Update
We’re going on a major sisterly adventure this summer! We’re partnering with Wilderness England–a terrific organization, part of the group with Wilderness Scotland and Wilderness Ireland. We’ll report along the way.
Try This at Home
Use Halfway Day of July 2 to reflect on your year so far.
We reflect on how we’re doing with our Happiness Trifecta: our one-word themes (Elizabeth’s theme is Book and mine is Revisited), Write 24 in ’24, and our “24 for ’24” lists.
Here are some of the books, podcasts, newsletters, resources, app, and more that we mention:
- I mention my book The Happiness Project
- Elizabeth mentions the Happier app for tracking her habits
- I mention the Strategy of Convenience
- Here’s the photo of the fish charm—I found it! I’m not sure if it’s a depiction of a koi fish, though
- My new “Habit for Happiness” quiz answers the question: “What’s the next new habit that will make you happier?”
- Sign up for my free “Five Things Making Me Happy” newsletter here
- On the subject of AI, I read Ethan Mollick’s Substack newsletter “One Useful Thing,” and I listen to the Hard Fork podcast
- The Muse Machine card each week
- I mention joining the boards of the Center for Fiction and Giving Tuesday
Demerits & Gold Stars
Elizabeth’s Demerit: She needs to work on her Zoom lighting.
Gretchen’s Gold Star: My daughter Eleanor rubbed my feet when they were feeling cramped because I hurt my toe.
Resource
Halfway Day is a great time to revisit this year’s goals. To help you refocus, the Happier app is running a two-week check-in through July 8. Week One offers reflection on your progress, while Week Two provides fresh ideas and strategies to get back on track. Find this Halfway Day inspiration on the app’s Explore tab or download at thehappierapp.com.
What We’re Reading
*This transcript is unedited*
[488]
[music]
Gretchen
Hello and welcome to happier, a podcast where we talk about strategies, hacks, solutions, ideas for how to make our lives happier, healthier, more productive, and more creative. This week, we’ll talk about why and how we might use Half Way Day, which is July 2nd, to reflect on our year so far. And so evaluate and perhaps course correct for the second half of the year if necessary.
Gretchen
I’m Gretchen Rubin, a writer who studies happiness, good habits, the five senses, human nature. I’m in my little home office in New York City and joining me today from Los Angeles is my sister, Elizabeth Craft. And Elizabeth, I love talking about halfway day with you and hearing how you’re doing on your list.
Elizabeth
That’s me, Elizabeth Craft, a TV writer and producer living in L.A. and Gretch, this is definitely going to help me get spurred to action. So this is a good thing.
Gretchen
It always acts as a prompt for us, which is why we do it before we jump in a few updates. We’ve got our Ask Us Anything episode coming up, so send us any questions about anything at all that you would like to ask us.
Elizabeth
Yes, and we are looking for your hacks about exercise, hiking and travel. Gretchen, our trip to England is coming up where we are going to be going on long walks every day and we’re very excited with Wilderness England. So we are looking for those hacks.
Gretchen
Yeah, we need your help. Come on, bring them on. But this week, our try this at home tip is to use half way day to reflect on our year so far. So yes, July 2nd is halfway day. We’re halfway through the year. And so if you’re doing any design your your exercise, this is a great time to use the calendar as a catalyst for reflection to stop and say, okay, so now I’ve even forgotten that something’s on my 24 for 24.
Gretchen
Let’s or whatever. And so it’s really helpful just to pull the sheet off the corkboard and take a look.
Elizabeth
Yes. And it’s good to revisit our happiness trifecta. So every year we have our yearly challenge. Yeah. Which this year is right, 24 and 24. 2 to 4 minutes or 24 minutes a day. We have our one word theme, and then we have our 24 for 24 lists, which we’re going to revisit today.
Gretchen
So let’s just before we we get into you and me specifically, how are we doing with right 24 and 24? How are you doing?
Elizabeth
I’d say I’m doing okay. I gave myself a demerit recently for not doing my one sentence journal every day, but since then I’ve picked back up on it. So I think I’m doing pretty well. How about you.
Gretchen
I would say the same. I’m doing the Five Senses Journal as well as the one sentence journal. And I kind of wish that I had just picked one. And here’s the reason. Maybe you have the same thing as I do. You and I both have bad handwriting. And so I kind of think that I because I feel like oh in my 2 to 4 minutes I need to fill out the five senses journal and fill up the one sentence journal.
Gretchen
And it takes some time to think about what I want to write. So I think if I had picked one or the other journal, I would take more time to write carefully, because my fear is that you.
Elizabeth
Won’t be able to read.
Gretchen
It. Yeah, and part of the fun of it is using it as a keepsake. And it’s pretty unattractive just because of my handwriting, which is why everything else in my life I type practically.
