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.

Secrets of Adulthood by Gretchen Rubin cover

Pre-Order Gretchen Rubin’s New Book Secrets of Adulthood

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

“One day, now will be
a long time ago.”
–Gretchen Rubin

FEATURED QUIZ

Fall in Love With Your Next Novel

Answer four questions, and discover your next favorite novel. Get your results as a “personal ad” for a novel fitted to your mood and taste—along with some recommendations based on what you’re looking for. 

BIG IDEAS

Your Year, Your Way: Design Your Year

“New year, new you” is a funny phrase. January 1 might mark the start of a new year, but you’re still you. 

And that’s a good thing, because the key to starting a new habit or accomplishing an aim is to figure out an approach that works for you

Ready to start designing your year? You’re in the right place.

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 Rubin 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

Abandon the Empty Nest. Instead, Try the Open Door.

Adults whose kids have left home deserve a metaphor that emphasizes possibility.

FEATURED ARTICLE

Gretchen Rubin’s Gifts for Readers

It can be intimidating to pick out books for people, but I love supporting readers. Here are some of my favorite gifts for readers.

FEATURED PODCAST EPISODE

Tenth Anniversary! Best Try-This-At-Home Ideas, Happiness Hacks, and Highlights

To celebrate the tenth anniversary of the podcast, we highlight our favorite ideas, hacks, and moments from the last decade. Everything from the “one-minute rule” to “clear the decks” to “give yourself a derby name” to Elizabeth’s famous recommendation of the Ped Egg.

FEATURED TOOL

Get organized one step at a time with the Happier™ App

We all want to feel more in control of our space and routines, but getting organized can feel overwhelming. This month’s Jump-Start breaks it down into small, actionable steps that help clear clutter, create order, and bring a sense of calm to your surroundings. (Starts March 9th).

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.

Join more than one million subscribers and sign up for free. Find the most recent newsletter here.

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.

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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