Book Review: Better Than Before by Gretchen Rubin + Secrets of Adulthood

 

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I finished Gretchen Rubin's new book Better Than Before: Mastering the Habits of Our Everyday Lives last week and I can't stop thinking about it. I'm not usually one for psychological 'self-help' books, but I loved Rubin's The Happiness Project and couldn't wait to get my hands on her latest work.

This was an excellent read— both informative and applicable, featuring an array of helpful suggestions plus Rubin's own theories about how we develop and maintain habits. Rubin breaks society down into four categories— Obligers, Questioners, Rebels and Upholders— each of which is 'motivated' by different factors. I think I'm an Upholder, as I hold myself to pretty high (even harsh?) standards as well as prioritize external expectations. Grouping people into these categories is helpful as it gets at the heart at what really makes a person tick— and how to take advantage of that in order to maximize productivity.

In addition to explaining and exploring this theory, Rubin also shares her insightful 'Secrets of Adulthood' in the book, which I've copied from her blog below. I have these hanging in my room now as I've found many of them super helpful while I navigate through school. I've bolded my favorites—

1. The best reading is re-reading. 
2. Outer order contributes to inner calm.
3. The opposite of a great truth is also true.
4. You manage what you measure.
5. By doing a little bit each day, you can get a lot accomplished.
6. People don’t notice your mistakes and flaws as much as you think.
7. It’s nice to have plenty of money.
8. Most decisions don’t require extensive research.
9. Try not to let yourself get too hungry.
10. Even if you think they’re fake, it’s nice to celebrate Mother’s Day and Father’s Day.
11. If you can’t find something, clean up.
12. The days are long, but the years are short.
13. Someplace, keep an empty shelf.
14. Turning the computer on and off a few times often fixes a glitch.
15. It’s okay to ask for help.
16. You can choose what you do; you can’t choose what you like to do.
17. Happiness doesn’t always make you feel happy.
18. What you do every day matters more than what you do once in awhile.
19. You don’t have to be good at everything.
20. Soap and water removes most stains.
21. It’s important to be nice to everyone.
22. You know as much as most people.
23. Over-the-counter medicines are very effective.
24. Eat better, eat less, exercise more.
25. What’s fun for other people may not be fun for you–and vice versa.
26. People actually prefer that you buy wedding gifts off their registry.
27. Houseplants and photo albums are a lot of trouble.
28. If you’re not failing, you’re not trying hard enough.
29. No deposit, no return.

Purchase the book on Amazon here.

xoxo,

Ashley