My Secrets of Adulthood:

• The best reading is re-reading.
• Outer order contributes to inner calm.
• The opposite of a great truth is also true.
• You manage what you measure.
• By doing a little bit each day, you can get a lot accomplished.
• People don’t notice your mistakes and flaws as much as you think.
• It’s nice to have plenty of money.
• Most decisions don’t require extensive research.
• Try not to let yourself get too hungry.

From 2006 through 2014, as she wrote The Happiness Project and Happier at Home, Gretchen chronicled her thoughts, observations, and discoveries on The Happiness Project Blog.

• Even if you think they’re fake, it’s nice to celebrate Mother’s Day and Father’s Day.
• If you can’t find something, clean up.
• The days are long, but the years are short.
• Someplace, keep an empty shelf.
• Turning the computer on and off a few times often fixes a glitch.
• It’s okay to ask for help.
• You can choose what you do; you can’t choose what you LIKE to do.
• Happiness doesn’t always make you feel happy.
• What you do EVERY DAY matters more than what you do ONCE IN A WHILE.
• You don’t have to be good at everything.
• Soap and water removes most stains.
• It’s important to be nice to EVERYONE.
• You know as much as most people.
• Over-the-counter medicines are very effective.
• Eat better, eat less, exercise more.
• What’s fun for other people may not be fun for you–and vice versa.
• People actually prefer that you buy wedding gifts off their registry.
• Houseplants and photo albums are a lot of trouble.
• If you’re not failing, you’re not trying hard enough.
• No deposit, no return.