The Happiness Project

Warning: Blatant Self-Promotion. (I'm Warning You!)

Have I suggested that The Happiness Project might make a good holiday gift? I have? Oh right, maybe I have.

You may be thinking, "Well, Gretchen, you say your book is good, but why should I believe you?" Consider: The Happiness Project is a #1 New York Times bestseller and has now been on the bestseller list for 40 weeks, is being translated into more than thirty-five languages (check out the foreign cover gallery), and was even a question on the quiz show Jeopardy! (Which I still can't quite believe.)

If you read the blog, you may be thinking, "Well, I don't want to be rude, but I can read your stuff here for free, so why should I buy the book?" Good question. Consider these reasons...

1. One friend who has read both said she thought the blog was process, the book was conclusion. The ideas in the book are presented in a more distilled, thoughtful way, and the book framework allows me to tell longer stories and explain more complicated ideas. I’m able to show how different ideas fit together, which can be tough to do in one blog post. The book goes deeper. Most people who read both the book and the blog say that they like the book better.

2. On the blog, I write about whatever subject interests me that day, so it skips from topic to topic. The book is organized by subject matter: Energy, Parenthood, Work, Marriage, Play, Spirituality, Mindfulness, etc. If you’re interested in particular subjects, you can focus there.

3. If you’ve been enjoying the blog, and you’d like to share it with a friend, you can give the book as a gift. You can’t give the experience of reading a blog as a gift, but you can give a book. (If you'd like a free, personalized bookplate for your gift, or for yourself, request it here or email me at gretchenrubin1@gretchenrubin.com. Or if you're an audiobook listener or e-book reader, request the signature card. (Note that, given the date, realistically I won't be able to get it to you for a few weeks.)

4. In a book, you can more easily underline and take notes. You can do this electronically, but many people still find it easier to do with old-fashioned pen and paper.

5. I’m more forthcoming in my book. I call my family members by their true names. I talk about juicy episodes that I’ve never mentioned on my blog. I reveal a very major fact about my life that I’ve never discussed on my blog.

6. Book groups look for good books to discuss. If you'd like the one-page discussion guide for your book group, or the one-page discussion guide for spirituality book groups, Bible study groups, and the like, email me at gretchenrubin1@gretchenrubin.com.

7. Many of my readers have written that they want to buy the book to show their support -- a “thank you” for everything I’ve done for free. Which I very much appreciate.

But wait, there's more! If you love Page-a-Day calendars as much as I do, check out the Page-a-Day calendar for The Happiness Project. And if you're intrigued with resolution to Keep one-sentence journal—one of my favorite resolutions—take a look at it The Happiness Project One-Sentence Journal.

So ends the blatant self-promotion. Thank you!

The enthusiasm of blog readers has made such a difference to the success of The Happiness Project. I so appreciate the support of readers here. Truly.

* A thoughtful reader sent me the link to Michele Made Me. Crafts that actually seem possible.

What's Your "Pigeon of Discontent"?

For the past few years, for the weekly video as part of the Happiness Challenge, I've proposed a resolution for your consideration -- a concrete, manageable resolution to boost your happiness (at least, one that has boosted my happiness).

I'm considering changing the format of the videos for next year. One possibility is to have readers post comments about the aspects of life that drag them down -- then I'd discuss (I wouldn't give advice, but I'd discuss) those issues in the videos.

Because, as much as we try to follow the Bluebird of Happiness, we're also plagued by the Pigeon of Discontent. A Pigeon of Discontent isn't a major happiness challenge, but an ordinary problem that has settled into roost. For example: you're always exhausted; you fight with your in-laws; your house is a wreck; you feel panicked when you think of how far behind you've fallen on making photo albums.

I'm not sure whether this format will work, so I have a favor to ask: if you have a readily identifiable "pigeon of discontent," please post it here. Having an idea of how people would answer this question will help me decide whether this would be an interesting, useful path to take.

So: What is your Pigeon of Discontent? What relatively small and ordinary issue drags down your happiness?

* Is your book group reading The Happiness Project? Email me if you'd like the one-page discussion guide -- or the discussion guide for spirituality book groups, Bible study groups, and the like -- at gretchenrubin1@gretchenrubin.com. Happy reading!

Now For a Moment of (Fully Disclosed) Blatant Self-Promotion.

Have I mentioned that The Happiness Project is now out in paperback? Yes, it's true! Buy now, don't delay!

