Amazon Prime Free Trial
FREE Delivery is available to Prime members. To join, select "Try Amazon Prime and start saving today with FREE Delivery" below the Add to Cart button and confirm your Prime free trial.
Amazon Prime members enjoy:- Cardmembers earn 5% Back at Amazon.com with a Prime Credit Card.
- Unlimited FREE Prime delivery
- Streaming of thousands of movies and TV shows with limited ads on Prime Video.
- A Kindle book to borrow for free each month - with no due dates
- Listen to over 2 million songs and hundreds of playlists
Important: Your credit card will NOT be charged when you start your free trial or if you cancel during the trial period. If you're happy with Amazon Prime, do nothing. At the end of the free trial, your membership will automatically upgrade to a monthly membership.
-21% $12.69$12.69
Ships from: Amazon Sold by: Lifestyle Order Fulfillment
$7.00$7.00
Ships from: Amazon Sold by: Jenson Books Inc
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Audible sample
The Happiness Project (Revised Edition): Or, Why I Spent a Year Trying to Sing in the Morning, Clean My Closets, Fight Right, Read Aristotle, and Generally Have More Fun Paperback – December 29, 2015
Purchase options and add-ons
“This book made me happy in the first five pages.” —AJ Jacobs, author of The Year of Living Biblically: One Man's Humble Quest to Follow the Bible as Literally as Possible
Award-winning author Gretchen Rubin is back with a bang, with The Happiness Project. The author of the bestselling 40 Ways to Look at Winston Churchill has produced a work that is “a cross between the Dalai Lama’s The Art of Happiness and Elizabeth Gilbert’s Eat, Pray, Love.” (Sonya Lyubomirsky, author of The How of Happiness: A Scientific Approach to Getting the Life You Want) In the vein of Julie and Julia, The Happiness Project describes one person’s year-long attempt to discover what leads to true contentment. Drawing at once on cutting-edge science, classical philosophy, and real-world applicability, Rubin has written an engaging, eminently relatable chronicle of transformation.
- Print length368 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherHarper Paperbacks
- Publication dateDecember 29, 2015
- Dimensions5.31 x 0.74 x 8 inches
- ISBN-109780062414854
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.
Frequently bought together
Customers who viewed this item also viewed
- To be happy, I need to think about feeling good, feeling bad, and feeling right, in an atmosphere of growth.Highlighted by 2,194 Kindle readers
- To be happy, I need to think about feeling good, feeling bad, and feeling right.Highlighted by 1,657 Kindle readers
- Experts say that denying bad feelings intensifies them; acknowledging bad feelings allows good feelings to return.Highlighted by 1,618 Kindle readers
Editorial Reviews
Review
“For those who generally loathe the self-help genre, Rubin’s book is a breath of peppermint-scented air. Well-researched and sharply written. . . . Rubin takes an orderly, methodical approach to forging her own path to a happier state of mind.” (Kim Crow, Cleveland Plain Dealer)
“Practical and never preachy . . . the rare self-help tome that doesn’t feel shameful to read.” (Daily Beast)
“Packed with fascinating facts about the science of happiness and rich examples of how she improves her life through changes small and big The Happiness Project made me happier by just reading it.” (Amy Scribner, Bookpage)
From the Back Cover
“Wonderful. . . . Rubin shows how you can be happier, starting right now, with small, actionable steps accessible to everyone.” —Julie Morgenstern, New York Times bestselling author of Organizing from the Inside Out
Gretchen Rubin had an epiphany one rainy afternoon in the unlikeliest of places: a city bus. “The days are long, but the years are short,” she realized. “Time is passing, and I’m not focusing enough on the things that really matter.” In that moment, she decided to dedicate a year to her happiness project.
In this lively and compelling account—now updated with new material by the author—Rubin chronicles her adventures during the twelve months she spent test-driving the wisdom of the ages, current scientific research, and lessons from popular culture about how to be happier. Among other things, she found that novelty and challenge are powerful sources of happiness; that money can help buy happiness, when spent wisely; that outer order contributes to inner calm; and that the very smallest of changes can make the biggest difference.
