Ta-da! Here’s the one-minute video for my new book, Happier at Home, on “Ten ways to be happier at home.” Some of the “ways” are serious; some are a bit goofy.
If seeing this book trailer made you think, “Goodness, Gretchen, I want to pre-order Happier at Homeright this minute,” then here are the links you need! Pre-orders are a big help to me, so thanks for pre-ordering.
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 is the first week of the Challenge. (Usually these videos will appear on Tuesdays, but the holiday threw me off.)
The theme for this month is, appropriately, Resolutions: how to make effective resolutions and then, once you’ve made them, how to keep them.
What resolutions have you made? Have you found that making resolutions as concrete as possible made it easier to keep them — or not?
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 more ideas for resolutions to try, check out the archives of videos here.
* Heard of the fabulous Six Word Memoir? I’m collaborating with Smith Magazine to do “Six words on the secrets to happiness.” You can add your six-word secret to happiness here — what’s your secret? (Tip: you’re more likely to be featured if you include a profile picture.) It’s creative, it’s thought-provoking, and it’s fun. I keep writing new ones.
* 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.
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.
When I started my happiness project, I asked myself, “What do I want less of in my life?” Among many other things, I decided I wanted less yelling at my children in the morning, less nagging of my husband, less feeling guilty about eating fake food. I also asked myself, “What do I want more of in my life?” I decided I wanted more time reading, more time imitating a spiritual master, more hugging and kissing my family. Then I made specific, manageable resolutions aimed at helping me make these changes.
I like trying lots of resolutions at once, but for many people, it’s more effective to pick just one thing. And it can be a very small change! One small change can be enough to launch your happiness project. You can change your life without changing your life.
If the idea of making resolutions appeals to you, consider signing up for the 2011 Happiness Challenge, to make 2011 a happier year. Studies show that taking an action, like signing up, will help you hold yourself accountable for your resolutions. Thousands of people have signed up for the Challenge already.
Each month, I’ll identify a theme, and each week, I’ll post a two-minute video about a specific, manageable resolution aimed at that month’s theme. Even if that particular resolution doesn’t resonate with you, it may help you think of a resolution that would suit you better.
Although it’s fun to make resolutions, it’s very challenging to keep resolutions. There’s something about the accountability of being part of a group (even an invisible group, like this one), and the enthusiasm that’s generated, that makes it easier to keep up the resolution-keeping momentum.
Here’s the introductory video to the 2011 Happiness Challenge:
But whether you follow my suggestions or not, remember, pick something small and manageable! Something you can really do. And then do it. My own experience with a happiness project, and with resolutions-keeping, has convinced me that it is possible to become happier, by making small changes to everyday life.
I’m curious — what are some resolutions (small or big) that people are undertaking for 2011?
* I was thrilled to see my friend Kamy Wicoff profiled in the Wall Street Journal. Kamy is founder of the great site and resource She Writes, as well as the fabulous New York Salon of Women Writers (a group from which I’ve made many writerly friends). The article focuses on Kamy’s support for Girls Write Now, another terrific organization which pairs high-school girls from underprivileged New York City schools with writer-mentors.
* Sign up here for the 2011 Happiness Challenge, to make 2011 a happier year.
The original book video for The Happiness Project book features many of my favorite resolutions. With the help of the fabulous Maria Giacchino, I’ve updated the video to highlight some of the resolutions that other people have made. Check it out!
I’m always fascinated to hear about other people’s resolutions and add them to my own list all the time. And even when a resolution isn’t right for me, it helps me think about what I might try.
Have you tried any of these resolutions? Or have you tried a different resolution that has been particularly helpful?
One thing that has struck me: often, resolutions that point in opposite direction are both helpful — even to the same person. The opposite of a great truth is also true.
Move. Still.
Say yes. Say no.
Start. Finish.
Take myself more seriously. Take myself less seriously.
Now. Wait.
Think bigger. Think smaller.
If you’d like to see the original video, here it is:
When I feel discouraged about resolution-keeping, which is fairly often, I think of Samuel Johnson’s diary entry from 1764:
“I have now spent fifty-five years in resolving; having, from the earliest time almost that I can remember, been forming schemes of a better life. I have done nothing. The need of doing, therefore, is pressing, since the time of doing is short. O GOD, grant me to resolve aright, and to keep my resolutions.”
Happy 2011! Good luck keeping your resolutions.
* Sign up here to join the 2011 Happiness Challenge, to make 2011 a happier year. Studies show that taking an action, like signing up for the challenge, will help you hold yourself accountable. I’ve been astonished by how many people have signed up in just the past two days.
2010 Happiness Challenge: For those of you following the 2010 Happiness Project Challenge, to make 2010 a happier year – and even if you never officially sign up for the challenge — we’ve reached the end of 2010! Did you try some of the proposed resolutions? Did they help to boost your happiness?
This week’s resolution is to Revel in your accomplishments.
Now it’s time to think about the 2011 Happiness Challenge. Join here! I’ve been astonished by how many people have already signed up. Excellent! Studies show that taking an action, like signing up, will help you stick to your resolutions.
Next week, I’ll explain at greater length about the challenge, but bottom line: each month of 2011 will be tied to a theme, and each week I’ll post a video suggesting a resolution that might boost your happiness in that area of life.
I’m very curious to hear what resolutions are most effective. If you tried a suggested resolution, please consider posting about it — and whether it helped to boost your happiness or not. For example, I’ve been struck by how many people say that the very simple, easy resolution to Make your bed has made a real difference. Surprising, right? But people mention that resolution all the time.
* I’m always fascinated to hear other people’s resolutions, so I loved paging through the resolutions posted on 43Things. I listed a resolution myself: Get enough sleep. My resolution for today: figure out some wonderful way (forgive the pun) to celebrate 1/1/11 at 1:11 p.m. tomorrow. Any ideas? I haven’t thought of anything more original than making #1 cookies.
* 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.
