Fun! We recorded this episode together, in our executive producer Chuck Reed’s fantastic studio Sancola Sound in Los Angeles. It’s always such a treat to talk face-to-face while we record.

Throw a celebratory party, as Elizabeth did for The Fix premiere. ABC at 10 pm on Monday nights!

Happiness Hack

Our executive producer Chuck Reed suggests, “Drink your best bottle of wine first.” This reminds me of one of my Twelve Personal Commandments, to “Spend out.” 

Happiness Stumbling Block

This is a common stumbling block: being so worried about the future that you can’t enjoy the present.

Listener Question

What are some suggestions for healthy treats? This is a reference to the “Strategy of Treats” from Better Than Before, my book about habit change. For me, re-reading a favorite children’s book. Also beautiful smells—I have my “lucky” smell which is a pick-me-up. You could make a list of healthy treats an item on your “19 for 2019” list. If you’d like to read more about healthy treats, here’s a post I wrote.

Gretchen’s Demerit

I try to use “Delay Delivery” in Outlook over the weekends, so I’m not peppering people with emails, but I’m very spotty about remembering to do it.

Elizabeth’s Gold Star

I insist on taking Elizabeth’s slot for a Gold Star so I can give a gold star to her, for hosting a wedding at her house. That’s a big undertaking!

Resources:

1. Join the community on my free app, BETTER. Visit the app on your computer or search your app store for “Better Gretchen Rubin.” You can join or create a small accountability group, or simply join the conversation related to habits, happiness, the four tendencies, topics we discuss on the podcast here, and more.
2. Take my free Four Tendencies quiz at quiz.gretchenrubin.com and find out if you’re an Upholder, Questioner, Obliger, or a Rebel. Have your team, clients, family members, or friends take the quiz. You can work or live together much more effectively when you know each other’s Tendencies.

Join the conversation! I do a live show on Facebook called: “Ask Gretchen Rubin Live.” You can check the schedule.