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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

4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 7,347 ratings

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“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.

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Editorial Reviews

Review

“An enlightening, laugh-aloud read. . . . Filled with open, honest glimpses into [Rubin’s] real life, woven together with constant doses of humor.” (Terry Hong, Christian Science Monitor)

“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

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
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 7,347 ratings

About the author

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Gretchen Rubin
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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

4.3 out of 5 stars
7,347 global ratings

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Customers 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

610 customers mention "Readability"552 positive58 negative

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

550 customers mention "Inspiration"550 positive0 negative

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

278 customers mention "Writing style"261 positive17 negative

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

135 customers mention "Perspective"98 positive37 negative

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

63 customers mention "Personal insight"63 positive0 negative

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

48 customers mention "Humor"48 positive0 negative

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

36 customers mention "Value for money"18 positive18 negative

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

50 customers mention "Boredom"8 positive42 negative

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

The sexless happiness project
3 out of 5 stars
The sexless happiness project
Gretchen Rubin is rather thorough. She decides to organize her own happiness project. She dives into lots of books on the subjects and decides on things she could do to increase her happiness. 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.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 her for a 20 something hardbody, she is definitely not strapped for cash, doesn't seem to have gone through any severe emotional trauma, did not serve two tours in Iraq, didn't lose a leg or an arm there, she was never gangraped as far as we know, she was never homeless, etc. The worst aspect of her life is that her husband has hepathitis and is almost certain to have a failing liver at some point in his life, but it's all under control so far. In short, you would assume she's already quite happy. She's isn't apparently, and there's no harm in trying to find out how to get more happiness. It's a human drive to always want a little bit more.People sort of attack her for 'indulging' in a first world project such as this. You can guess the arguments: how can you do this when so many children are starving? Her answer is quite good: happy people give more, make other people happy, have more energy to focus on others. She is unperturbed by these critics and sticks to her project.0047774b7c27784f96e318362732b017A good 'trick' she discovers is keeping score of virtues you want to develop or live by. She gets the idea from Benjamin Franklin. You draw up a list of qualities or virtues you want to have and each night you check if you stuck to them. You can see Franklin's virtues in the picture.She also has a list of personal rules she lives by or tries to live by. All things that Gretchen Rubin and I have in common. Even as a child I was sort of obsessed with making a rulebook for myself that would make me feel easier about my life. I never quite got there and I'm still adapating them. Some things have been become written in stone though. Such as the six human needs.The author discovers several things about happiness. Her biggest insights are pointing towards these six human needs as formulated by Tony Robbins, only she never discovers all six.I would say, based on this books and many others, you become happier by growing, learning things (growth) , a certain form of control over your life and daily surroundings (certainty), having a little fun (variety), interacting with people who share your interests (connection), helping others (contribution) and by feeling good about what you do in life (significance). She basically stumbles upon the six human needs, without spelling them out.The book is well-written, though the style is nothing special, it makes for easy reading. Something odd is that she NEVER MENTIONS SEX. Gretchen Rubin is either asexual, which is fine, or a terrible prude, or a marketing genius and sells these books mainly to prude, puritanian America (very likely) or doesn't want to embarass prude family members. At some point in the book she has a project in which she picks up three magazines, blind. To discover new things. When she picks up a porn magazine, she instantly puts it back. She does go home with a magazine about horse breeding. If you're going to pick up three random magazines, don't put the porn mag back. She might have actually discovered something new.I was sort of underwhelmed by the whole book, but I was prepared for her 'goody goody the worst that can happen in my life is that my husband doesn't respond when I'm sharing my day with him attitude'. I've read one of her other books, 'Better than before', but still, amputating the entire aspect of sex in a happiness project is a pretty invasive procedure. I think the majority of people need at least a little sex to feel happier. It's sort of a big deal. Well, perhaps she ranked it with food and breathing air, just basic needs not worth mentioning.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 own happiness project. It did one thing for me: it stopped making me feel guilty about wanting to be happy even though as we speak there are refugee children drowning off the coasts of Greece and Italy, as if my being sad saves anything or anyone.PS After reading some of the one star reviews I feel stupid for not doing some research on Gretchen Rubin, apparently she's even better connected than I thought and she's not just rich, but fabulously rich... This does put her book into a different perspective. She could have dug much deeper, and she could have talked a little bit more about her need for approval, even though she already has everything. It's still not a bad book, but I doubt she's being entirely honest. The whole thing seems to be very clever marketing by someone who has all the means and did everything to get the attention she so clearly craves. As other reviewers have mentioned: it would be very interesting to know why she is the way she is...
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on December 15, 2013
    Yes, 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.
    81 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on February 13, 2010
    With 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.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on January 2, 2010
    In 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.
    13 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • oksana
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great book!
    Reviewed in Belgium on March 1, 2024
    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.
  • Niajohns
    2.0 out of 5 stars Printing
    Reviewed in the United Arab Emirates on February 23, 2023
    The paper quality is bad and small font printing.It just looks like a second hand one.
  • A. G. P
    5.0 out of 5 stars The Happiness project
    Reviewed in Spain on April 25, 2020
    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.
  • Paula
    5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely love it!!!
    Reviewed in Mexico on December 6, 2017
    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 Braga
    5.0 out of 5 stars Libro famoso
    Reviewed in Italy on March 8, 2018
    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.