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.

Who doesn’t need advice—and who doesn’t love giving advice?

Since you asked, we’re happy to answer. 

From petty annoyances to life-changing dilemmas, Gretchen Rubin and Lori Gottlieb are tackling the daily problems of living in Since You AskedListen on Tuesdays on your favorite podcast platform.

TOOLS FOR A HAPPIER LIFE

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.

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.

“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

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.

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.

Subscribe to Gretchen’s newsletter.

Gretchen Rubins “Five Things Making Me Happy” newsletter is one of today’s most popular newsletters. You’ll get a weekly round-up of what’s making Gretchen happy, as well as practical tips, research, and resources about how we can make our lives happier, healthier, more productive, and more creative.

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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.

Life in five senses cover painting

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.

Coming September 23rd

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. 

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