Style Statement -- Live by your own design

It’s our pleasure to post the Style Statement interview with Gretchen Rubin of The Happiness Project. Gretchen graced us with her time despite a hectic book tour and the many demands of having … a New York Times bestseller! Correction: the #1 New York Times bestseller.

As you can see from the interview, one of the most heartening lessons from The Happiness Project is how little it takes to be happier. Once we commit to even small steps in the right direction (e.g., don’t gossip) we have embarked on a happier life.

Without further ado, here’s the interview.

S. Statement: Of all you’ve learned about happiness while writing your new book, The Happiness Project, what are three easy things people could do every day to be a lot happier?

Gretchen: Make your bed. Get enough sleep. Bite back one harsh statement – a nagging comment, an unkind bit of gossip, etc.

S. Statement: Do we need to be sad sometimes to be happy?

Gretchen: Yes, happiness doesn’t always make you feel happy! Allowing yourself to feel intimidated, uncomfortable, uneasy, and other negative emotions are often part of the process of becoming happier.

S. Statement: What is the biggest myth about happiness?

Gretchen: That it’s selfish to try to be happier. In fact, happy people are more interested in the problems of other people and social problems than are less-happy people. Happy people volunteer more, give away more money, and are more likely to help. When we’re unhappy, we have a tendency to become isolated, defensive, and preoccupied with ourselves. Being happy gives us the emotional wherewithal to turn outwards.

S. Statement: What are you inspired by … what tickles your spirit and keeps you going?

Gretchen: I love children’s literature. Great classics from the past and the amazing new books being written today.

S. Statement: What do you have little tolerance for?

Gretchen: Procrastination.

S. Statement: When are you your best? When do you shine?

Gretchen: When I’m researching and writing.

S. Statement: If you had an afternoon to yourself to do anything you wanted, what would you be doing? What would you be wearing? What would be around you? What would you be listening to?

Gretchen: I’d be reading in my pajamas in bed, drinking Diet Coke and eating an apple. That’s my perfect day!

S. Statement: To end, can you tell us one thing about happiness not enough people know? A secret or little-known truth?

Gretchen: That you can make yourself happier – small, manageable, concrete steps can add up to big changes, big boosts in happiness.

Thank you, Gretchen!