Elizabeth
Well, maybe you should take half way day as a time to just say, from now on, I’m only going to do one.
Gretchen
And maybe I’ll do that. I’m going to consider that.
Elizabeth
As an upholder. It’s hard for you to give up things, but it is. This would be a day to do it.
Gretchen
This is right. Well, that’s right. And I’m. When I articulate my inner expectation more clearly, my actions can follow. Okay. I’m going to contemplate that because I do love both journals. So let me let me think about that. But that’s an interesting out of the box suggestion okay. But now let’s get into the one more theme in the 24 for 24 list.
Gretchen
So Elizabeth, remind everybody about your one word thing. I love your one word theme.
Elizabeth
So my one word theme is book. And it goes both to the novel that Sarah and I are writing. Yeah. And to me, wanting to book meaning, I want to move more. I want to get more cardio. Yeah, I think I’m doing okay on both. Yes, both are top of mind. Yeah. Daily I would say. But you know what I haven’t done?
Elizabeth
Gretch. I still don’t have my symbol. Oh my physical symbol which I usually have right away.
Gretchen
Oh you usually you’re mugging it up like you’ve got it on a t shirt. Why not?
Elizabeth
I think there’s just too many books out there. Oh, it’s like there’s so much. And, yeah, I haven’t found the thing that represents both meanings. Yeah. So I’m. Maybe I’m overthinking it. Maybe I just need to get a little book, you know, pin and let it be.
Gretchen
Yeah. That’s interesting though, because I think one word themes work best. The visual representations are good when they’re not so common. You’re overwhelmed the way you are. And not so uncommon that it’s frustrating like koi fish, which is mine. Spoiler alert it’s a little bit obscure. There aren’t a lot of koi fish things to choose from, and the ones that are there are not always as attractive as I would like them to be.
Elizabeth
One wave was great because there’s that iconic painting which shows up.
Gretchen
Yeah, the Great Wave off of Kanagawa. Yeah. Okay, well that’s good, but you’re. But the most important thing is, are you making progress consistent? If you’re Wong, redeem. You’re doing great. Okay, so let’s get into your 24 for 24 list. I think this is the most popular of the three exercises in the happiness trifecta. I think this is the one people get the biggest kick out of.
Gretchen
So number one, Orange Theory 50 times, of course. Well, listen, when you told me about this, I never heard of Orange Theory. Now I realize it’s everywhere.
Elizabeth
Yes. Yeah, that’s an exercise class studio, so I’m doing okay. You know, I started really late, Gretchen, because I was sick for a solid month at the beginning of the year. So I started late, but I’ve been going twice a week, so I think I’m like 16. And it keeps track of how many classes you do, which is.
Elizabeth
Oh, that’s handy. Yeah. So I will reach that goal. you know, barring another month of sickness or something, right.
Gretchen
Wow. Well, that’s impressive.
Elizabeth
And I love it. I’m really enjoying.
Gretchen
It. Oh, that’s so great. Number two. Very different. Get new sunglasses.
Elizabeth
No, but I did figure out that I need to get my eyes checked, and I have a place to do that, so I’d say I’m on the way.
Gretchen
That’s the kind of errand I don’t like where it just keeps. There’s more and more tasks involved, but it’s worth doing. So do it. Number three, engage more on social media.
Elizabeth
That has been a bomb. I think if anything, I’m on social media less and I have no excuse.
Gretchen
Well of course correction okay.
Elizabeth
Halfway day.
Gretchen
Okay. Number four way every day.
Elizabeth
Yep. Weighing every day and recording it in the happier app.
Gretchen
For you this is a really helpful thing. You found this really supports your health. Yeah.
Elizabeth
Yeah. Some people don’t like to weigh every day. I love to weigh every day.
Gretchen
Yeah. Number five publish your novel or have it in the pipeline.
Elizabeth
Well we’re still working on our rewrites so we are not going as fast on this as we would like. But I must say we are doing a total overhaul in the second draft, so.
Gretchen
And you sound you both sound really excited about it. I mean.
Elizabeth
Yes, we.
Gretchen
I think as writers we kind of know if something’s better or worse. Yeah. And when you have that feeling like, wow, I’m really making it better. It’s so energizing.
Elizabeth
Yeah. So it’s definitely not going to be published. We’ll see if we can get it in the pipeline. But it’s progress is being made.
Gretchen
Progress is being made. That’s the most important thing okay. Number six. Right 24 and 24 by keeping your one sentence journal. We’ve talked about that.
Elizabeth
Talked about that.
Gretchen
Yeah. Number seven weekend away with college friends. This is a repeat element I believe.
Elizabeth
I have not done that Gretchen don’t even have it on the books. Need to do that.
