The Happiness Project

"I Can Never Get To Bed On Time."

2012 Happiness Challenge: For those of you following the 2012 Happiness Project Challenge, to make 2012 a happier year -- and even if you haven’t officially signed up for the challenge -- welcome! Each week, I post a video about some Pigeon of Discontent raised by a reader. Because, as much as we try to find the Bluebird of Happiness, we're also plagued by the Pigeons of Discontent.

For the first month of the Pigeons of Discontent videos, my friend Maria helped me out. This was a fun experiment, but we couldn't really get that format to work properly, so I'm switching back to doing the videos solo.

This week's Pigeon of Discontent, suggested by a reader, is: "I can never get to bed on time."

Give yourself a bedtime.

See the happiness mug on the table beside me? That was a birthday present from my sister a few years ago. She finds great happiness-related gifts.

If you want to read more about this resolution, check out…
A secret to more happiness and energy? Give yourself a bedtime.
Fourteen tips for getting more sleep—and why it matters.
A fundamental secret to happiness? Get enough sleep.

I hope you enjoy the new format. It's still evolving, so bear with me while it's taking shape.

You can post your own Pigeon of Discontent at any time; also, from time to time, I'll make a special call for suggestions.

If you're new, jump in right now, sign up here. Studies suggest that by taking action, like signing up for this challenge, will help you keep your resolutions. For the 2012 Challenge, each week I'll post a video for you to consider, and you can check out the archives of videos here.

* I never know what I'm going to find on Kirtsy.

* Want to get my free monthly newsletter? It highlights the best of the month’s material from the blog and the Facebook Page. Sign up here or email me at gretchenrubin1@gretchenrubin.com.

"Fun Gets Pushed To The End Of My To-Do List."

2012 Happiness Challenge: For those of you following the 2012 Happiness Project Challenge, to make 2012 a happier year -- and even if you haven’t officially signed up for the challenge -- welcome! Each week, I post a video about some Pigeon of Discontent raised by a reader. Because, as much as we try to find the Bluebird of Happiness, we're also plagued by the Pigeons of Discontent.

My friend Maria poses this week's Pigeon of Discontent, suggested by a reader: "Fun gets pushed to the bottom of my to-do list."

Making time for fun.

If you want to read more about this resolution, check out…
Have more fun.
Measure what you want to manage.
Quiz: What's your personality type for play?

Did you notice my "bluebird of happiness" T-short? My sister gave it to me for Christmas. I hope you enjoy the new format. It's still evolving, so bear with me while it's taking shape.

You can post your own Pigeon of Discontent at any time; also, from time to time, I'll make a special call for suggestions.

If you're new, jump in right now, sign up here. Studies suggest that by taking action, like signing up for this challenge, will help you keep your resolutions. For the 2012 Challenge, each week I'll post a video for you to consider, and you can check out the archives of videos here.

* I love Puzzlemaker. It makes it easy to make personalized word jumbles, word searches, hidden messages, and the like. Perfect for homemade presents.

* Want a happiness quotation in your email inbox every morning? Sign up for the Moment of Happiness. Subscribe here or email me at gretchenrubin1@gretchenrubin.com.

"I Feel Discouraged By My Messy House."

2012 Happiness Challenge: For those of you following the 2012 Happiness Project Challenge, to make 2012 a happier year -- and even if you haven’t officially signed up for the challenge -- welcome! Each week in a video, my friend Maria poses a question about some Pigeon of Discontent raised by a blog reader. Because, as much as we try to find the Bluebird of Happiness, we're also plagued by the Pigeons of Discontent.

This week's Pigeon of Discontent, suggested by a reader, is: "I feel discouraged by my messy house."

My Messy House

If you want to read more about this resolution, check out…
10 steps to beat clutter...in less than 5 minutes.
Need a simple way to get your life under control? Try the "one-minute rule."
Fighting clutter? Go shelf by shelf.

