Happier with Gretchen Rubin

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

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.
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.
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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