Gretchen
And then similarly number eight is weekend away with high school friends.
Elizabeth
Well I have some help. Maybe that can happen in the fall. I have a friend whose daughter is going away for college in the fall. I think once she’s gone to college, that’s going to open up. We know what we’re going to do, which is stay at a friend’s in Phoenix. So, plans are being made, but it hasn’t firmed up, and it’ll be a little while before it firms up.
Elizabeth
But I’m still hoping that can happen.
Gretchen
Two things. One is I support that as an open door fund travel for your friend who’s going to have an open door. But also, you know, your high school reunion is coming up. You could use that as a way to have a weekend with friends.
Elizabeth
Well, yes, that will be a weekend with friends. Yeah, and that will be great. But it’s not the same as going away together for a weekend. Okay, but I am going to the high school.
Gretchen
Are you? Yeah. Keep the bar high. Excellent. Number nine. Get back into therapy.
Elizabeth
Have not done that yet. Gretch got to do it okay.
Gretchen
Course correction number ten. Buh duh duh. walking trip with Gretchen in England. Yay.
Elizabeth
That is happening. So that is something you and I kind of started dreaming about. Yes. We read Andrew McCarthy’s book about doing, the Camino with his son, and you and I both started fantasizing about a trip where we just did a lot of walking. Yes. And, we found wilderness, England. And it has taken us to this place where we have a plan in place.
Gretchen
We’re partnering with them. You’ve got your hiking boots. I need to get my hiking boots like it’s happening. It’s very exciting. Cannot wait for that major sisterly adventure.
Elizabeth
Yeah, and we’ll talk a lot about that. Oh, yes.
Gretchen
Yeah, sure. Yeah. We will be reporting. Reporting from the trail. Hopefully number 11 put on moisturizer every night. I like Elizabeth that you have ones that are like big and huge and complex and then other ones that are like yeah, this feels attainable.
Elizabeth
Yes. And I don’t have them in any particular order. Yeah. This one I’d say I’m spotty trying but spotty.
Gretchen
Okay. Number 12 have at least one Happier in Hollywood retreat.
Elizabeth
I haven’t done that yet, but Sarah and I have talked a lot about it. I think we’re hoping to have a pitch retreat. We did a thing the other night about pitching for people, and they really seem to get a lot out of it. Oh, so I think we may do something about pitching. Not sure if it’s going to be a weekend retreat, or maybe even just a one day retreat.
Elizabeth
Oh yeah. Yeah, we are working on it.
Gretchen
Okay, so we’ll stay tuned for that. Number 13 Start the Happier in Hollywood newsletter.
Elizabeth
We haven’t done that again. We have a person who’s helping us with it. I have to say she has been more diligent than we have in terms of getting it set up. So we need to do that.
Gretchen
Okay. That seems like a good course. Correction one yes. Number 14 get for Axel.
Elizabeth
Haven’t done it. That was on my list a few years ago and I did it.
Gretchen
Yes.
Elizabeth
I haven’t had a time to do it. And I’ve been so focused on just getting work after the strike being over. Yeah. That I haven’t felt like turning to for Axel. It’s, you know I’ve got other things on my list but I hope to get to that. Yes. Okay.
Gretchen
Number 15 attain and maintain a milestone weight.
Elizabeth
Very close to that garage. I’d say I’m just a couple of pounds away, so plenty of time, right?
Gretchen
Well, and is a type one diabetic, it’s part of a whole family of health things that you keep an eye on.
Elizabeth
It’s one of the best things I can do for my A1. See? Absolutely. Yeah.
Gretchen
Number 16 get nachos and Daisy’s stamina good enough to hike.
Elizabeth
Well, we have been a lot better about walking them every day. Oh, good. And it’s very hilly in our neighborhood.
Gretchen
It’s very hilly in your in your neighborhood is like a hike almost.
Elizabeth
It really is. So I think their stamina has gotten better, but we haven’t actually taken the next step to testing it. So we need to test it. But we’ve been much better about taking them on good long walks.
Gretchen
Oh that’s good. Well, that also helps with behavior. You know they say target is a is a good dog or a tired dog is a well-behaved dog. Yes, I should say they’re always good, but they’re not always will be the case.
Elizabeth
It’s definitely a motivation.
Gretchen
Number 17 go to Bravo Con.
Elizabeth
You know what? I got to change this one. Bravo con is not happening in 2024. Oh, it happened in 2023, but they’re skipping 2024. Okay, so I have to think of something new okay. For this spot and, put it on my list next year.
Gretchen
Number 18, throw a birthday party for yourself. Well, I don’t think you did.
Elizabeth
I didn’t do that, Gretch. That kind of fell in the. I’m so concentrating on work that I just couldn’t get my head around the birthday party. Yeah, so that’s going to be a mess, because, yeah, I’m not going to have another chance on that one.
