusetts.

His new book, Debt-Free U: How I Paid for an Outstanding College Education Without Loans, Scholarships, or Mooching Off My Parents...

Trying to Make a Tough Decision? Try Asking the Five Fateful Questions.

Every Wednesday is Tip Day.

When I'm reluctant to take a risk or face something uncomfortable, I ask myself these five questions which, in melodramatic form, I call the "Five Fateful Questions." They help me think clearly about a situation.

What am I waiting for?
What would I do if I weren't scared?
What steps would make things easier?
What would I do if I had all the time and money in the...

Video: Start a Collection. It's Fun!

2010 Happiness Challenge: For those of you following the 2010 Happiness Project Challenge, to make 2010 a happier year – and even if you haven't officially signed up for the challenge -- this month's focus is Fun, and last week's resolution was to Abandon a fun project. Did you try to follow that resolution? Did it help to boost your happiness?

This week's resolution is to Start a collection.

Do you collect anything -- if so, what? Does your collection make you happier?

If you want to read...

Does "Relationship Talk" Boost Happiness? For Women, Yes; For Men, No.

I've noticed that many people are fascinated by the happiness differences between men and women. For the most part, in my research and reflection, I don't focus overmuch on this, because I think it obscures the differences among individuals. In particular, when I focus on the way "men" generally behave, I start to lump my husband along with half of humanity. I find myself feeling angry or annoyed with him for things he hasn't even done!

However, I did read some very interesting observations...

"Nature, Which Makes Nothing Durable, Always Repeats Itself So That Nothing Which It Makes May Be Lost."

"Nature, which makes nothing durable, always repeats itself so that nothing which it makes may be lost."

--Oscar Wilde

* Back at home! I loved being away, but I'm so happy to be back.

* Are you reading The Happiness Project with a group? I've prepared a one-page discussion guide for book groups, as well as a guide tailored for church groups, spirituality book group, and the like. If you'd like either discussion guide (or both!), email me at grubin at gretchenrubin dot com.

"Feel What You Feel, Even If It's Not What You'd Like To Be Feeling."

Happiness interview: Stephanie

I e-knew Stephanie Dolgoff a bit from the internet, because I'd read her blog, Formerly Hot -- "a humorous blog about body image, beauty, aging, and pop culture." We crossed paths at a recent blogger conference, but never met. Last week, finally, I got the chance to meet Stephanie face-to-face just as her new book, My Formerly Hot Life: Dispatches from Just the Other Side of Young, is hitting the shelves. (Here she is on the Today show.)

Given her...

"The Shorter My Possession of Life, the Deeper and Fuller I Must Make It."

"It needs good management to enjoy life. I enjoy it twice as much as others, for the measure of enjoyment depends on the greater or less attention that we give to it…The shorter my possession of life, the deeper and fuller I must make it."

--Montaigne

If you're looking for a good book, please consider The Happiness Project (can't resist mentioning: #1 New York Times bestseller).

Order your copy.

Read sample chapters.

Watch the one-minute book video.

Listen to a sample of the audiobook.

...