Emily

Emily asked Gretchen Rubin:

One of the things I most remember from your blog or book is the idea of gold stars -- the ones you're expecting from your family for doing things but never get. I used to do chores for approval (I had a stepfather who organized and trained us all to do chores, and to do them well). Today, I seem to prize freedom from control or routine above all.... As a result, procrastination and disorganization….Solution?

Gretchen Rubin I remind myself, "I'm doing this for myself. I'm doing this chore, I'm undertaking this task, because it's what I want." That way, I don't feel rebellious; I don't feel resentful; I don't expect anyone else even to notice what I've done. When you're making choices from a sense of freedom, there's no need to resist or rebel.

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Erin

Erin asked Gretchen Rubin:

How important do you think it is to have a set amount of time dedicated to a Happiness Project? You've obviously done two, both different amounts of time...did it make a difference? Do you think it'd be harder or easier if the time frame was shorter or longer?

A Goodreads user

A Goodreads user asked Gretchen Rubin:

Hi Gretchen, love your blog. Do you have any advice in making big life decisions? And how to find what you're interested in?

Jodie

Jodie asked Gretchen Rubin:

Hi. I'm currently trying to find happiness and so I recently ordered your book the happiness project and I'm about to start reading it. Is there anything you think I should know before reading it?

All answers from Gretchen Rubin…

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