The Happiness Project

 

Gretchen Rubin

 

Paying only $2 on Kindle and seeing it in many bookshop displays, I decided to give it a try. I have read my fair share of self-help books and always get a few good points from them.

 

In summary, Rubin sets herself a variety of monthly challenges focusing on improving various aspects of her life in order to create more happiness. Each month is based on a theme. For example January is VITALITY where she lists boost energy; go to sleep earlier; exercise better; toss, restore, organise; tackle a nagging task and act more energetic.

 

The Happiness Project wasn’t a favourite of mine. There were chapters I enjoyed but also a lot I skimmed/skipped. It’s at times quite self-indulgent and not a lot I could relate to. She does spend a lot of time referring to her family and personal circumstances so this does get a little boring and tedious (we don’t need to hear about every little argument, although on the flip side, I did relate to the ridiculous fights us women tend to pick when not in the best of moods). Rubin did warn readers of this several times throughout, advising that this was her Happiness Project and that everyone else’s would be completely different depending on what you wanted to target in your life.

Would I recommend it? No I don’t think so. There are many other books out there that address the same thing and are more enjoyable to read.