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
Get It Done: How to Complete Your Dream Project
AN AUDIBLE ORIGINAL
Stuck on a project you can’t finish? Gretchen Rubin shares her approach to creating a plan that will work for you—so you can finally get it done.
RESOURCE
A Worksheet for Your Habits
Many attempts to change a habit fail because the aim isn’t specific enough to act on. This worksheet helps you get specific so you can finally make progress.
NEW SERIES
Join Gretchen on a Color Pilgrimage
Why were people poisoned by green wallpaper? Why did people argue about the color of “the dress”? In this exclusive series, Gretchen Rubin explores the fascinating world of color in five essays.
PODCAST
Michelle Obama Joins the Move 26 in '26 Challenge
Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson joined Happier to talk about the benefit of daily movement and share favorite clips that highlight what we gain from moving our bodies.
ARTICLE
The Secret to Habits That Actually Stick
It turns out that it’s not that hard to change your habits—when you do it in the way that’s right for you.
BIG IDEA
Consider these tools to help you achieve your aims for 2026: a 26 for 2026 list, the “26 in ’26” challenge, and a one-word theme.
ARTICLE
Burnout? It May Be Obliger-Rebellion
When people who always say “yes” feel overtaxed, resentment builds until they snap. Learn the warning signs of Obliger-Rebellion before it leads to drastic decisions.
PODCAST
Since You Asked: A New Kind of Advice Show
Each week, Gretchen Rubin and Lori Gottlieb tackle the daily problems of living with listeners.
SHOP
New in the Happiness Project Collection
A notebook inspired by Gretchen Rubin’s latest best-selling book, a new way to get a daily boost of happiness, a fun tool to gamify your progress, and more.
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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.
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.