You may be thinking, "Well, Gretchen, you say your book is good, but why should I believe you?" Consider: The Happiness Project is a #1 New York Times bestseller, is being translated into more than thirty-one languages, and was even a question on the quiz show Jeopardy! (Which was quite surreal, I must admit.)

If you read the blog, you may be thinking, "Well, I don't want to be rude, but I can read your stuff here for free, so why should I buy the book? Paperback or not? Now or ever?" Good questions. Consider these reasons...

1. One friend who has read both said she thought the blog was process, the book was conclusion. The ideas in the book are presented in a more distilled, thoughtful way, and the book framework allows me to tell longer stories and explain more complicated ideas. I’m able to show how different ideas fit together, which can be tough to do in one blog post. The book goes deeper. Most people who read both the book and the blog say that they like the book better.

2. On the blog, I write about whatever subject interests me that day, so it skips from topic to topic. The book is organized by subject matter: Energy, Parenthood, Work, Marriage, Play, Spirituality, Mindfulness, etc. If you’re interested in particular subjects, you can focus there.

3. If you’ve been enjoying the blog, and you’d like to share it with a friend, you can give the book as a gift. You can’t give the experience of reading a blog as a gift, but you can give a book. (If you'd like a free, personalized bookplate for your gift, or for yourself, request it here or email me at gretchenrubin1 at gretchenrubin dot com. Or if you're an audiobook listener or e-book reader, request the signature card. They're free; ask for as many as you like; I'll mail anywhere; just include your mailing address.)

4. In a book, you can more easily underline and take notes. You can do this electronically, but many people still find it easier to do with old-fashioned pen and paper.

5. I’m more forthcoming in my book. I call my family members by their true names. I talk about juicy episodes that I’ve never mentioned on my blog. I reveal a very major fact about my life that I’ve never discussed on my blog.

6. A book group needs a book to discuss, and many book groups prefer to pick paperbacks. If you'd like the one-page discussion guide for your book group, or the one-page discussion guide for spirituality book groups, Bible study groups, and the like, email me at gretchenrubin1 at gretchenrubin dot com.

7. Many of my readers have written that they want to buy the book to show their support -- a “thank you” for everything I’ve done for free. Which I very much appreciate.

The enthusiasm of blog readers has made such a difference to the success of The Happiness Project. I so appreciate the support of readers here.

So ends the blatant self-promotion. Thank you!

Knowing my passionate interest in the sense of smell, many thoughtful readers sent me the link to an interesting piece, A Whiff of History.

* If I've piqued your interest in The Happiness Project, you can...
Order your copy.
Read sample chapters.
Watch the one-minute book video.
Listen to a sample of the audiobook.

Any Suggestions for Ways to Reach Members of the Military and Military Families?

As I was researching The Happiness Project, I was struck by the fact that I often found it more helpful to read about one person's idiosyncratic happiness project than to read about general principles applying to all humankind or studies applying to large populations. For some reason, reading about Thoreau's very individual decision to move to Walden Pond, or St. Therese's struggle to stay patient with the nun who made clicking noises during evening prayers, was what taught me most about myself.

I've heard from people whose lives are very different from mine, on the surface -- but it turns out that we face many of the same challenges in our happiness projects.

Here's a question for you, readers: I've been steadily getting email from members of the military and from military families who have found The Happiness Project helpful.

I'd like to do more to connect with this group of readers, but I don't know that world well. Do you have any suggestions for me?About blogs I should read, people I should contact, sites I should visit, and other resources I should know about? If you know that world, can you help spread the word? I'd so appreciate any advice or assistance.

* If you love a good uncluttering the way I do, you'll love Unclutterer -- "daily tips on how to organize your home and office." Useful and hilarious.

* If you'd like a signed, personalized bookplate for your copy of The Happiness Project -- or for an e-book or audio book, a signed, personalized signature card, with Paradoxes of Happiness on the back -- email me at gretchenrubin1 at gmail dot com. Feel free to ask for as many of either or both as you'd like, for yourself or for a gift; I'll mail anywhere in the world; they're free -- and please remember to include your mailing address.

Join or Start a Group. And Please Answer These Six Questions!

I’ve written before about why the resolution to Join or start a group -- any kind of group -- can bring you happiness. I’ve joined or started fourteen groups since I began my happiness project, and they've added tremendously to my happiness.