How about you? Have you found any simple strategies for staying on top of the mess at home, at work, in the car...?

I hope you enjoy the new format. It's still evolving, so bear with me while it's taking shape.

You can post your own Pigeon of Discontent at any time; also, from time to time, I'll make a special call for suggestions.

If you're new, jump in right now, sign up here. Studies suggest that by taking action, like signing up for this challenge, will help you keep your resolutions. For the 2012 Challenge, each week I'll post a video for you to consider, and you can check out the archives of videos here.

* I'm a huge fan of the work of Jacqueline Schmidt, an artist who makes many things--in particular, I love her shadow boxes. I was thrilled to see her work featured in the Wall Street Journal over the weekend. I love all things miniature: shadow boxes, dioramas, terrariums, bonsai, maquettes.

* Please subscribe to my YouTube Channel. To get the weekly video by email, right in your email in-box, you can:
-- On the GretchenRubin channel page, after you subscribe, click "Edit Subscription" and check the box, “Email me for new uploads.” Or...
-- Go to your main drop-down box, click “Subscriptions,” find the GretchenRubin channel, click “Edit Subscriptions,” and check “Email me for new uploads” there.

To get the audio podcast of the video:
-- Log in to iTunes
-- Go to “Podcasts”
-- Search for “The Happiness Project.” Free, of course.

"How Can I Stop Being Overwhelmed by Big Projects?"

2012 Happiness Challenge: For those of you following the 2012 Happiness Project Challenge, to make 2012 a happier year -- and even if you haven’t officially signed up for the challenge -- welcome! Each week, I post a video about some Pigeon of Discontent raised by a reader. Because, as much as we try to find the Bluebird of Happiness, we're also plagued by the Pigeons of Discontent.

This week's Pigeon of Discontent, suggested by a reader, is: "How can I keep myself from being overwhelmed by big projects?"

Being overwhelmed by big projects.

If you want to read more about this resolution, check out…
Frustrated? Stuck? Put yourself in creativity boot camp.
Get rid of things that don't work.
Why I decided to put together a photo album that wasn't as good as it could have been.

I hope you enjoy the new format. It's still evolving, so bear with me while it's taking shape.

You can post your own Pigeon of Discontent at any time; also, from time to time, I'll make a special call for suggestions.

If you're new, jump in right now, sign up here. Studies suggest that by taking action, like signing up for this challenge, will help you keep your resolutions. For the 2012 Challenge, each week I'll post a video for you to consider, and you can check out the archives of videos here.

* Please subscribe to my YouTube Channel. To get the weekly video by email, right in your email in-box, you can:
-- On the GretchenRubin channel page, after you subscribe, click "Edit Subscription" and check the box, “Email me for new uploads.” Or...
-- Go to your main drop-down box, click “Subscriptions,” find the GretchenRubin channel, click “Edit Subscriptions,” and check “Email me for new uploads” there.

To get the audio podcast of the video:
-- Log in to iTunes
-- Go to “Podcasts”
-- Search for “The Happiness Project.” Free, of course.

2012 Challenge: Fighting The Horrible Pigeons of Discontent.

Introducing the 2012 Happiness Challenge! Join here, any time! Each week this year, I'll post a video about some Pigeon of Discontent that a reader has raised in the comments. Because, as much as we try to find the Bluebird of Happiness, we're also plagued by the Pigeons of Discontent. These aren't the major happiness challenges that we face, but rather, those little nagging problems that settle into roost.

I'm constantly surprised by what a big happiness boost I can get from small changes. As Samuel Johnson wrote, “It is by studying little things that we attain the great art of having as little misery, and as much happiness as possible."

In this video, I explain more about the 2012 Happiness Challenge.

Introduction to Pigeons of Discontent

If you want to read more about this resolution, check out…
What's your Pigeon of Discontent?
The "negativity bias," or, bad feelings are stronger than good.
A "little thing" (very little) that makes me happy: the gift bag.