Gretchen
Yeah. Okay. Number 19 no spend February with Gretchen. Yay.
Elizabeth
We did that with Sarah. And I also did it on Happier in Hollywood. I can’t say we did 100% no spend, but we got a lot out of it.
Gretchen
It was interesting. We learned a lot about that. So we talked about that in an earlier episode.
Elizabeth
Yeah. And I think that’s what I definitely want to do again. it was kind of a good exercise I agree.
Gretchen
Number 20 get to 200 pounds on the leg press okay.
Elizabeth
The leg press I do. You know, every week with my strength training haven’t gotten to 200 pounds. But I am working on going up. So I plan to attain that. Excellent.
Gretchen
Number 21. Go to six Sound baths with Adam.
Elizabeth
We’ve done two. Oh, we’ve got to catch up on that one. But the good news is I found two places that have them on different days. So we’ve got some options okay. There’s one that’s every Sunday. And then there’s one that’s like once a month on Tuesdays. So I’ll get there.
Gretchen
I think this is such an interesting idea of like a thing to do together.
Elizabeth
It’s really lovely. Yeah. I’ll say.
Gretchen
Yeah. Number 22, take Daisy and Nacho away for a weekend.
Elizabeth
Right. We’ve taken them away for two weekends so far. Okay. So cross off the list.
Gretchen
Double gold stars, number 23. This is not yet ripe. We would say that you cannot yet do this, which is to decorate for Christmas on or by December 1st.
Elizabeth
Yeah, that’s going to be a challenging one. I got to put that up somewhere. So I remember. Yeah, it’s on the list.
Gretchen
Yeah. Or maybe you think of Thanksgiving,
Elizabeth
As the catalyst.
Gretchen
Yeah, yeah.
Elizabeth
Good idea.
Gretchen
Yeah. And then number 24 is a free space. So you gave yourself a free space. Have you filled in your free space?
Elizabeth
I haven’t filled in my free space. I’ve got to figure out what this should be.
Gretchen
Okay? It’s a happiness bully. Can I suggest something? Yes, please. Okay. So in a very happiness bully way. And I did ask your permission, I believe. Maybe I didn’t ask your permission. Sometimes I ask your permission for gifts. Because gifts can be a little bit. They can be a little bit of a tool of a happiness bully. I will say I gave you and Adam and Jack a family photo from a photographer that was highly recommended by Chuck in Los Angeles.
Gretchen
She will come to your home and take a family photo, and I prepaid for it because I knew that you would be very likely to not go through with this, but I thought if I prepaid for it, yes, you would do it. And I actually the photographer emailed me and said, by the way, we have not scheduled this.
Gretchen
And I was like, by the way, I will remind Elizabeth.
Elizabeth
So, yes, Gretchen, I need to do this. It was such an amazing gift. We’re awful about getting professional photos taken and.
Gretchen
I’m such a believer in getting.
Elizabeth
Photos take absolutely right. I have brought it up with my family. It’s, you know, it’s.
Gretchen
Yes, it’s hurting the cat. That’s hurting the corgis.
Elizabeth
Yes. I’ve got to remind them that it’s prepaid, which will make everybody feel hopefully like, yes, we have to do this. So that’s I should do that this summer. Yeah. Good summer activity.
Gretchen
Yeah. And maybe there’s something to tie it to that makes it seem logical. I don’t know if that helps or doesn’t help. but.
Elizabeth
Yeah, I think about that.
Gretchen
It’s one of those things that you’ll dread it and not look forward to it. It’ll be a horrible process, and then you’ll be glad for the rest of your life.
Elizabeth
I know that photograph. Yes, I know the only professional photos I’ve had taken of us are when Jack was like us. Infant.
Gretchen
Which I think I bullied you about that probably.
Elizabeth
Yes.
Gretchen
Sure, I did some. I mean, we all.
Elizabeth
Know you’re right.
Gretchen
Great photos, but there’s nothing like a professional.
Elizabeth
Nothing.
Gretchen
I think it’s such a luxury, but it’s something that is so meaningful for the rest of your life.
Elizabeth
Yeah. So thank you for that wonderful gift. And I will go forth and get my picture taken. Our picture taken.
Gretchen
Now, listen, I forgot to count. I did not count to see how many you did.
Elizabeth
Oh, I didn’t either. Well, maybe we don’t need to count until. Okay. Because we’ll do this at the end. This is just the check in, right?
Gretchen
This isn’t about. Yeah, keeping.
Elizabeth
I actually think I’m doing pretty well.
Gretchen
I think you’re doing pretty well. And you’re also doing pretty well on the ones that are the more important.