Many people have started Happiness Project groups, for people meeting to discuss their own happiness projects; they swap ideas, build enthusiasm, and hold each other other accountable for their resolutions -- which is so important for making change. (Think about AA or Weight Watchers.) In fact, here are 9 reasons why starting a Happiness Project group will boost your happiness. It's also true that just the fact of joining a group, whatever the focus might be, brings happiness.

For people who interested in Happiness Project groups, I created a starter kit, to help get the ball rolling. Many thousands of people have requested one. (To receive one yourself, email me at gretchenrubin1 at gmail dot com.)

I’m extremely interested in these groups, and have wanted to be able to track and engage with them, and at last, after a few false starts, I think I've figured out how to do that.

If you’re in a Happiness Project group, or starting one, please, take this quick survey -- it’s just six questions and will take you less than a minute -- to provide some basic information.

People often ask me, “How do I find out if there’s a group in my area?” This survey will allow me to put together a complete list, along with contact information for the groups that want to provide that. I'll post the list on my here and on Facebook (but because I don't have information yet, that material isn't yet available.)

If your group is just getting started, fill in what information you can, and write a note in the "Additional comments" section to say that you're still putting it together.

Also, I know that the groups would like to be able to discuss issues among themselves. That discussion will take place here on Facebook.

I’m wildly interested to learn more about the groups! So please do fill out the survey. Thanks! I really appreciate it.

If you want to start a happiness project as a solo project instead of as part of a group, here's some information that might be useful.

* To get the starter kit for launching a happiness project group, email me at gretchenrubin1 at gmail dot com. And don't forget to take the survey.

Question: Any Ideas for Something to Send to E-Book Readers and Audiobook Listeners?

Many people have written to me to request a bookplate. (Wondering what a "bookplate" is? You afix the bookplate, which I personalize and sign, on the first page of your book. It's a way to get a book signed by an author when you can't meet in person.) I'm happy to send you as many free personalized bookplates as you'd like. Many people ask for just one, many people ask for a bunch -- for a book group, for gifts, for a Bible study group, and the like. Just email me at gretchenrubin1 at gmail dot com. Be sure to include your mailing address, because these are actual physical items that I'll mail to you (anywhere in the world).

Here's my question for you. Many people have written to say that they'd like a bookplate, but because they're reading the e-book version, or listening to the audiobook, they don't have a place for a bookplate.

I'd like to be able to offer something to these folks, too -- but what? Please help, suggest ideas! Ideally, this item should be...
-- inexpensive to produce
-- small and light enough to mail in an envelope with regular postage
-- useful and/or fun
-- something I can sign (this isn't necessary)

My first thought was a book mark, which satisfies those conditions -- but seems quite unsuitable for someone with an e-book or audio book! Yes, of course, they have other books they read, but a bookmark just doesn't seem fitting.

Any other suggestions? Or is a bookmark a good solution?

* I love visiting Dan Pink's blog. Always so much interesting material there.

* Yay! I just heard that The Happiness Project is #1 at the airport bookstores! I find that news especially gratifying, because for some reason, I've always had a particular fondness for airport bookstores.
Order your copy.
Read sample chapters.
Watch the one-minute book video.
Listen to a sample of the audiobook.

Today Is the Big Day! (For Me.) The Paperback of My Book Hits the Shelves.

Today is a big day for me -- my paperback comes out today.

If you're inclined to buy the paperback, I would very much appreciate it if you'd consider buying it right away -- today, or this week. Initial sales are very important for building buzz and enthusiasm for a book among booksellers, retailers, the press, and my publisher. Thank you!

I know that many book groups have been waiting for the paperback. If you'd like the one-page discussion guide for book groups, or the one-page discussion guide for spirituality book groups, Bible study groups, and the like, just drop me a note at gretchenrubin1 at gmail dot com.

You may be thinking, "Well, Gretchen, you say your book is good, but why should I believe you?" Consider: The Happiness Project is a #1 New York Times bestseller, is being translated into more than thirty-one languages -- and was even a question on Jeopardy! (Which I still can't quite believe, I must admit.)

If you read the blog, you may be thinking, "Well, I don't want to be rude, but I can read your stuff here for free, so why should I buy the book? Paperback or not? Now or ever?" I'm glad you raised that point! Consider these reasons...

1. One friend who has read both said she thought the blog was process, the book was conclusion. The ideas in the book are presented in a more distilled, thoughtful way, and the book framework allows me to tell longer stories and explain more complicated ideas. I’m able to show how different ideas fit together, which can be tough to do in one blog post. The book goes deeper.