I hope you enjoy the videos. You can post your own Pigeon of Discontent at any time; also, from time to time, I'll make a special call for suggestions.

If you're new, jump in right now, sign up here. Studies suggest that by taking action, like signing up for this challenge, will help you keep your resolutions. For the Challenge, each week I'll post a video for you to consider, and you can check out the archives of videos here.

* I spend way too much time reading Maria Popova's Brain Pickings—"Curating eclectic interestingness from culture's collective brain."

* Please subscribe to my YouTube Channel. To get the weekly video by email, right in your email in-box, you can:
-- On the GretchenRubin channel page, after you subscribe, click "Edit Subscription" and check the box, “Email me for new uploads.” Or...
-- Go to your main drop-down box, click “Subscriptions,” find the GretchenRubin channel, click “Edit Subscriptions,” and check “Email me for new uploads” there.

To get the audio podcast of the video:
-- Log in to iTunes
-- Go to “Podcasts”
-- Search for “The Happiness Project.” Free, of course.

The Key to Happiness: Love.

2011 Happiness Challenge: It's the last video for the 2011 Challenge! Hard to believe that the year is almost over. Please sign up for the 2012 Happiness Challenge here -- whether you've been part of it already, or you're joining for the first time. You're not behind, just jump in now.

For the last month of this year, instead of tackling a theme, I've been discussing a common question: What is the key to happiness? That's a question that can be answered in different ways, depending on what framework you use to address the issue of happiness. The resolution for each week reflects that week's answer. Last week's answer was First things first.

This week’s answer is Love.

Love

If you want to read more about this resolution, check out…
Which "love language" suits you and your sweetheart?
Happiness myth No. 10: It's selfish to try to be happier.
Quiz: Do you make other people happy?

The format of the weekly videos will change in 2012. Instead of proposing resolutions, I'm going to talk about a different Pigeon of Discontent. Finding manageable ways to rid ourselves of those small, nagging problems can bring surprisingly large boosts in happiness.

If you're new, here’s information on the 2012 Happiness Challenge. It’s never too late to start! You’re not behind, jump in right now, sign up here. You can check out the archives of videos here.

* I love cruising around Tina Roth Eisenberg's design blog Swiss Miss. I particularly enjoy the category "Made me smile."

* Join the happiness conversation on Facebook.

A Key to Happiness: First Things First.

2011 Happiness Challenge: For those of you following the 2011 Happiness Project Challenge, to make 2011 a happier year -- and even if you haven’t officially signed up for the challenge -- welcome for this last week of 2011.

For the last month of this year, instead of tackling a theme, I'm going to discuss a question: What is the key to happiness? That's a question that can be answered in different ways, depending on what framework you use to address the issue of happiness. The resolution for each week will reflect that week's answer.

Last week’s answer was to Know yourself. This week’s answer is First things first.

First Things First

If you want to read more about this resolution, check out…
Do first things first.
Manage pain.
7 tips for dealing with a sweetheart who is constantly crabby.

How about you? Have you found that when you're trying to get happier or stay happy, it helps to think about the basics?

If you're new, here’s information on the 2011 Happiness Challenge. It’s never too late to start! You’re not behind, jump in right now, sign up here. For the Challenge, each week I'll post a video suggesting a resolution for you to consider. For more ideas for resolutions to try, check out the archives of videos here.

* Please subscribe to my YouTube Channel. To get the weekly video by email, right in your email in-box, you can:
-- On the GretchenRubin channel page, after you subscribe, click "Edit Subscription" and check the box, “Email me for new uploads.” Or...
-- Go to your main drop-down box, click “Subscriptions,” find the GretchenRubin channel, click “Edit Subscriptions,” and check “Email me for new uploads” there.

To get the audio podcast of the video:
-- Log in to iTunes
-- Go to “Podcasts”
-- Search for “The Happiness Project.” Free, of course.

* Yes, there will be a 2012 Happiness Challenge! Stay tuned for details.

