The Fine Line Between Authenticity and Imitation in Creativity

In this special live episode of Passion Struck, host John R. Miles welcomes New York Times bestselling author Gretchen Rubin to explore the timeless wisdom captured in her latest work, Secrets of Adulthood. Recorded at the vibrant Oxford Exchange in Tampa, Florida, this conversation dives deep into the small but powerful lessons that can transform the way we live, love, and grow.

Gretchen Rubin, known for her groundbreaking books The Happiness Project and The Four Tendencies, shares why she believes Secrets of Adulthood is the book she has been writing in her mind for decades. Through a series of carefully crafted aphorisms—short, memorable phrases that distill big truths—Rubin captures what she has learned about human nature, habits, relationships, and personal growth. Her goal: to offer readers simple yet profound insights that illuminate the path to a happier, more intentional life.

Click here for the full show notes: https://passionstruck.com/gretchen-rubin-on-the-secrets-of-adulthood/

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• Why Gretchen views aphorisms as a powerful literary tool
• How she shifted from "drift" to intentional living
• The surprising impact of losing two senses (taste and smell) after COVID
• The lessons Gretchen learned from Samuel Johnson about abstinence vs moderation
• Her advice on how adults can build and maintain meaningful friendships
• How to embrace paradoxes in love, parenting, and personal development
• The surprising truth about regret and decision-making
• Why Gretchen believes "a quest is more fun than a jaunt"

For more information on Gretchen Rubin: https://gretchenrubin.com/

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Catch More of Passion Struck:

• My solo episode on The Mattering Mindset in Love – Choose the Love You Deserve
• Can't miss my episode with Jennifer B. Wallace on the Consequences of Prioritizing Achievements Over Mattering
• My episode with The Art of Listening: How to Make People Feel Like They Matter
• Catch my interview with Laurie Santos on How to Matter in a Busy World
• Listen to my solo episode on Fading into Insignificance: The Impact of Un-Mattering in Our Interconnected Era

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