2. On the blog, I write about whatever subject interests me that day, so it skips from topic to topic. The book is organized by subject matter: Energy, Parenthood, Work, Marriage, Play, Spirituality, Mindfulness, etc. If you’re interested in particular subjects, you can focus there.

3. If you’ve been enjoying the blog, and you’d like to share it with a friend, you can give the book as a gift. You can’t give the experience of reading a blog as a gift, but you can give a book. (Email me at gretchenrubin1 at gmail dot com if you'd like a free, personalized bookplate for your gift.)

4. In a book, you can more easily underline and take notes. (You can do this electronically, but many people still find it easier to do with old-fashioned pen and paper.)

5. I’m more forthcoming in my book. I call my family members by their true names. I talk about juicy episodes that I’ve never mentioned on my blog. I reveal a very major fact about my life that I’ve never discussed on my blog.

6. Many of my readers have written that they want to buy the book to show their support -- a “thank you” for everything I’ve done for free. Which I very much appreciate.

The enthusiasm of blog readers has made such a difference to the success of The Happiness Project. I know it would never have hit #1 -- something that made me very happy -- if it weren't for the support of readers here. I so appreciate it. Thank you!

Want to know more? You can...
Watch the book video.
Listen to a sample of the audiobook.
Visit the gallery of foreign covers. And most importantly, you can...
Order your copy!

Blatant Self-Promotion -- the Paperback of "The Happiness Project" Is Available for Pre-Order!

Yes, the paperback of The Happiness Project is available for pre-order! It will hit the shelves on March 1.

If you're inclined to buy the paperback, I would very much appreciate it if you'd consider pre-ordering a copy. Pre-orders really build buzz and enthusiasm for a book among booksellers, retailers, the press, and my publisher. Pre-orders matter a lot.

If you read the blog, you may be thinking, "Well, I can read your stuff here for free, so why should I buy the book? Paperback or not? Now or ever?" Consider these reasons...

1. One friend who has read both said she thought the blog was process, the book was conclusion. The ideas in the book are presented in a more distilled, thoughtful way, and the book framework allows me to tell longer stories and explain more complicated ideas. I’m able to show how different ideas fit together, which can be tough to do in one blog post. The book goes deeper.

2. On the blog, I write about whatever subject interests me that day, so it skips from topic to topic. The book is organized by subject matter: Energy, Parenthood, Work, Marriage, Play, Spirituality, Mindfulness, etc. If you’re interested in particular subjects, you can focus there.

3. If you’ve been enjoying the blog, and you’d like to share it with a friend, you can give the book as a gift. You can’t give the experience of reading a blog as a gift, but you can give a book. (Email me at gretchenrubin1 at gmail dot com if you'd like a free, personalized bookplate for your gift.)

4. In a book, you can more easily underline and take notes. (You can do this electronically, but many people still find it easier to do with old-fashioned pen and paper.)

5. I’m more forthcoming in my book. I call my family members by their true names. I talk about juicy episodes that I’ve never mentioned on my blog. I reveal a very major fact about my life that I’ve never discussed on my blog.

6. Many of my readers have written that they want to buy the book to show their support—a “thank you” for everything I’ve done for free. Which I very much appreciate.

To thank people who do pre-order, I've created a page of Happiness Paradoxes (I love paradoxes). To get your copy, email me at gretchenrubin1 at gmail dot com. Just write "I pre-ordered" in the subject line. You're on your honor!

The enthusiasm of blog readers has made such a difference to the success of The Happiness Project. I know it would never have hit #1 on the New York Times list -- something that made me very happy -- if it weren't for the support of readers here. Thank you!

If you want to know more about the book, you can...
Read sample chapters.
Watch the one-minute book video.
Listen to a sample of the audiobook.
Order your copy.

Ask For a Favor.

Here’s a proposed resolution that might strike you as counter-intuitive: Ask for a favor.

A line often attributed to Benjamin Franklin -- though I can't locate the actual source, so it may be apocryphal -- is "If you want to make a friend, let someone do you a favor.” Whether or not it was Franklin who actually made this suggestion, it's sound advice.

Ask for help, for advice, for suggestions. By doing so, you place yourself under obligation to your favor-givers – which makes them feel kindly toward you. Studies show that for happiness, providing support is just as important as getting support. When people provide support, they feel good about themselves and about you.

