Portrait of Gretchen in the library

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.

New in the Happiness Project Collection

Introducing new journals, card decks, calendars, and more in the Happiness Project Shop. Available now, just in time for holiday gift-giving and planning your 2025 aims.

FEATURED

“One day, now will be a long time ago.” —Gretchen Rubin

FEATURED QUIZ

The Gift-Giving Quiz

Struggling to find the perfect gift or need some ideas for your own wishlist? When you learn your or your recipient’s gift-appreciation profile– Easy-to-Please, Tried-and-True, Enthusiast, or Connoisseur–you’ll be able to make a great choice.

FEATURED ARTICLE

Want to Spend Your Time, Energy, and Money More Wisely?

When it comes to happiness, often we know what would make us happier, we just don’t do it. It’s not an identification problem, it’s an execution problem. If we want to make our lives happier, healthier, more productive, and more creative, it’s crucial to spend our time, energy, and money wisely.

FEATURED BOOK

Life in Five Senses

Our five senses offer us an immediate, sustainable way to cheer up, calm down, and engage the world around us—as well as a way to glimpse the soul and touch the transcendent. The New York Times bestseller is now available on paperback in addition to hardcover and audiobook.

FEATURED PODCAST EPISODE

More Happier: Deck the Halls! A “Clear the Decks” Episode of Quick Tasks to Get Us Ready for the Holidays

Because listeners asked for another “Clear the Decks” episode—where we suggest a list of manageable, one-minute-ish tasks to do while listening—this episode features a “Deck the Halls” list of quick tasks. Follow along, and by the end of the episode, we’ll all have accomplished a lot.

FEATURED TOOL

Practice mindful investment with the Happier™ App

This month, discover tips, self-knowledge questions, and challenges to invest your time, money, and energy more wisely. Plus, clutter-clearing tips and a challenge to jump-start your reading habit.

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WHAT'S NEW

Discover the latest articles and podcast episodes.

CURATED COLLECTIONS

Explore Gretchen Rubin’s work on these popular topics.

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Tap in to the power of your five senses as a path to a happier, more mindful life.

Smiley Faces

Unexpected insights and concrete suggestions about how to create a happier life.

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Helpful tips, tools, and strategies for building (and breaking) habits.

Four Tendencies colored folders

Understand yourself and others with Gretchen Rubin’s personality framework.

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ABOUT GRETCHEN

Gretchen in the garden against brick wall

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.

Subscribe to Gretchen’s newsletter.

Every Friday, Gretchen Rubin shares 5 things that are making her happier, asks readers and listeners questions, and includes exclusive updates and behind-the-scenes material.