Elizabeth
This is true. Yeah, but I got to fill in that bravocon space, so that’ll be my oh intriguing.
Gretchen
But it’s got to.
Elizabeth
Be something super.
Gretchen
Fun. Yeah. Something fun. Yeah.
Elizabeth
All right. Coming up, Gretchen will reveal how she’s doing on her 24 for 24 list. But first, this break.
[music]
Elizabeth
All right, Gretch, we are back talking about our 24 for 24 lists. Before we get into yours, let’s talk about your word and the symbol.
Gretchen
So my word was revisited because I did the Happiness Project Revisited course this year because it’s the 50th anniversary of the Happiness Project. And so I’ve been revisiting and reengaging with all of my most elemental aims. And so that has been super fun. And I chose as my symbol the koi fish. Koi fish are very auspicious. They’re tied to wisdom and longevity and family harmony and all good things.
Gretchen
So I thought, that’s perfect. I love seeing the koi fish in the Astor Garden caught in the met. There’s actually koi fish swimming around in a pool in the mat, which I go to every day. And now that I’m going to Japan, that’s going to be like koi fish. I think I’m going to have a lot of opportunity to get koi fish things in Japan, because my sense is that it’s a very Japanese symbol.
Gretchen
So I’m excited about that.
Elizabeth
Yes, I know I gave you a koi fish mug and I think a koi fish t shirt.
Gretchen
But Lizzy, you’re so good at finding these things. I haven’t found anything. I have that t shirt. I have that mug, by the way, Eleanor loves that mug. So she ends up using it all the time and having it in her room. So I hardly ever get to use myself. But she loves it. But I haven’t found much other things.
Elizabeth
Well, I think in Japan you will, I.
Gretchen
Think I will. Okay, I think.
Elizabeth
You should get a necklace. Maybe that would be pretty. It seems like a pretty necklace or bracelet.
Gretchen
Do you know now that you say that? I think when Mom and Dad went to Micronesia, when we were really, really little, they brought me back a charm. Like a thing that you could put a chain through of a koi fish. That was, what do you call it, articulated or whatever. So it could, like, wave its fins. Yeah.
Gretchen
I’m going to see if I had that in my special box, because I think I kept it as one of my mementos of childhood.
Elizabeth
I think I remember that charm, Gretchen. That was a very cool trick.
Gretchen
I know exactly where I would have put it. If I do have it, and I think I do, I feel like I’ve seen it within the last decade. So I will look and if I find it, I’ll post a picture of it, because that would be very cool coming around.
Elizabeth
Okay, Gretchen. Well that’s great. You’re doing well on your word. Yeah. Let’s dive into your list. Number one, make time for watercolor, including making 12 watercolor postcards.
Gretchen
This fell apart. I signed up for a class, got two friends to take it with me. And I have to say, I had the least effective teacher that I think I’ve ever had in my whole life, and it just sort of discouraged me and set me off course in a way that’s not rational. It’s like I had fun seeing my two friends.
Gretchen
It’s fine. I can take an online course. I can watch YouTube videos. I love buying the supplies. My desire to acquire supplies outstripped my use of those supplies, as so often happens. In fact, I was just talking to a friend about how do I set myself up so I get back on track with this. So halfway point is coming at a really good time.
Gretchen
Part of it is I would like to do it at my desk, but I can’t have water and a jar on my desk. It’s too risky. I think I need to just set aside some place in the apartment where I will leave everything set up. Yes, and I’ll just leave it out and have it be messy, because I think it’s that strategy of convenience.
Gretchen
I need to get it working for me.
Elizabeth
Yes. Got to get to making those postcards. Yeah. Okay. Number two, plan a milestone and wedding anniversary party.
Gretchen
No, and we haven’t hit the anniversary party, so I’m not in violation of this yet. But I would say I should be thinking about it more. So maybe when I’m in Kansas City in August, I will have mom help me plan, because she’s very good at planning this kind of thing, and she will help me get the architecture of sort of decision making.
Gretchen
That’s what she did. The last time I had an anniversary party. I used her as a very helpful consultant, and so I think I need to bring her in if I want to get this done in 2024.
Elizabeth
Okay. I’m excited for that party.
Gretchen
Yeah. So you’ll have to come in. You and Adam, some jangly.
Elizabeth
Okay. Number three, create a new quiz.
Gretchen
Yes, I love quizzes. I have my four tendencies quiz. I have my gift appreciation quiz I have my what’s your most neglected sense quiz? And this quiz is so cool. I’ve talked about it before. It’s the habits for happiness quiz because people are always saying to me, where should I start? And I’m always like, it depends, what do you want?
