In The Happiness Project, author Gretchen Rubin has an epiphany one rainy afternoon in a city bus: “The days are long, but the years are short.”  After realizing that she has been unfocused on the important, she decides to dedicate a year to her happiness project.  In this vibrant account of the project,  Rubin chronicles her life in learning to be happier through wisdom, scientific research and pop culture.  Instead of uprooting herself, Rubin stays put, focusing on what aspects of her life are in need of improvement.  Living life a month at a time, she organizes a set of resolutions to follow: give proofs of love, find fun, keep a gratitude notebook, and ask for help.  For assistance, Rubin looks to experts on the subject, from Oprah to Thoreau.  In the end, her conclusions are unlike those of many self-help writers.  Not only does she understand that money can buy happiness when spent in the right way, she realizes that the smallest of changes can make the largest difference.  Written with wit, The Happiness Project is enlightening, entertaining, and thought-provoking.  Rubin’s passion for achieving happiness is apparent, and is helpful for those who need a reason to begin their own happiness project.

Buy The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin now.

Discussion Questions:

1. How does Rubin reassess her life and understand that changes are needed to be made?  How does she begin the process of her happiness project?
2. How does Rubin figure how to find happiness? Which aspects of her life does she look at for guidance in finding happiness?
3. How does Rubin use experts for instruction in finding happiness? What do these figures show her?
4. What do you make of Rubin’s conclusions? Are they reasonable and helpful, or do have a happiness philosophy of your own?
5. What is the importance of being happy?  How does one be sure to maintain happiness?

Activities:

1. Begin your own happiness project!  Start with a gratitude notebook like Rubin’s and write down anything for which you are grateful.  Assess this list, and begin to think of aspects in your life that you would like improve and add to this list. Focus on improving these facets through Rubin’s ways of happiness and through your own.  Maintain your progress in the notebook.
2. Reach out to family members and friends.  Make sure all of your loved ones around you are as happy as you are!  Write letters, make phone calls, and make dinner dates to catch up with the important people in your life.