Happier with Gretchen Rubin

Discover the power of identifying your exceptional advantages that make you unique in both work and life. Learn a time-saving hack to enhance your outings and ponder a revealing question that deepens self-awareness. Embrace the idea that work can ironically be a form of procrastination, and enjoy humorous anecdotes about familiar situations gone awry. Explore the emotional ties of food generosity and how nurturing connections can enrich your life amidst transitions.

Dive into the intriguing concept of 'drift'—how making no decision can often become a decision in itself. Discover the consequences of passive choices and the importance of recognizing this pattern in your life. The discussion also explores the risks and rewards of drifting in major areas like career and relationships. Gain practical tips for mindful decision-making to enhance your personal fulfillment and take control of your life's direction.

Join the insightful Suzy Welch, a Professor at NYU Stern and author of "Becoming You," as she explores the crucial role of self-awareness and personal values in happiness. Welch introduces her innovative Values Bridge quiz that reveals how core values shape our decisions and relationships. The conversation highlights the transformative power of understanding oneself and emphasizes practical tools for aligning our actions with our values. Get ready to reflect and live intentionally for a more fulfilling life!

Discover the emotional challenges of decluttering and the decision to let go of sentimental items. Dive into the renewed power of physical therapy, illustrated by a listener's success story. Uncover how friendships can be cultivated and why fictional characters often embody specific personality frameworks. The conversation also touches on the joys of using long-neglected items or donating them to foster community satisfaction. Join in on a thoughtful exploration of personal growth, emotional resilience, and the art of storytelling in TV.

Discover the delicate dance between valuing criticism and maintaining creative integrity. Learn to distinguish between constructive and unconstructive feedback through engaging personal stories and literary insights. Find out how developing your own discernment can foster growth while keeping your artistic vision intact.

Regret might be uncomfortable, but it can actually boost our happiness. The hosts share personal stories illustrating how reflecting on past decisions leads to valuable insights. They discuss different types of regrets and the role of self-compassion in acknowledging them. By examining missed opportunities and life lessons, they highlight how regret can guide us towards making better choices. Ultimately, embracing regret can foster personal growth and deeper connections with ourselves and others.

We explore why making a list of your favorite words ("whimsy," "crackle," "latibulate") and using them can boost happiness. We share a simple hack that makes packing easier, and we reflect on a dog-related Secret of Adulthood. We also tackle a listener question about how to manage Obliger-rebellion when facing increased workload after coworker layoffs. Resources & links related to this episode: Order your copy of Secrets of Adulthood Sign up for the Happier in Hollywood Substack newsletter Happiness Hack: Ratio method of 3:1 Quiz for the Four Tendencies personality framework I Want You to Know journal  Elizabeth is reading: Lights Out by Navessa Allen (Amazon, Bookshop) Gretchen is reading: The Catastrophe Hour by Meghan Daum (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.

Explore the deep emotional connections evoked by national rituals. Discover how the Supreme Court's opening words inspire a strong sense of justice and pride in American ideals. The host shares personal reflections on how such traditions shape our national identity. Tune in for a touching reminder of the power of cultural connections!

Bringing home a new puppy brings both joy and challenges. The hosts share delightful tales of Taffy's playful antics that have unexpectedly upped their fitness game. They explore family dynamics as Taffy meets the older dog, Barnaby, and navigate differing pet care approaches. With heartfelt anecdotes and humor, they reflect on adapting to new routines and the importance of flexibility. Through this journey, they emphasize cherishing life’s fleeting moments while integrating a furry friend into their lives.

In a powerful conversation, Reshma Saujani, the founder of Girls Who Code and Moms First, joins Meghan, Duchess of Sussex. They delve into the importance of redesigning workplaces to support women, balancing health with career demands, and the challenges of female entrepreneurship. Reshma shares her journey through setbacks and her passion for empowering young women in tech. Their discussion highlights the need for authenticity in leadership and advocating for equitable policies in the workplace. This exchange is filled with inspiring insights for aspiring entrepreneurs.