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.
Secrets of Adulthood is available now!
New York Times Bestseller
The #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Happiness Project and Better Than Before distills her key insights into simple truths for living with greater satisfaction, clarity, and happiness.
FEATURED
“When uncertain about how to proceed…Choose the bigger life.”
–Gretchen Rubin
Secrets of Adulthood
FEATURED TOOL
Join the 30-Day Summer Reading Challenge
Transform your summer with daily reading from July 15 – August 13. Any reading counts—novels, magazines, even a few pages before bed. Track your streak in the Happier app and build a happiness-boosting habit while competing for $500 gift cards and book prizes.
FEATURED EVENT
Create a Journal Filled With the Wisdom That Guides Your Life
Join Gretchen Rubin and Paper Source for a live virtual workshop on July 17th where you’ll hand-letter your favorite quotes from Secrets of Adulthood and design a custom journal that’s uniquely yours. Walk away with beautiful lettering skills and a personalized keepsake that reminds you of what matters most.
FEATURED QUIZ
What Are You Missing This Summer?
Even in the height of summer, it’s easy to feel off—disconnected from yourself, your surroundings, what brings you happiness. This quick quiz helps you identify what’s missing and how to recapture it—by revealing which of your five senses you’ve been neglecting.
BIG IDEAS
Make This Your Happiest Summer Yet
Ready to feel happier? Discover the key elements that create lasting happiness—from building stronger relationships to knowing yourself better—plus practical tools and insights to help you get started.
JOIN THE CHALLENGE
Read 25 in ’25 With Gretchen Rubin and Bookshop.org
Gretchen Rubin is partnering with Bookshop.org for her annual group challenge which, this year, is to read 25 minutes a day in 2025. Throughout the year Gretchen and Bookshop.org will highlight all the great ways to bring the joy of reading into your life with monthly resources, challenges, content, and tips to help people build the valuable habit of setting aside time to read every day.
FEATURED ARTICLE
Find Your Perfect Beach Read
Design your summer with a reading list that fits your mood. Gretchen Rubin and Elizabeth Craft share their favorite authors and series to help you find just the right vibe.
FEATURED ARTICLE
7 Travel Observations for Your Next Trip
From airline apps to hotel coffee makers, Gretchen shares the discoveries that made her book tour travel smooth and enjoyable. These practical insights may make your own summer adventures more pleasant, too.
FEATURED PODCAST EPISODE
A Little Whimsy Makes Life Better—Here’s How
What exactly is whimsy, and why do we crave it? In this very special episode, Gretchen and Elizabeth explore the surprising power of playfulness, spontaneity, and delightful surprises in our daily lives—plus practical ways to invite more whimsy into your routine.
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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.