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.
Introducing a new kind of advice show
From petty annoyances to life-changing dilemmas, Gretchen Rubin and Lori Gottlieb are tackling the daily problems of living in Since You Asked.
Dropping September 23rd.
“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
LATEST QUIZ
Find Your Perfect Fall Read
There’s nothing better than finding a book that fits your mood. This short quiz will match you with a novel you’ll be eager to curl up with.
BACK TO ROUTINE
Clear the Decks for a Fresh Start
Use this guided worksheet to pause, take stock, and reset your routines so you can head into fall with more focus and energy.
TRY THIS AT HOME
Your Guide to the Ultimate Reading Retreat
Gretchen and Elizabeth escaped for a few days to do nothing but read—and loved it so much they’re making it a tradition.
Here’s how to plan a Reading Retreat of your own.
TOOLS FOR A HAPPIER LIFE
The Secret to Happiness?
"Know Thyself."
We can only build happy lives on the foundation of who we really are. Gretchen Rubin’s bestselling Know Yourself Better journals help you find that foundation—and build on it.
QUIZ
Choose a Gift They’ll Love
There’s nothing better than seeing someone light up when they open your gift. This quiz helps you understand what matters most to them, so you can walk away knowing you got it right.
BY GRETCHEN RUBIN
One of the Best Self-Help Books for Personal Growth in 2025
Gretchen Rubin’s new book Secrets of Adulthood was chosen by Oprah Daily as one of the most useful guides out this year.
HAPPIER WITH GRETCHEN RUBIN
Do You Need to Tackle that One, Big, Hard Thing?
Sometimes the best way to feel happier is to stop avoiding what you’ve been dreading. In this episode, Gretchen and Elizabeth share ideas for approaching that big, hard thing—and why giving it your attention might be a gift to yourself.
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WHAT'S NEW
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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.