In this episode of The Art of Authenticity, Laura Coe talks with Gretchen Rubin, author of The Happiness Project and other New York Times bestsellers.
About Gretchen Rubin
Gretchen Rubin is the author of several books, including the bestsellers Better Than Before, The Happiness Project and Happier at Home. Her books have sold more than two million copies worldwide, in more than thirty languages. She also hosts the podcast Happier with Gretchen Rubin with her sister Elizabeth Craft.
No one-size-fits-all habits
People often ask how to structure the day or stay organised. Waking at 5am, jogging and then meditating isn’t a universal answer. Gretchen’s point: you have to do it in a way that works for you, and let go of the idea that there is one right way to set up habits. Most of us fail because we are not honest about what works for us. We don’t know how we operate, so we don’t know how to make the changes we want.
Show Notes
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How Gretchen went from being a supreme court justice to becoming a writer. [4:11]
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The importance of wanting to “talk shop” and following your passion. [5:19]
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What inspired Gretchen’s first book, Power, Money, Fame, Sex: The users guide. [6:25]
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Why Gretchen decide that she would rather fail as a writer than be successful as a lawyer. [8:10]
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How The Happiness Project started out as just a person project for Gretchen in her own life. [10:13]
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Why incorporating social media and branding is unique to each style of writer. [13:25]
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What it means to shine a light on the ideas of others and how it can benefit you as an authority in the space. [14:58]
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Why habit formation has no one-size-fits-all guide, and no one way is right or wrong. [18:25]
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How to better implement habits and change your lifestyle by identifying the root problem. [26:04]
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Gretchen shares in detail the tendencies she describes in her new book, The Four Tendencies. [29:06]
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Learn why it is important not to get in other people’s way, but instead help them find what works best for them. [37:34]
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Why identifying who we envy can help us to learn more about who we are ourselves. [46:06]
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Hear Gretchen’s view on whether or not you can be happy when you live an inauthentic life. [48:46]
More About Gretchen
Frequently asked questions
Is there a best way to build habits?
According to Gretchen Rubin, no: habit formation has no one-size-fits-all guide. You have to find what works for you.
What are the Four Tendencies?
The framework from Gretchen’s book The Four Tendencies, which she describes in detail in this episode.