“An enlightening, laugh-aloud read.”—Christian Science Monitor
This updated edition includes:
· A new extensive interview with the author
· Secrets of Adulthood
· An excerpt from Gretchen Rubin’s new book, Better Than Before: What I Learned About Making and Breaking Habits—to Sleep More, Quit Sugar, Procrastinate Less, and Generally Build a Happier Life
About the Author
I'm the author of the New York Times bestsellers "The Happiness Project," “Happier at Home” and “Better Than Before.” I write about my experiences as I test-drive the wisdom of the ages, current scientific studies, and lessons from popular culture about happiness, habits, and human nature. My next book will hit the shelves in summer 2017: “The Four Tendencies: The Surprising Truth about the Four Hidden Personality Types That Drive Everything We Do.”
Find out your Tendency—are you an Upholder, Questioner, Obliger, or Rebel?—when you take the free quiz at GretchenRubin.com.
Subscribe to my award-winning weekly podcast “Happier with Gretchen Rubin” (more than 1 million downloads each month) and hear my sister and I discuss strategies and tips for how to make your daily life happier. I also created an app to help people harness the power of the Four Tendencies. Learn more at BetterApp.us or search the app store for “Better Gretchen Rubin.”
My previous books include a bestselling biography of Winston Churchill, "Forty Ways to Look at Winston Churchill,” and one of John Kennedy, “Forty Ways to Look at JFK.” My first book, “Power Money Fame S..: A User's Guide,” is social criticism in the guise of a user's manual. I wrote “Profane Waste” in collaboration with artist Dana Hoey. I've also written three dreadful novels that are safely locked away in a drawer.
Before turning to writing, I had a career in law. A graduate of Yale and Yale Law School, I clerked for Justice Sandra Day O'Connor and was editor-in-chief of the Yale Law Journal. I live in New York City with my husband and two daughters.
Product details
- ASIN : 0062414852
- Publisher : Harper Paperbacks; Revised edition (December 29, 2015)
- Language : English
- Paperback : 368 pages
- ISBN-10 : 9780062414854
- Item Weight : 10.4 ounces
- Dimensions : 5.31 x 0.74 x 8 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #160,579 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #417 in Emotional Mental Health
- #2,273 in Happiness Self-Help
- #4,879 in Memoirs (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
About the author
Gretchen Rubin is one of today’s most influential and thought-provoking observers of happiness and human nature.
Her previous books include the #1 New York Times bestseller THE HAPPINESS PROJECT, as well as the bestselling books BETTER THAN BEFORE, HAPPIER AT HOME, THE FOUR TENDENCIES, and OUTER ORDER, INNER CALM. Her latest book is LIFE IN FIVE SENSES.
She’s the host of the popular, award-winning podcast "Happier with Gretchen Rubin," where she and her co-host (and sister) Elizabeth Craft explore strategies and insights about how to make life happier. As the founder of The Happiness Project, she has helped create imaginative products for people to use in their own happiness projects.
She has been interviewed by Oprah, eaten dinner with Nobel Prize-winner Daniel Kahneman, walked arm-in-arm with the Dalai Lama, had her work reported on in a medical journal, been written up in the New Yorker, and been an answer on Jeopardy!
Gretchen Rubin started her career in law, and she realized she wanted to be a writer while she was clerking for Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor. Raised in Kansas City, she lives in New York City with her family.
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find the book easy to read and enjoyable. They appreciate the author's relatable writing style and systematic approach to life. Readers enjoy her candid insights and personal experiences, as well as her witty writing style. The book provides an interesting perspective on how to look at life and help you gain control over your life.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers find the book engaging and well-written. They appreciate its premise that we all deserve to be happy and the helpful tools provided in the narrative. Readers also mention the author provides other books for further reading.
"...Needless to say, I identified with a lot of what she wrote. I loved the book...." Read more
"...She's an authentic story teller. I could empathize with her daily struggles. Her life felt like my life. I think that's the secret to great writing...." Read more
"...Rubin's journey is very personal, thoroughly researched, fun, easy-to-read yet full of challenges. I delighted in learning about Rubin's process...." Read more
"...All in all it's certainly not a bad book, her systematic approach is energizing, I think you can find quite a bit of inspiration here to launch your..." Read more
Customers find the book inspiring with its insights and ideas. They appreciate the well-researched content and evidence-based practices about happiness, fulfillment, and related topics. The book provides a challenging way to improve oneself and open one's eyes to small ways to be happy.
