DiscoverHappier with Gretchen RubinMore Happier: Do You Expect Too Much? Plus, How to Finish an Important Project
More Happier: Do You Expect Too Much? Plus, How to Finish an Important Project

More Happier: Do You Expect Too Much? Plus, How to Finish an Important Project

Update: 2026-03-21
Share

Digest

This podcast offers a variety of insights, starting with tips for saving money and exploring regional cuisines at Whole Foods Market. It then shifts to the adventurous capabilities of the Defender vehicle, followed by a personal endorsement of the Libby app for accessing free audiobooks from the library. The discussion highlights the often-overlooked usefulness of a smartphone's flashlight, especially during emergencies. A significant portion of the podcast is dedicated to re-evaluating modern expectations in relationships, work, and parenting, suggesting that more realistic expectations can lead to greater happiness. The episode also recommends the \"Since You Asked\" podcast for advice and introduces Gretchen Rubin's audiobook \"Get It Done,\" which focuses on completing projects rather than just forming habits. Finally, it delves into the psychology behind not finishing projects and concludes with a quote and a reflection on happiness, emphasizing the importance of starting happiness projects now.

Outlines

00:00:00
Practical Savings and Everyday Conveniences

Discover how to save money and find convenient meal solutions at Whole Foods Market by looking for yellow signs and exploring the prepared food section. Learn about the adventurous capabilities of the Defender vehicle, designed for exploration and tackling challenges.

00:02:04
The Joy of Libby and the Indispensable Smartphone Flashlight

Hear about the convenience of using the Libby app for free audiobooks from the library and the surprising everyday usefulness of a smartphone's flashlight, which proved invaluable during an earthquake.

00:13:23
Managing Expectations and Completing Projects

Explore the idea that modern expectations in relationships, work, and parenting may be unrealistically high, and discuss strategies for managing them to foster greater happiness. This section also introduces Gretchen Rubin's audiobook \"Get It Done\" and delves into the psychology of why people struggle to finish projects, offering solutions for completion.

00:29:45
Weekly Reflection and Happiness Projects

Conclude with a quote about the silence of flowers and a reflection on happiness, emphasizing that the best time to start a happiness project is now, even if it's not ideal.

Keywords

Whole Foods Market


A supermarket chain offering savings on high-quality items, regional cuisines, and prepared foods for convenient meal solutions.

Defender (Vehicle)


An adventurous vehicle engineered for exploration, capable of tackling challenges with advanced technology and seating for up to eight.

Libby App


A free mobile app connecting users to their local library's digital collection for borrowing e-books and audiobooks.

Smartphone Flashlight


An everyday utility feature on smartphones providing light in various situations, from navigating dark rooms to emergency use.

Realistic Expectations


The concept of setting attainable standards in relationships, work, and life to avoid disappointment and enhance happiness.

Project Completion


Strategies and psychological insights into overcoming obstacles to finish defined projects, distinct from habit formation.

\"Since You Asked\" Podcast


An advice podcast featuring hosts Lori Gottlieb and Gretchen Rubin, offering guidance with a unique twist and listener perspectives.

Happiness Projects


The practice of actively pursuing happiness, with the advice that the best time to start is now.

Q&A

  • How can exploring different regions at Whole Foods Market enhance mealtime?

    By choosing a specific region's cuisine each week, you can break away from repetitive meals. This approach makes dinners feel less predictable and more like an adventure, encouraging the use of diverse ingredients and flavors.

  • What is the Libby app and why is it beneficial?

    Libby is a free library app that allows users to borrow audiobooks and e-books from their local library. It's beneficial because it provides access to a vast collection of reading material at no cost, with features like placing holds on popular titles.

  • What are some common reasons people don't finish creative projects?

    People may lose interest at the end due to the fear of rejection if they put their work out into the world. Others might be "openers" who enjoy starting projects but not the detailed work of finishing, or they may prefer easier, more enjoyable tasks over the final challenging steps.

  • How can re-evaluating expectations lead to greater happiness?

    By recognizing that modern expectations for relationships, work, and life roles can be unrealistically high, we can adjust them to be more attainable. This adjustment reduces disappointment and fosters more grounded, satisfying experiences.

  • What is the core concept behind Gretchen Rubin's audiobook "Get It Done"?

    "Get It Done" focuses on the distinct approach needed to complete specific, finite projects, differentiating it from the continuous effort required for habit formation. It addresses the unique challenges of starting, progressing through, and finishing these defined goals.

Show Notes

We discuss whether we might be expecting too much these days from the workplace, from marriage, from schools, from family. We also talk about the challenge of tackling a big project—and actually getting it done.

Resources & links related to this episode:


Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com

Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app.

Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Comments 
In Channel
loading

Table of contents

00:00
00:00
x

0.5x

0.8x

1.0x

1.25x

1.5x

2.0x

3.0x

Sleep Timer

Off

End of Episode

5 Minutes

10 Minutes

15 Minutes

30 Minutes

45 Minutes

60 Minutes

120 Minutes

More Happier: Do You Expect Too Much? Plus, How to Finish an Important Project

More Happier: Do You Expect Too Much? Plus, How to Finish an Important Project

Gretchen Rubin / The Onward Project