Happier with Gretchen Rubin

Why is it so hard to keep an exercise habit, even when we want to? We discuss what the Four Tendencies reveals about finding the approach that works for you—and the single strategy that almost anyone can use to make exercise stick. Spoiler: it's not motivation.
Resources & links related to this episode:


Get in touch: [email protected]
Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app.
Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We talk about the value of self-knowledge and explore some of our favorite online personality quizzes and assessments. We also share listeners’ suggestions for staying warm, and tackle an Upholder’s question about why her Tendency isn’t helping her stop doomscrolling.
Resources & links related to this episode:
Read about the Four Tendencies personality framework and take the quiz
Check out the Know Yourself Better journal collection
Join me on My Color Pilgrimage on Substack
Elizabeth is reading: You Better Believe I’m Going to Talk About It by Lisa Rinna (Amazon, Bookshop)
Gretchen is reading: Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry (Amazon, Bookshop)

Get in touch: [email protected]
Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app.
Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is there anything special about human beings? A long list of characteristics—some obvious, some surprising—sets humans apart from other creatures. (Who knew that having a chin was so unusual?)
Resources & links related to this episode:


Get in touch: [email protected]
Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app.
Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As part of the Move 26 in ’26 Challenge, we’re sharing a bonus episode designed to pair with your 26 minutes of daily movement.
In this episode, I talk with writer Ben Markovits about his acclaimed new novel, “The Rest of Our Lives” (available at bit.ly/4lbfDTq). The novel follows the journey and reflections of a father who is driving his daughter to college—and then keeps going.
Reminder: as an exclusive offer for “Happier” listeners, you can get 2 weeks FREE plus a special discount to the Activations app at activations.com/happier. These guided audios are designed to help you feel motivated, confident, and in charge of your life.
Resources & links related to this episode:


Get in touch: [email protected]
Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app.
Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We discuss the fact that when we extend ourselves—when we put ourselves out into the world—we can expect sometimes to feel awkward, remorseful, or frustrated. We also talk about some funny mix-ups that passed unnoticed for years.
Reminder: as an exclusive offer for “Happier” listeners, you can get 2 weeks FREE plus a special discount to the Activations app at activations.com/happier. These guided audios are designed to help you feel motivated, confident, and in charge of your life.
Resources & links related to this episode:
Find all the tools you need to design your year

Get in touch: [email protected]
Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app.
Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.