"...•The repetitive activity of walking, studies who, triggers the body's relaxation response and so helps reduce stress; at the same time, even a quick..." Read more
"...Project, not just for the wonderful story telling, or the amazing insights, but for the total happiness ecosystem that Gretchen has so generously..." Read more
"...What I particularly liked: -The book is well-researched -- there are plenty of references to classical and not-so-classical literature,..." Read more
"...She's not miserable when she starts, she's not depressed, she has a law degree, she seems to be very well connected, her husband didn't just leave..." Read more
Customers appreciate the author's relatable writing style and clear explanations of actions. They find the book organized and easy to read, with a simple concept and systematic approach. Readers can create their own set of happiness resolutions or join others in group resolutions.
"...I think what makes Rubin's writing so appealing is that she admits that she isn't perfect; she's not afraid to show her ugly side instead of..." Read more
"...It can be found at [...] . There you can write your own set of happiness Resolutions or join with other people in a Group Resolution...." Read more
"...to classical and not-so-classical literature, quotations from the world's great thinkers, masterful interweaving of literature into the text, and a..." Read more
"...Her systematic approach is impressive, every month, for one year, she tries out different things to see what it does to her levels of happiness...." Read more
Customers find the book's systematic approach energizing and helpful for gaining control over their lives. They appreciate the interesting perspective and actionable steps each month. The book is described as fun, easy to read yet challenging.
"...is very personal, thoroughly researched, fun, easy-to-read yet full of challenges. I delighted in learning about Rubin's process...." Read more
"...All in all it's certainly not a bad book, her systematic approach is energizing, I think you can find quite a bit of inspiration here to launch your..." Read more
"...She also quotes a lot of random statistics, like "47% of Americans feel happier after X, Y or Z." Meh...." Read more
"...struggle a little bit with it through the book... but the principles are pretty universal...." Read more
Customers appreciate the author's candid and personal insights into her search for happiness. They find the book provides real, simple tips on improving life quality. Readers appreciate the author's honest and open approach to her own place in the world.
"...She's an authentic story teller. I could empathize with her daily struggles. Her life felt like my life. I think that's the secret to great writing...." Read more
"...-It's very personal -- Rubin discusses her sister's diagnosis of diabetes, her husband's hepatitis C, her father's perhaps-feigned delight over take-..." Read more
"...I liked her honesty, though there seem to be quite a few reviewers who thought she was bitchy...." Read more
"...Project is first, the details of the experiment, second, Rubin's honesty, and third, the ability of this book to spark ideas in the reader...." Read more
Customers enjoy the author's humorous and witty writing style. They find the book lighthearted and easy to read with an engaging way of presenting ways to find happiness. The author's honest and entertaining writing style is appreciated, without snarkiness or false comparisons. Readers appreciate the good collection of quotes and thoughts on happiness.
"...to it, Gretchen mixes actual research with her own experiences with a humorous and effective tone...." Read more
"...In other words, there is no snarkiness, no false comparisons, no trying to cut people down for effect, no writing off other people's experiences...." Read more
"Ms. Rubin is honest and funny. She did the work to research on happiness, and tests out her findings...." Read more
"...The reader will thoroughly enjoy this journey and laugh and cry along with the author as she works out all the ups and downs in life...." Read more
Customers have different views on the book's value. Some find it worthwhile and inspiring, saying it's a light read worth the time. Others feel it's a waste of money, with insincere writing and no real value in the conclusions or main points.
"...just leave her for a 20 something hardbody, she is definitely not strapped for cash, doesn't seem to have gone through any severe emotional trauma,..." Read more
"...concept that sounds nice in theory but is difficult and unrealistic to actually achieve...." Read more
"...Well worth the money!" Read more
"...Boring, uninspiring and felt like filler. I am glad I read this book. I am sure I will read more books like it...." Read more
Customers find the book boring and repetitive. They mention it's too pedantic with too many statistics and surveys mentioned. The book is described as not motivating, educational, or funny. Readers also mention that the author is not much of a storyteller and the book can be slow and unenventful.
"...To me, she sounds whiny, bored, and a kind of spoiled...." Read more
"...chapter 6 or 7 things get a little long-winded and - much worse - repetitive (to the point where I thought "I've read this part before")..." Read more
"...In someone else’s hands, this whole concept could have been trite and silly, but Gretchen Rubin’s approach to defining and working through her kinks..." Read more
"...She is just not much of a story teller. I really love the idea of small incremental steps to improve happiness in ourselves and those around us...." Read more
Reviews with images
The sexless happiness project
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
- Reviewed in the United States on December 15, 2013Yes, I'm four years behind on finding this book, but I'm so glad that I finally caught up!
I don't think this book needs a synopsis at this point - at 780 reviews and counting, it's been done. I'll just cover what I enjoyed about it.