And on your side, asking for a favor is a sign of intimacy and trust. The fact that you've asked for a favor shows that you feel comfortable being indebted to someone -- and that suggests a special rapport. I remember a friend at work telling me, “I never liked that guy until he asked to borrow $30. Then I realized he must consider me a friend, and presto! I started liking him.”

So asking, and receiving, a favor generates good feelings on both sides.

Obviously, there are small favors and big favors. You don’t want to ask someone to take care of your dog while you’re on vacation unless that person is already a close friend. But asking for a recommendation for a good dentist isn’t burdensome.

One of my most helpful Secrets of Adulthood is “It’s okay to ask for help.” Asking for help is a very useful way of asking for a favor. I’m absolutely mystified by asking for help is so hard for me. So often, I can just solve a problem by asking for help -- which is almost always freely and cheerfully given.

Happiness paradoxes: It can be selfless to be selfish, and you can be generous by taking.

Have you ever been in a situation where asking for a favor helped you draw closer to someone?

I’m working on my Happiness Project, and you could have one, too! Everyone’s project will look different, but it’s the rare person who can’t benefit. Join in -- no need to catch up, just jump in right now. Each Friday’s post will help you think about your own happiness project.

* Lots of interesting, fun material on Gimundo -- "good news...served daily."

* If you'd like to volunteer as a Super-Fan, from time to time, I'll ask for your help. Nothing onerous, I promise! Sign up here or email me at gretchenrubin1 at gmail dot com. Just write "super-fan" in the subject line, and I'll add you to the list.

Consider Giving "The Happiness Project" Book as a Gift.

I’m working on my Happiness Project, and you could have one, too! Everyone’s project will look different, but it’s the rare person who can’t benefit. Join in -- no need to catch up, just jump in right now. Each Friday’s post will help you think about your own happiness project.

Warning: self-promotion post!

The holiday season is coming fast. If you’re looking for gift ideas, let me suggest my book, The Happiness Project.

Obviously, I like the book, but I’ll also point out that it’s a #1 New York Times bestseller, and stayed on the bestseller list for months; it’s an international bestseller that’s being published in 31 foreign editions; it has inspired people to launch their own happiness-project groups; and it has been read by hundreds of book clubs. It was even a question on Jeopardy!

You can read sample chapters here and listen to a sample of the audiobook here. You can watch the 30-second TV ad (!) here.

Or, if you like the blog, consider asking for the book as a gift for yourself. “Um, why should I read your book,” some people have asked, “when I can read the blog for free?” Other people have asked, more delicately, “I read your blog regularly, so isn’t reading the book just more of the same?”

Here are some reasons to read the book:

1. One friend who has read both said she thought the blog was process, the book was conclusion. The ideas in the book are presented in a more distilled, thoughtful way, and the book framework allows me to tell longer stories and explain more complicated ideas. I’m able to show how different ideas fit together, which can be tough to do in one blog post. The book goes deeper.

2. On the blog, I write about whatever subject interests me that day, so it skips from topic to topic. The book is organized by subject matter: Energy, Parenthood, Work, Marriage, Play, Spirituality, Mindfulness, etc. If you’re interested in particular subjects, you can focus there.

3. If you’ve been enjoying the blog, and you’d like to share it with a friend, you can give the book as a gift. You can’t give the experience of reading a blog as a gift, but you can give a book.

4. In a book, you can more easily underline and take notes. (You can do this electronically, but many people still find it easier to do with old-fashioned pen and paper.)

5. I’m more forthcoming in my book. I call my family members by their true names. I talk about juicy episodes that I’ve never mentioned on my blog. I reveal a very major fact about my life that I’ve never discussed on my blog.

6. Many of my readers have written that they want to buy the book to show their support—a “thank you” for everything I’ve done for free. Which I very much appreciate.

It has been enormously gratifying for me to hear from readers who have enjoyed the book -- and who say that it has helped them become happier. Perhaps The Happiness Project is something that someone you know -- or you -- would enjoy as a gift.

Ok, enough with the self-promotion!

* On the holiday theme, I loved this Muppets version of "The Carol of the Bells" (one of my favorite carols).

* Speaking of gifts, if you’d like a free, personalized, signed bookplate for a copy of The Happiness Project, email me at grubin at gretchenrubin dot com (be sure to include your mailing address). I will try my best to send these out right away, but I can’t guarantee when they'll arrive. I’ll be as fast as I can.