Gretchen
Blah blah. And they’re like, just can’t you just tell me? I’m like, no, I can’t just tell you. But now I have a quiz like, go take the quiz and it will tell you where to start. It’s so fun. If you go to Gretchen rubin.com/quiz, you can take it for free. And this is one where I think if you took it today and then you took it a month from today, you might get a different answer with like the Four Tendencies quiz.
Gretchen
Most people always get the same answer because it doesn’t change. This is something that will change with time and your interests and what habits you’ve already successfully conquered. But anyway, people seem to be getting a tremendous kick out of it. It was very tricky to design, but I’m super happy with the way that it turned out and with the response that it’s gotten.
Gretchen
So happy your Cars.com slash quiz for your habit for happiness answer. So yeah, that one’s crossed off the list. That felt like a really big thing. It was a lot of work to create that quiz, a lot of work, but really worth it, I think in the way it turned out. Yeah.
Elizabeth
Okay. Number four, watch the final season of succession.
Gretchen
Yes. For some reason I was delaying. And of course, the minute I started, I couldn’t stop. Loved succession. Elizabeth. We talked about it all the time. Yes. Loved that final season. That was a pleasure.
Elizabeth
Number five, do 48 minutes of review each weekend day. Because that’s two times 24 is how you got to 48. Now, this has been on your list I think for like four years.
Gretchen
Yes. Because I had this certain kind of reading that’s review reading. Okay. I’ve been spotty. I would say I got into it and I did amazingly well with it, but that’s what I was doing, like the easier books that I kind of got cleared out. And that was super satisfying because I just cleared out of into stuff. I either read it or didn’t read it and gave it away books that I had.
Gretchen
So that was very satisfying. I got a lot of stuff off the shelves now. I made things that are trickier, and so I’m a little bit sportier, but I’m doing better. I’m doing better than I was the other three years when I tried to do this. I am making progress on my shelves, and I do because I am doing it, at least sometimes I’m feeling the relief that comes from it, and that’s helping me stay with it because I’m always like, well, don’t I just want to read something that I know I want to read?
Gretchen
Why am I reading something that I’m not sure I want to read? But I’m like, if I do this, it helps me organize my reading lives. It’s a very idiosyncratic issue for me, but it is something that weighs on me. So I’ve been making slow progress.
Elizabeth
Okay, good. Number six celebrate the 10th anniversary of your children’s literature reading group. That’s fun.
Gretchen
Well, like you’re one. It’s not ripe yet. That’s in September. Okay, I should start planning it now, actually. And start thinking about when I want to slot it in, because the fall is such a busy time. But yeah, that’s going to be really fun.
Elizabeth
Okay, number seven, revisit your newsletters. You have many newsletters of different types that I get. All of them, of course, but you’ve been streamlining.
Gretchen
I’ve been streamlining. I’ve been converging them. So really now it’s the five things newsletter. And so there’s the five things making me happy, which is every Friday. Then once a month I have the five things to try, which is like hacks and suggestions. People get a big kick out of that. And then there’s five things I published, which is just like, oh, if I publish something that’s particularly interesting, I put it in that newsletter.
Gretchen
So the theme for it was to converge was to figure out how to get them all streamlined and make sense. And so now that is done. That was a lot of hard work, because I did have a lot of bits and bobs in my newsletters. I was sort of accumulating them over time, and now they’re very coherent and streamlined, and they have one look and there is a very regular schedule.
Gretchen
So that was very satisfying to get that done. And by the way, if you want to sign up, go to even.com/newsletter and you can sign up. I put a lot of work into them. I think they’re really good.
Elizabeth
They’re great. Yeah. Number eight keep learning and experimenting with AI. You’ve been great with this.
Gretchen
I do do this. I pay a lot of attention to what’s happening with AI and the different tools. I read Ethan Malik’s Substack newsletter called One Useful Thing. It’s all about how information workers can use AI. I listen to the Hard Fork podcast, which I find extremely delightful, and I experiment with it like I use a lot of the tools and AI, and I try to see if there’s a way for them to be helpful to me.
Gretchen
So I have been doing that.
Elizabeth
Number nine was spent February with me.
Gretchen
Elizabeth done got a lot out of that.
Elizabeth
Number ten, two plus four adventures. What does that mean?
Gretchen
Okay. So you know, 2024 or 24. So two plus four I got to six. And so I want to have six major adventures. And Elizabeth we’re doing our England walk I’m going to Japan I went to Tucson. I went to Chicago to see friends. So I’m I’m racking up some adventures.
Elizabeth
So that’s.
Gretchen
Great. So I think I will get to six.
Elizabeth
Excellent. Number 11 Summer of Abraham Lincoln. Yeah.
Gretchen
So I always have a theme for my summer reading. And this year it is the theme of Abraham Lincoln as storyteller. I’m very focused on the aspect of Abraham Lincoln as communicator, because he was so famous for his ability to communicate. That’s really intriguing to me. So I have a giant stack of books. Cannot wait to dig in.
