Gretchen Rubin | Happiness and the Four Tendencies

Many of us have heard the phrase, “Happiness is a choice” - but what does a happiness expert think about that and what can you do if you feel like you’re unable to make that choice?

What to Listen For

• What are the Four Tendencies and how do they determine how you respond to expectations and your ability to be happy?
• What’s the alternative if you feel you can’t just choose to be happy?
• What steps can you take in your environment that will make it easier to be happy?
• What does it mean for emotions to be contagious and how can your understanding of it help prevent you from feeling down?
• How do novelty and challenge contribute so significantly to your ability to be happy?
• What can you do to raise your self-awareness?
• What can you do if you find yourself being the victim of analysis paralysis so you don’t waste too much time thinking about a decision?
• Once you understand your tendency, how do you recognize the Four Tendencies in others and what is the best way to work with them or help them reach their potential on a team?

We cannot make ourselves happy by focusing on our external environment, but it can help to minimize the work we have to do to be happy. Our personalities are made up of the tendencies and habits we have formed over the years, so the more aware you are of your tendencies and habits, the easier it can be for you to make the decisions which will lead to you being less miserable and more happy. Happiness is a choice, but certain things in your life can make the difference between that choice feeling easy, and that choice feeling impossible, and the more you understand yourself, your environment, and the people you spend time with, the easier that choice can be.

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Resources from this Episode

Outer Order, Inner Calm by Gretchen Rubin

The Four Tendencies Quiz

Gretchen Rubin’s website

Happier with Gretchen Rubin

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