The Happiness Project: 2010

Like many of you, A Reader's Respite has been considering our same ol', same ol' New Year's Resolutions. We made a tentative list, but then lost it after using it as a bookmark for a week or so.

Then we mulled over the idea of chucking resolutions out the window. After all, what are resolutions but yet another way to experience dismal failure come summer time and who needs that damper on life?




After just about giving up on the entire concept, we picked up Gretchen Rubin's new book, The Happiness Project. Actually, the full title is

The Happiness Project
Or, Why I Spent a Year Trying to Sing in the Morning, Clean My Closets, Fight Right, Read Aristotle, and Generally Have More Fun

Catchy, huh?

Rubin's concept may well just be the answer to our resolution woes. We were smitten with her ideas....after all, what are New Year's resolutions but a list of items that we are pretty sure would make us happy if we could accomplish them?

Thus, The Happiness Project.

Rubin uses her wit and insight to guide the reader through a series of steps that can - allegedly - lead to new habits and......happiness. Real happiness, which as we all know, can only come from within you.

Her technique starts with identifying what it is in this world that makes you happy. What makes you feel good (and no, a daiquiri doesn't count here)? What makes us feel bad? Because if we feel good on the inside, the outward result is a happy person.

Rubin's next step is to identify the concrete actions that will increase your happiness. Healthy meal plans? An organized desk? A calm reaction to your child's tantrum? Whatever those actions might be, they get thrown on the list.

Then comes implementation. We like Rubin's approach here: any new habit (good or bad) takes at least a month to take root. So Rubin divides up her list into twelve parts: one month for each item.

Think of it: devoting all of January to making exercise and healthy eating a habit. Just that one thing. February dedicated to devising a system of organization that by February 28 will have become habit for you. Each month builds on the last until, with a lot of dedication on your part, by the end of 2010 you are a HAPPIER you.

This is probably the most valuable book A Reader's Respite has read all year and if only one or two of our "resolutions" stick, we'll still be a happier person. Once a month, throughout 2010, we'll give you all a report as to how our Happiness Project is progressing. If we can do this, anyone can do this.



And when Mama's happy, everyone is happy.





Interested in learning more about Rubin's Happiness Project, or even starting one of your own? Visit The Happiness Project Website!

18 comments:

  1. Well, let's check back on Feb 1 and see how we're doing OK? Oprah's Boot Camp coming anyday now (I might cheat and wait until the 2nd).

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  2. And when Mum aint happy aint nobody happy!

    I think I might need this book...

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  3. I just bought this on my Kindle yesterday and am so excited to read it. It seemed like a good way to start a new year! I look forward to your updates!

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  4. I might have to make some time to read this! It sounds like a really interesting thing to do. I have so many things I could resolve to do, but I've hear of the "change one thing" aspect. Don't go into the new year resolving to make everything in your life right at once. Fixing one thing at a time isn't too overwhelming and makes it so you are being a better person year round instead of the first few weeks/months of the year. Love it!

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  5. I asked my husband as a resolution to see the glass half empty once in a while, but he refuses. Thus, I have to keep up the angst for both of us. But I'll be interested to see how you make out in accomplishing your goals! If you do REALLY REALLY well, next Dec. I might be coming back here and asking YOU to see the glass half empty once in a while!!!

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  6. Sounds like a great idea! I'll be watching for your updates.

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  7. Stopped by to say Happy New Years and got stuck on you last until Summer with your resolutions?

    The book sounds great, looking forward to your updates

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  8. I'm really liking the sound of this. I mean, this lady is absolutely correct. When I've organized and decluttered, I am so at peace. Why don't I do it more? When I fit into my skinny jeans, it feels so good. Why do I continue to shove snacks in my mouth? I may need to get this on Kindle as well, like Kathleen!

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  9. This sounds like a really great way to make long lasting changes in your life. I'm thinking I might need to take this one on as well. :)

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  10. Love this idea. I'm working on the exercise habit in January, and I guess I should get the book to motivate me for the rest of the year.

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  11. Sounds like she had some good ideas. I could definitely use help with my desk organization (closet organization, clothes organization). Now that I think about it my books are the most organized thing I own. :)

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  12. Sounds like a good plan! Good luck and have a wonderful new year.

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  13. What a great plan. I will tune in to see what you make of it. I might have to just pick up a copy of this book. It is just so needed in my life.

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  14. I love the idea but immediately tell myself I will fail. Maybe that is what I should work on first, being nicer to myself and having a positive and encouraging outlook. Hmmm.....

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  15. This sounds like a great approach to making positive changes to life ... and I love the name. I'm adding it to my wishlist and I'm going to check out the web site! Thank you and I look forward to hearing about your progress.

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  16. Sounds like a fabulous book. I'll have to check it out.

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  17. This sounds like a good book. I better go check it out!

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Fire away!