Elizabeth
Feels like we could do a special episode about what you’ve learned there. Abraham Lincoln reading maybe?
Gretchen
Yes. Okay, something to ponder.
Elizabeth
Number 12 have monthly casual dinner parties.
Gretchen
So Jamie and I started with this and he’s very committed to it, which is great. We sort of had to stop doing it because everything got so wild. And then the summer is wild. And I always do fall into this trap of saying, well, everything will calm down in September, which no, it does not. But I think we will reengage with this because Jamie likes to do it too.
Gretchen
That makes it a lot easier. A big part of it is just the scheduling of it, picking a day where it doesn’t conflict with anything important for either of us, but we really enjoy doing it. So this is a good reminder that we want to make it a priority.
Elizabeth
Yes. Okay. He’s 13, got a family photo taken in August.
Gretchen
Okay, so this is the thing a happiness bully has to take her own advice. Yes. I have not done this. I’m supposed to do it in August. This is a good reminder because I want to have, like, a cool outdoor picture taken. So. But I got to figure that out. So it’s on the list.
Elizabeth
14 make a list of 24 things that please me. That’s funny. I like.
Gretchen
This is just a delightful thing that I’m doing. I have ten things on the list so far. I’m being very selective, so I am not tracking for halfway day, but I am doing it. So I hope that I see maybe when I’m in Japan and England, I will see an extra dose of things that please me.
Elizabeth
That’s lovely, I like yeah. 15 throw a perfume night for your friends.
Gretchen
I have not done that yet. I’ve been wanting to do that for year. Well, here’s a drive by hack. I think what I need to do is just the hack is that if there’s something that you’re not doing that you want to do, like at least do some small thing toward that aim. And I would say in my case, the small thing I’m doing, I should start doing toward that aim is I should start collecting names of people who I know love perfume, because this isn’t going to be like my standard group.
Gretchen
I want there to be people there that maybe are friendly acquaintances, but they just happen to love perfume. So I want it to be a little bit more of an unusual grouping, but I need to start writing that down because people will tell me and I’m like, oh, I’ll let you know. And of course, I have no memory of that.
Gretchen
I want to start doing.
Elizabeth
That in crime number 16, plan a podcast or gathering.
Gretchen
I did that. Loved it. So fun. I want to do it again.
Elizabeth
Yes, next time I want to be there.
Gretchen
Yes, we’ll do it.
Elizabeth
Number 17, catch up on your photo albums now.
Gretchen
So this is something halfway there is a good reminder I should do it through this. Or maybe I’ll do it at the end of the summer and do the whole year, and then the summer, and then do the rest of it at the end of the year, post-Christmas. So I need to remember to do this when the time comes.
Elizabeth
Okay. Number 18 24 days of policy or commentary.
Gretchen
I haven’t doing haven’t been doing much of this. I think I’ve done like four.
Elizabeth
Explain what it.
Gretchen
Is so this is like something like a book talk or a lecture or something that’s not like a cultural performance or a museum exhibition, but is something like some friend wrote an interesting book about urban policy or something like that. I’m like, oh, I should go to their book event at a bookstore. That kind of thing.
Elizabeth
Got it. Okay. 19 planned family trip to Japan. This has been a roller coaster.
Gretchen
This has been a roller coaster. I didn’t think I wanted to do it, that I didn’t think I could do it. And now it’s happening and I feel so incredibly lucky. So fortunate. It’s happening. Japan, here I come.
Elizabeth
Okay, 20 drawer a muse machine card each week.
Gretchen
This is really fun. I love this, you know, it’s like I draw a card and I see what it says. And then it’s kind of fun to see if it’s sort of a prophecy that comes forth, or if I get some kind of odd creative spark from it. So that’s just pure fun.
Elizabeth
Oh it’s fun. Do you have a particular day that you do it?
Gretchen
I usually do it Monday morning. It’s a fun way to start the week. That’s good. Yeah.
Elizabeth
21 find a way to support a cause you believe in.
Gretchen
I’ve done this. So I am joining the board of the center for fiction here in New York City. And I’m also joining the board of Giving Tuesday, which I’m super excited about. So I’m very happy to be able to put my values into the world. I love both of those organizations and those causes. So that’s exciting.
Elizabeth
Great. 22 work outside your office.
Gretchen
I haven’t done this at all. I need to do this. I just I just get stuck in my routine and I love working at a library. I love working in a coffee shop. I like to get out of my office. I don’t know why I haven’t done this. This is one of these things where it’s like, I think it’s just day to day.
Gretchen
It feels slightly inconvenient and I’m like, oh, I just need to be productive and efficient today.
