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Hello,
Did you make a New Year’s resolution this year? Are you still keeping it up? If not, you’re in good company. Research shows that by the end of February, most people have abandoned their resolutions.
But instead of characterizing this day as “Discouragement Day” (as I’ve seen done), I use February 28 as “Determination Day”—a day to reflect, figure out what is and isn’t working, and stay determined to meet an aim.
I’m determined to floss every day, and so far, I’ve been keeping it up. But I’ve noticed that the “moral licensing” loophole is starting to float through my brain: I hear a whisper, “You’ve been so good about flossing, it’s okay to skip a day.” So now I’m using the Strategy of Pairing. I can’t brush my teeth until I’ve flossed. Determination! |
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5 Things Making Me Happy
I love the creativity of libraries. At select locations, the Los Angeles Public Library now offers “Expedition LA”—you can check out a hiking bundle of backpack, hiking poles, compass, guidebook, flashlight, and more. Perfect for anyone who wants to “Go outside 23 in ’23” or just enjoy a great hike. (Plus the video is hilarious—love seeing the librarian using the hiking poles on an escalator.) |
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I’m very interested in how we can tap into our five senses to make our experiences more rich, and a thoughtful reader sent me this article about landscape architect Brian Minter’s multisensory design approach. |
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A reader sent me this clever sign from Golden Gate Park. It works especially well for Questioners and Rebels, because it doesn’t order anyone around; it just explains why you might want to behave a certain way because of likely consequences. I love seeing the Four Tendencies framework in action.
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I love clever neologisms, and I enjoyed reading this “Predictionary” of words created to predict the year ahead. A few of my favorites for 2023: “AI-Anxiety” (unease about artificial intelligence) and “Tiktokocene” (the era in which TikTok is a dominant influence). The list for 2022 included “Supply Pain,” “Psychiatrip,” and “Flock Market.” |
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This week on Happier with Gretchen Rubin
PODCAST EPISODE: 419
We discuss several ways we can tap into our five senses to boost productivity and focus, and we share a listener’s idea for a new way to celebrate a birthday. Author Will Schwalbe (“The End of Your Life Book Club”) talks about his new memoir, “We Should Not Be Friends,” and what he learned about how to make and sustain friendships.
Listen now>
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ARTICLE
30 Ways to Boost Creativity Using the Five Senses |
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ARTICLE
Slowing Down on Your Resolutions? Use Determination Day to Re-Evaluate |
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Q: What’s a simple activity or habit that consistently makes you happier, healthier, more productive, or more creative? |
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A: I’m sorry to say this, but—exercise. Sweating and moving my body always fills me with energy, clears my mind so there’s room for new thoughts, and helps me take on the day - as long as I do it early in the morning. There is not one time I have regretted working out whereas if I skip it, I always notice I feel drained. I can’t tell you how much this annoys me. Who wants to wake up early to take a run? Not me! But, it’s the one consistent tool I have to instantly feel a little better about my life. |
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Q: Would you describe yourself as an Upholder, a Questioner, a Rebel, or an Obliger? |
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A: I am a 100% Upholder. When I set a goal for myself—I do it with no outside motivation whatsoever. I’m usually the one driving everyone batty motivating everyone on the team to forge ahead and execute on our plans! I’m my best self when I have routines to rely on (in fact, my books are basically inventories of all of my rituals!). But, I am completely out of sorts and uncomfortable when a plan changes. I also happen to be a chronic under-buyer. I wait until the absolute last moment to buy a dress for a wedding or new contact lenses despite knowing well in advance that I need those items! I wonder if Upholding and Underbuying are linked?! |
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Q: Is there a particular motto or saying that you’ve found very helpful? (e.g., I remind myself to “Be Gretchen.”) Or a quotation that has struck you as particularly insightful? |
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A: “I have a good soul.” I tend to focus on what I’ve done with my life – the achievements, milestones, and status I’ve earned. But those things don’t actually really matter to me. What I care about is being a good, or at least not harmful, soul on earth. My number one priority is to be in healthy, beautiful relationships and so when I remind myself that “I have a good soul,” I can immediately ground myself and focus on what really matters to me. |
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Q: Has a book ever changed your life – if so, which one and why? |
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A: The Artists Way by Julia Cameron completely changed the trajectory of my life. I was at a point where I didn’t value myself much less have dreams of what my life could be like. This book showed me that I was the putting a low ceiling on my life and that I had the power to find a better, happier. It’s the book I gift the most and think is particularly good if you’re a creative person who struggles to take themselves seriously or believe in themselves. |
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