Quotes by Gretchen Rubin

About Gretchen Rubin:

Gretchen Craft Rubin is an American author, blogger and speaker.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

A person with 'oppositional conversational style' is a person who, in conversation, disagrees with and corrects whatever you say. He or she may do this in a friendly way, or a belligerent way, but this person frames remarks in opposition to whatever ...

Gretchen Rubin

When we're trying to form and keep habits, we often search - even unconsciously - for loopholes. We look for justifications that will excuse us from keeping this particular habit in this particular situation.

Gretchen Rubin

My writing tends to become very dense, so I have to keep some cushion. Sometimes, words that seem superfluous are actually essential for the overall effect.

Gretchen Rubin

I've always loved 'Before and After' stories, in books, magazines, and TV shows. Whenever I read those words, I'm hooked. The thought of a transformation - any kind of transformation - thrills me. And that's the promise of habits.

Gretchen Rubin

I have a terrible memory of my own past. I can barely remember my childhood. I have few memories from college and law school - though once I got married, I got the advantage of being able to consult my husband's memory.

Gretchen Rubin

If you're impatient while waiting for the bus, tell yourself you're doing 'Bus waiting meditation.' If you're standing in a slow line at the drugstore, you're doing 'Waiting in line meditation.' Just saying these words makes me feel very spiritual an...

Gretchen Rubin

An enormous amount of ingenuity and creativity goes into commercials, and they can be fascinating if you pay attention.

Gretchen Rubin

Spending hours stressed out in front of the TV isn't the same as volunteering or donating. Feeling a high level of personal distress makes people feel agitated and emotionally drained, to the point that they lack the energy or detachment to help - or...

Gretchen Rubin

Keeping a habit, in the smallest way, protects and strengthens it. I write every day, even if it's just a sentence, to keep my habit of daily writing strong.

Gretchen Rubin

Take the perspective of a journalist or scientist. Really study what's around you. What are people wearing, what do the interiors of buildings look like, what noises do you hear? If you bring your analytical powers to bear, you can make almost anythi...

Gretchen Rubin

When I became obsessed with Winston Churchill, I wrote a book about Churchill. What a joy it was to write that book!

Gretchen Rubin

One of my most important 'Secrets of Adulthood': Outer order contributes to inner calm.

Gretchen Rubin

I always feel calmer when I exercise. In fact, that's probably the main reason I exercise.

Gretchen Rubin

Accept yourself and expect more from yourself.

Gretchen Rubin

If you want someone else to do a task, don't do it yourself.

Gretchen Rubin

Often, the more reliably you perform a task, the less likely it is for someone to notice that you're doing it and to feel grateful and to feel any impulse to help or to take a turn.

Gretchen Rubin

Try to never say 'yes' on the phone; instead, say, 'I'll get back to you.' When you're actually speaking to someone, the desire to be accommodating is very strong, and can lead you to say 'yes' without enough consideration.

Gretchen Rubin

A series of small but real accomplishments gives people the energy and confidence to continue. For instance, a person who wants to write a novel might resolve to write one sentence each day. Or a person who wants to start running might resolve to run...

Gretchen Rubin

When accepting a responsibility, imagine that it's something that you'll have to do next week. That way you don't agree to something just because it seems so far off that it doesn't seem onerous.

Gretchen Rubin

Work harder to appreciate your ordinary day.

Gretchen Rubin

Say “no” only when it really matters. Wear a bright red shirt with bright orange shorts? Sure. Put water in the toy tea set? Okay. Sleep with your head at the foot of the bed? Fine. Samuel Johnson said, “All severity that does not tend to incre...

Gretchen Rubin

Author Bio

  • NameGretchen Rubin
  • DescriptionAmerican writer
  • CountryUnited States Of America