I think what makes Rubin's writing so appealing is that she admits that she isn't perfect; she's not afraid to show her ugly side instead of painting a picture of sunshine and rainbows. I really identified with her when she spoke about wishing she would like something because others did. I have often wished I:
•Was a morning person
•Could be the person who picks out her outfits the night before
•Could be the person who picks out her outfits for the week on Sundays and prepared them
•Wrapped gifts beautifully
•Could drive without ever getting upset with another driver
•Save money
•Enjoyed volunteering
•Cared if my bag matched my shoes
•Enjoyed going to see rock bands
•Enjoyed making my own smoothies everyday
•Enjoyed the raw food diet
But I'm not any of those things. I have accepted that I will likely always be a night person, that I made the right decision to sell my Vitamix (after only using it a handful of times over 2 years), and that I would rather donate money then have to show up at a place at an assigned time to volunteer. This is who I am, and that's okay - the world needs me and the world needs the person who is all of the things I'm not.
Favorite moments from the book:
•What you do every day matters more than what you do once in a while.
•You don't have to be good at everything.
•With extrinsic motivation, people act to win external rewards or avoid external punishments; with intrinsic motivation, people act for their own satisfaction. Studies show that if you reward people for doing an activity, they often stop doing it for fun; being paid turns it into "work."
•The repetitive activity of walking, studies who, triggers the body's relaxation response and so helps reduce stress; at the same time, even a quick ten-minute walk provides an immediate energy boost and improves mood - in fact, exercises is an effective way to snap out of a funk.
•Also, having few clothing choices made me feel happier. Although people believe they like to have lots of choice, in fact, having too many choices can be discouraging. Instead of making people feel more satisfied, a wide range of options can paralyze them.
•I'd been self-righteously telling myself that I did certain chores or made certain efforts "for Jamie" or "for the team." Though this sounded generous, it led to a bad result, because I sulked when Jamie didn't appreciate my efforts. Instead, I started to tell myself, "I'm doing this for myself. This is what I want."
•Perhaps because men have this low standard for what qualifies as intimacy, both men and women find relationships with women to be more enjoyable than those with men. In fact, for both men and women, the most reliable predictor of not being lonely is the amount of contact with women. Time spent with men doesn't make a difference.
•Learning that men and women both turn to women for understanding showed me that Jamie wasn't ignoring me out of lack of interest or affection; he just wasn't good at giving that kind of support.
•I've never forgotten something I read in college, by Pierre Reverdy: "There is no love; there are only proofs of love." Whatever love I might feel in my heart, others will see only my actions.
•"Feeling right" is about living the life that's right for you - in occupation, location, marital status, and so on.
•When thinking about happiness in marriage, you may have an almost irresistible impulse to focus on your spouse, to emphasize how he or she should change in order to boost your happiness. But the fact is, you can't change anyone but yourself.
•"Between the ages of twenty and forty we are engaged in the process of discovering who we are, which involves learning the difference between accidental limitations which it is our duty to outgrow and the necessary limitations of our nature beyond which we cannot trespass with impunity." (Auden)
•Studies show that people tend to persevere longer with problems they've been told are difficult as opposed to easy.
•In fact, researchers reported that out of fifteen daily activities, they found only one during which people were happier alone rather than with other people - and that was praying.
•Studies show that because of this psychological phenomenon, people unintentionally transfer to me the traits I ascribe to other people. So if I tell Jean that Pat is arrogant, unconsciously Jean associates that quality with me...What I say about other people sticks to me - even when I talk to someone who already knows me.
•I'd noticed idly that a lot of people use the term "goal" instead of "resolution," and one day in December, it struck me that the difference was in fact significant. You hit a goal, you keep a resolution.
Needless to say, I identified with a lot of what she wrote. I loved the book. Rubin also has a website where you can download examples of her resolution charts.
Highly recommend.
- Reviewed in the United States on February 13, 2010With The Happiness Project, Gretchen Rubin has created more than a book, she has created an entire ecosystem of happiness. Before the book, Gretchen spent a year blogging about happiness. Blog comments were incorporated into the book. The blog continues with rich insights about the truths that she learned. You can find it at [...].
As if a book and a blog were not enough, Gretchen has generously created a tool set to help you apply The Happiness Project principles into your life. It can be found at [...] . There you can write your own set of happiness Resolutions or join with other people in a Group Resolution. You can write your own list of Personal Commandments and share your Secrets of Adulthood. You can make your own lists (I recorded my bucket list) or share your insights through Happiness Hacks or the Inspiration Board. Even more fun than recording your own thoughts is to read what others have written. If it is true that none of us is as smart as all of us, there is a lot to be learned from the other people who are sharing their journey at [...] .
