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What if I told you that there are specific habits and rituals you can follow that WILL make you happier? It might sound farfetched but it’s 100% true, as you’ll find out in this conversation with today’s podcast guest, Gretchen Rubin — a lawyer-turned-writer who has dedicated her life to researching happiness and giving us tools to make life better.
Gretchen is one of the most thought-provoking and influential writers on the planet on the topics of habits and happiness. She is the author of several books, including the blockbuster New York Times bestsellers Better Than Before, The Happiness Project and Happier at Home. She has an enormous readership, both in print and online, and her books have sold almost three million copies worldwide, in more than thirty languages. On her popular weekly podcast Happier with Gretchen Rubin, she discusses good habits and happiness. She provides surprising insights and practical advice drawn from cutting-edge research, ancient wisdom, and her own observations, about how we can make our lives better than before. Fast Company named Gretchen on its list of Most Creative People in Business, and she’s a member of Oprah’s SuperSoul 100. She’s been interviewed by Oprah, and walked arm-in-arm with the Dalai Lama… So it’s safe to say, this lady knows her thing!
If you want to experience even more happiness in your life (and if you’re as fascinated by the power of habits as I am), then this episode is for you.
In this episode we chat about:
- How she became an expert on happiness (03:32)
- Gretchen’s 21 strategies to dial up your happiness levels (07:17)
- The difference between habits and rituals (08:58)
- Why you need to understand the roles of treats vs rewards (and how you can use each to help you get stuff done!) (12:49)
- The essential 7 happiness habits (20:35)
- The 4 tendencies, and why it’s such a struggle to form new habits, even when you really want to (this is super interesting!) (23:47)
- How making your bed can make you happier (yep, you heard me correctly!) (34:20)
- The 2 questions to ask yourself to uncover what makes you truly happy (37:39)
- What to do when you ‘fail’ (and why, if you’re not failing, you’re not trying hard enough) (40:45)
- Why it’s important to be nice to everyone (43:36)
- Plus so much more!
Episode resources:
- GretchenRubin.com (website)
- Books by Gretchen Rubin (Amazon)
- Better Than Before by Gretchen Rubin (featuring 21 strategies for making new habits) (Amazon)
- Happier Podcast with Gretchen Rubin (podcast)
- The Four Tendencies Quiz (website)
- Man’s Search For Meaning by Viktor E Frankl (Amazon)
Thank you so much for listening to this episode. I’m so honored that you’re here and would be so grateful if you could take 2 minutes to leave me a 5-star review in iTunes or on your podcast app, that way we can inspire even more people together.
P.S. Please seek advice from a qualified holistic practitioner before starting any new health practice.
P.P.S. If you’re looking for a high-impact marketing opportunity for your business and are interested in becoming a sponsor for The Melissa Ambrosini Show podcast, please email pr@melissaambrosini.com for more information.
Amazing! Thank you Melissa.
Hi, I listend to the podcast, but I am wondering if there is a list of the 21 habits that she recommends?
Thank you!
Hey honey, the only thing you can do is lead by example, we can’t make anyone else ‘get’ it or understand all we can do is take the actions within ourselves. I know it can feel frustrating but it’s all we can do angel. Keep educating yourself and making the healthy changes for you. Does that make sense honey? xx
Really enjoyed that! Loved the part about the habits, really interesting and very relatable. I LOVE your podcasts, always look forward listening to them while I cook 🙂
Thanks Melissa 🙂
I am so glad Karina. Thanks for listening sista. xx
Another great episode, thank you! There is so much to take away from this podcast and implement.
Thank you for another beautiful episode. Listening to your podcasts together with reading your book and blog have truly changed my life for the better. You are so inspiring xx
Hey there!
I am currently listening to all of your podcasts, and they are AMAZING. I loved, loved, loved this one and the interview you did with Dr. Libby Darnell.
I’d love interviews with one of the following wonderful people: Therese and Miranda Kerr or Gabrielle Bernstein.
And random question: Have you read The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho? If you haven’t: It is such a beautiful, poetic, inspiring book and I think you’d love it.
Have the best day,
love and light
Hey honey, thank you so much for the recommendations they are on my list and yes I have read it and LOVED it. One of the best books ever written. xx
I totally agree, it’s the best.
And yay, I am so excited for every upcoming podcast (and for the ones I have yet to listen to)!
Thanks for your time and answer. I don’t read magazines either but I discovered the Collective Magazine through your instagram posts, and absolutely love, love, love it. I just wondered whether there are other awesome, encouraging, uplifting magazines out there.
Also another question: I’ve read different articles about vegetable oils (e.g. olive oil?), what is your opinion concerning them?
Thank you Melissa for everything you do.
Have the best day,
love and light
Hey honey, The Collective is a great mag. I love it! Here is some information on oils that you can check out. xx
Hi Mel,
I have a few questions: Despite the MA podcast, what are your favourite podcasts?
And what are your favourite magazines?
Also is there a difference between drinking tea and drinking simply filtered water?
Thanks a lot,
Love and light.
Hey honey, thanks for your questions… here is a list of my fav podcasts. To be honest I never buy magazines and tea and water offer different nutrients to the body. I hope that helps honey. xx
Loved this podcast!! I love Gretchen Rubin ❤️ Thanks Melissa
What I took away with me was wanting to know my tendencies and working with it to become more productive
Awesome podcast! I struggle with weight and exercise. I ordered Gretchen book Better Than Before to help me figure out some strategies to create healthier habits.
I also get obsessed with new hobbies! I realized that I just love to learn new things so I try not to buy too many supplies since they might not get used!!
I am so glad I am not the only person who becomes attracted to a topic and runs straight to the library to collect any book I can and then spend weeks reading and taking notes.
I do not even remember how I came across Mastering Your Mean Girl, but since then I have been on this magical journey that includes listening to your podcasts Melissa, while I shower, do the dishes, or sit outside while my kids are playing.
I am glad I can accompany you on your daily task’s honey. xx