Ep. 555: Invest in Tools, an Orange Theory Hack & a Sobering Fact about Books

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Oct 8, 2025

Discover the transformative power of investing in the right tools to enhance happiness and productivity. Learn an innovative hack for building accountability through social media, particularly for fitness enthusiasts. Plus, get ready for a shocking revelation about how many books you can realistically read in a lifetime, changing your reading habits forever. The conversation also touches on the fragility of habits and the importance of support systems, all while celebrating clever organizational strategies for travel.

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ADVICE

Invest In Tools Thoughtfully

Invest in tools once you’ve shown commitment to an activity to improve enjoyment and performance.
Consider financial cost and time to learn the tool before upgrading to avoid wasted purchases.

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INSIGHT

Good Tools Improve Joy And Results

Beautiful and appropriate tools can make work more joyful and measurably improve results.
Poor or unsuitable tools distract you and waste time, harming both mood and productivity.

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ANECDOTE

Dad's Old Golf Clubs Story

Gretchen described her father's long use of old golf clubs and how new clubs can materially affect play.
He insisted "it's not the clubs, it's the golfer," illustrating resistance to upgrading despite benefits.

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Travel Departure Protocol to Avoid Chaos

03:57 • 3min

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Try This at Home: Invest in Tools

06:59 • 4min

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Music Teaching Advice on Instrument Investment

OrangeTheory Hack: Follow a Trainer Online

18:59 • 4min

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Reading Revelation: Only ~2,600 Books Left

Flossing Lapse and Habit Fragility

31:07 • 3min

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Teacher-Organized Packing List Earns Praise

33:50 • 3min

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Resources and Reading Updates

• Mentioned in 19 episodes

168 hours

You Have More Time Than You Think

Laura Vanderkam

In '168 Hours: You Have More Time Than You Think,' Laura Vanderkam challenges the common narrative that people are starved for time. After interviewing dozens of successful and happy individuals, she found that they allocate their time differently, prioritizing important activities over lesser ones. The book provides strategies for optimizing time use, such as logging your time, focusing on core competencies, outsourcing non-essential tasks, and making the most of downtime. Vanderkam argues that with careful planning and discipline, it is possible to sleep eight hours a night, exercise regularly, pursue hobbies, and maintain quality time for work, family, and other important aspects of life.

#2727

• Mentioned in 12 episodes

Tranquility by Tuesday

Laura Vanderkam

In Tranquility by Tuesday, Laura Vanderkam offers a time management strategy based on a study of over 150 people. The book provides nine tried-and-true rules to help readers create a resilient schedule, prioritize their time, and live a more fulfilling life. It emphasizes the importance of strategic time management, setting realistic goals, and creating habits that promote joy and fulfillment. The book is designed to be practical and accessible, encouraging readers to implement changes gradually and celebrate their progress along the way.

#760

• Mentioned in 33 episodes

Better Than Before

Mastering the Habits of Our Everyday Lives

Gretchen Rubin

In 'Better Than Before', Gretchen Rubin explores the science and practice of habit formation. She identifies 21 strategies for making and breaking habits, emphasizing the importance of self-knowledge and tailoring habits to individual personalities. Rubin categorizes people into four tendencies—Upholders, Questioners, Obligers, and Rebels—and explains how these tendencies influence habit formation. The book is filled with practical advice, personal anecdotes, and rigorous research, making it a comprehensive and engaging guide to building happier, stronger, and more productive lives.

#1906

• Mentioned in 17 episodes

Awake

Anthony de Mello

#718

• Mentioned in 34 episodes

Fourth Wing

Rebecca Yarros

In 'Fourth Wing,' twenty-year-old Violet Sorrengail is forced by her mother, a commanding general, to join the elite dragon riders at Basgiath War College. Despite her physical weaknesses due to a chronic illness similar to Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Violet must use her intelligence and wit to survive the competitive and deadly environment. She faces numerous challenges, including sparring matches, the Gauntlet climbing challenge, and battles in the War Games. Alongside her struggles, Violet uncovers secrets about the leadership and forms complex relationships with her peers, including the ruthless but charismatic wingleader Xaden Riorson. The book is part of the Empyrean series and combines elements of fantasy, adventure, and romance.

#2032

• Mentioned in 16 episodes

All the Way to the River

Love, Loss, and Liberation

Elizabeth Gilbert

Elizabeth Gilbert's 'All the Way to the River: Love, Loss, and Liberation' invites readers on a deeply personal journey through the complexities of human experience. Gilbert fearlessly explores the intricacies of love and heartbreak, sharing intimate reflections on loss and resilience. As she navigates life's inevitable challenges, the author discovers the path to personal liberation, embracing self-discovery and empowerment. With her signature blend of vulnerability and insight, Gilbert crafts a narrative that resonates with readers seeking solace and inspiration. This memoir is a testament to the human capacity for growth and transformation in the face of adversity, reminding us that love and liberation are always within reach.

#1668

• Mentioned in 19 episodes

168 hours

You Have More Time Than You Think

Laura Vanderkam

We discuss why investing in the right tools can boost both happiness and productivity—when it's worth spending money, and when it’s not. We share an easy happiness hack for finding accountability and community to keep up a good habit, and talk about a startling calculation that may change the way you read.

Resources & links related to this episode:

Listen to the new podcast Since You Asked with Lori Gottlieb and Gretchen Rubin
Ep. 548 Put your money where your mouth is
Join Secrets of Adulthood on Substack
Elizabeth is reading: All the Way to the River by Elizabeth Gilbert (Amazon, Bookshop)
Gretchen is reading: All Passion Spent by Vita Sackville-West (Amazon, Bookshop)

Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com

Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app.

Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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