I first learned of Gretchen Rubin when I heard her interview on NPR. After checking into her web site, I picked up the book and (as cliché as this may be to say) found myself unwilling to put it down. She's an authentic story teller. I could empathize with her daily struggles. Her life felt like my life. I think that's the secret to great writing. Gretchen allows others to live along side her as if they were a member of her family.
All in all, I would recommend The Happiness Project, not just for the wonderful story telling, or the amazing insights, but for the total happiness ecosystem that Gretchen has so generously created.
- Reviewed in the United States on January 2, 2010In this book, Gretchen Rubin documents her year-long quest to figure out what steps one can take to increase happiness. Rubin's journey is very personal, thoroughly researched, fun, easy-to-read yet full of challenges. I delighted in learning about Rubin's process. Likewise, I am thoroughly amazed by the amount of energy Rubin put into this project and her seemingly unlimited appetite for knowledge. The basic premise is simple - -- "To thine own self be true" (or in Rubin's case, "Be Gretchen"). Rather than over-simplify and deal in generalities, Rubin outlines very concrete and specific steps that one can take to be more happy, some ("pursue a passion", "laugh out loud") more obvious than others ("buy some happiness", "read memoirs of catastrophe").
What I particularly liked:
-The book is well-researched -- there are plenty of references to classical and not-so-classical literature, quotations from the world's great thinkers, masterful interweaving of literature into the text, and a superb list of books for further reading. (This may be part of the author's need for "legitimacy" -- as if references St. Therese and Boethius let us know that even though she is writing on the seemingly-light topic of happiness, she is an educated scholar at heart.)
-It's very personal -- Rubin discusses her sister's diagnosis of diabetes, her husband's hepatitis C, her father's perhaps-feigned delight over take-out pizza for dinner, the ruby slippers and cows on her wedding invitations, her struggle with spending money to purchase nice roller-ball ink pens (when free ball points labeled with drug names are readily available). Rubin discusses her need for approval, her pursuit of "legitimacy" and gold stars, her preference for children's literature. She talks of her personal successes and "failures" (disappointment in the sales of one of her books), her particular passion for white v-neck tee shirts. Rubin shares more personal information with her readers that I share with people I consider close friends.
-It's conversational -- When reading this, I could imagine sitting in the living room with Rubin, drinking diet Cokes and discussing the pressing issues of the day -- why it's important for adults to read D. H. Barrie, the joy of a nicely bound set of books, the delight of a new pen. Although Rubin is obviously well-read and superbly-educated, her writing is conversational and very accessible; she delights in sharing what she's learned rather than showing us how dang smart she is.
Overall, this was one of the most delightful books I've read in a long time, providing plenty of food for thought. Highly recommended.
Top reviews from other countries
- oksanaReviewed in Belgium on March 1, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book!
A wonderful book! Not that much new information but has a few interesting points to make you think. It’s really well written and i especially appreciate the language it’s written it.
- NiajohnsReviewed in the United Arab Emirates on February 23, 2023
2.0 out of 5 stars Printing
The paper quality is bad and small font printing.It just looks like a second hand one.
- A. G. PReviewed in Spain on April 25, 2020
5.0 out of 5 stars The Happiness project
When I made the effort to reach out for them, I found that the ruby slippers had been on my feet all along; the bluebird was singing outside my kitchen window. This final quote from the book speaks to me that happiness is already in life, just need to fine tune my habits, thoughts and behaviour to enjoy it.
-
PaulaReviewed in Mexico on December 6, 2017
5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely love it!!!
I started with the free sample because I should admit I’ve read many reviews criticizing the author for not having a difficult life (so how can she ever discover / develop her path for happiness right???). But I found an inspiring book that would fit most people on how to live the life you actually want to live (notice I didn’t say happier). Also I love the mundane references and everyday’s ups and downs, that help to understand the hypothesis, habits and clues better. Fully recommended.
-
Mariel BragaReviewed in Italy on March 8, 2018
5.0 out of 5 stars Libro famoso
Arrivato il giorno seguente all'ordine!!! Adoro Amazon. Il libro è impeccabile, oltre che interessantissimo per via dell'argomento trattato, in un modo speciale dalla autrice best-selling.