Elizabeth
Well, and you’re so into your three monitors.
Gretchen
But now I have this thing where it’s portable, it’s three monitors that I can take with me. So I could do that. I mean, yeah, I can have my three monitors, so I should do it.
Elizabeth
Okay, well, halfway day reminder.
Gretchen
Halfway to a reminder.
Elizabeth
Okay. And 23, be a matchmaker. Fix up two couples for a date.
Gretchen
Yes. I really want to do this. Now. You have to have the people to do the matching with. But I have been asking around, so I’m working behind the scenes. I have been thinking about this. I have not successfully done it, but not because I’ve overlooked it, but because I haven’t had the good matches. But I’m trying all right.
Elizabeth
Yes, you’ve mentioned it to me, so I know it’s on your mind.
Gretchen
Yes, it is on my mind. Yep.
Elizabeth
Okay. And finally, Gretsch number 24 revisited embody do another happiness project.
Gretchen
Yes. And I’m doing that because I’m doing the Happiness Project course along with everybody, all the participants. And so I’m revisiting all the themes that I didn’t have this project. So that’s super fun. So I’m, you know, I’m halfway through because it’s halfway day. That’s been really great. I’m kind of giving myself double credit with that one, I’m realizing.
Gretchen
But I’ll take the double credit.
Elizabeth
You should get double credit. Why not? Yeah.
Gretchen
Why not?
Elizabeth
There are no rules here. Hey, reminders.
Gretchen
No rules, right? No right way or wrong way. It’s whatever works for you. So let us know if you do try this at home. If you’re using halfway day to look at your list, your one word theme to examine right 24 and 24 and how it’s working for you, we would love to hear your suggestions, reflections, resources. Let us know on Instagram threads TikTok Facebook.
Gretchen
Drop us an email at. Podcaster Gretchen rubin.com. Or as always, you go to the show notes. This is half your Cars.com slash four, eight, eight for everything related to this episode.
Elizabeth
Coming up, I give myself a lighting related demerit. The first this break.
[music]
Elisabeth
Okay, it’s time for Demerits and gold stars
Gretchen
Elizabeth. Your demerit, Gretch.
Elizabeth
It’s a very mundane demerit. It’s that I still have not figured out the right lighting for zooms. Yeah. And recording. I still have the ring light in my glasses. Yeah, I need to go at it again. I tried parchment paper. That hasn’t worked for me, so I just. I need to tackle it again. Yeah, yeah. See? Ongoing issue.
Gretchen
I think glasses are a problem. Lighting is a problem. It’s just it’s a problem.
Elizabeth
Yes, but what is your gold star?
Gretchen
Well, I hurt my toe, which I’m very concerned about this toe because I’m going all these walking and hiking. And so I’ve been trying to baby the toe and my daughter Eleanor was like, my feet felt cramped, I think, because I was favoring the toe, sort of straining my the muscles in my foot. And so she rub my feet and that just oh my gosh, it felt so good.
Elizabeth
Sweet daughter.
Gretchen
I know. And I just thought, oh, the like gold star for her, I appreciate it. It’s so.
Elizabeth
Much nice.
Gretchen
So the resource for this week okay halfway day. It’s coming up July 2nd. And so this halfway point in the year is a great chance to revisit your goals. So to help everybody refocus on the happier app, we’re running a two week check in through July 8th. So week one offers reflection on your progress. And then week two provides fresh ideas and strategies to help you get back on track.
Gretchen
If you need help and you can find the halfway day inspiration on the Apps Explore tab. Or you can download the app at the happier app. Dot com. So what are we reading? Elizabeth, what are you reading?
Elizabeth
I am reading It Takes Two to Mango by Kerry Doyle.
Gretchen
And I’m about to start The City and the Stars by Arthur C Clarke. And that’s it for this episode of Happier. Remember to try this at home. Use halfway day to reflect on your year so far. Let us know if you tried it and if it worked for you.
Elizabeth
Thank you to our Executive producer, Chuck Reed and everyone at Odyssey. Get in touch Gretchen’s on Instagram threads, Facebook and TikTok at Gretchen Rubin. And I’m on Instagram and threads at Liz Craft.
Gretchen
And you know what’s coming at you and here’s your rhyme. Remember, if you like the show, tell someone you know.
Elizabeth
Until next week, I’m Elizabeth Craft.
Gretchen
And I’m Gretchen Rubin. Thanks for joining us. Onward and upward. And.
Gretchen
Lizbeth. You ready?
Elizabeth
Yeah. Okay. Hey, look at that mug.
Gretchen
Well. Let’s see.
Elizabeth
Yeah, I got my San cola sound mug.
Gretchen
Oh, there you go.
Gretchen
Okay. From the onward project.