The Key to Happiness: Strong Relationships.

2011 Happiness Challenge: For those of you following the 2011 Happiness Project Challenge, to make 2011 a happier year -- and even if you haven’t officially signed up for the challenge -- welcome! Last month's theme was Gratitude, and last week’s resolution was to Remember the dog that doesn't bark. Did you try that resolution? Did it boost your happiness?

For the last month of this year, instead of tackling a theme, I'm going to discuss a question: What is the key to happiness? That's a question that can be answered in different ways, depending on what framework you use to address the issue of happiness. The resolution for each week will reflect that week's answer.

This week's answer to the question, "What is the key to happiness?" is: Strong relationships.

Build Strong Relationships(1)

If you want to read more about this resolution, check out…
8 tips for maintaining friendships.
Bob Dylan helps me recognize a paradox of happiness.
8 tips for making friends.
Be happier: kiss more, hug more, touch more.

How about you? Do you agree that strong relationships are the key to happiness? What steps do you take to build or strengthen your ties to other people?

If you're new, here’s information on the 2011 Happiness Challenge. It’s never too late to start! You’re not behind, jump in right now, sign up here. For the Challenge, each week I'll post a video suggesting a resolution for you to consider. For more ideas for resolutions to try, check out the archives of videos here.

* I always love to visit Dan Pink's blog. He is unfailingly interesting.

* My whole family loves Page-a-Day calendars, so it was a real thrill for me to do The Happiness Project Page-a-Day Calendar. Check it out!

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—some concrete, manageable resolution to boost your happiness (at least, one that has boosted my happiness).

As I mentioned several weeks ago, I've been thinking about changing the format of the videos for 2012, and now I've decided that I will. Instead of proposing resolutions for you to consider as part of your own happiness project, I'm going to discuss "Pigeons of Discontent."

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 rather, an ordinary problem that has settled into roost. For example: you never make it to the gym; you bicker with your kids each morning; your closet is a mess; you haven't had time to read a book in months. The Happiness Challenge for 2012 will be the identification of these Pigeons, and the attempt to shoo them away.

At various times, such as today, I'll ask readers to post comments about aspects of life that drag them down, and in the weekly videos, I'll discuss them (I won't give advice, but I'll discuss).

So, to help me get started, if you have a readily identifiable "pigeon of discontent," please post it here. I was fascinated to read people's comments the last time I asked this question.

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

* Tomorrow is the last day of November, which means: time for the monthly newsletter! If you'd like to get it, sign up here. I highlight the best material from the blog and the Facebook Page. (It's free, of course).

Find Gratitude Cues in Everyday Life.

2011 Happiness Challenge: For those of you following the 2011 Happiness Project Challenge, to make 2011 a happier year -- and even if you haven’t officially signed up for the challenge -- welcome! This month’s theme is Gratitude, and last week’s resolution was to Make the positive argument. Did you try that resolution? Did it boost your happiness?

This week’s resolution is to Find gratitude cues in everyday life.

Find Gratitude Cues in Everyday Life.

 

If you want to read more about this resolution, check out…
Gratitude journals, and the happiness of not having cancer.
Follow a threshold ritual.
Gratitude: Write your Acknowledgements page or your Oscar's acceptance speech.

How about you? Have you found some cues in everyday life to help you cultivate the "attitude of gratitude"? I find that it makes a surprisingly large difference. Or perhaps I should say, an unsurprisingly large difference.

If you're new, here’s information on the 2011 Happiness Challenge. It’s never too late to start! You’re not behind, jump in right now, sign up here. For the Challenge, each week I'll post a video suggesting a resolution for you to consider. For more ideas for resolutions to try, check out the archives of videos here.

* I found some very interesting material on Be More With Less -- "life on purpose."

* Get a happiness quotation in your email inbox every morning -- sign up for the Moment of Happiness. Subscribe here or email me at gretchenrubin1@gretchenrubin.com.