Hi everyone
Better Than Before is the third book by Gretchen Rubin I have read so I knew what to expect. I knew it would be more pseudo-science, anecdotal and personal than scientific. I read this on my e-reader.
"The author of the blockbuster New York Times bestsellers, The Happiness Project and Happier at Home, tackles the critical question: How do we change?
Gretchen Rubin's answer: through habits.
Habits are the invisible architecture of everyday life. It takes work
to make a habit, but once that habit is set, we can harness the energy
of habits to build happier, stronger, more productive lives.
So if habits are a key to change, then what we really need to know is: How do we change our habits?
Better than Before
answers that question. It presents a practical, concrete framework to
allow readers to understand their habits—and to change them for good.
Infused with Rubin’s compelling voice, rigorous research, and easy
humor, and packed with vivid stories of lives transformed, Better than Before explains the (sometimes counter-intuitive) core principles of habit formation.
Along the way, Rubin uses herself as guinea pig, tests her theories on
family and friends, and answers readers’ most pressing questions—oddly,
questions that other writers and researchers tend to ignore:
• Why do I find it tough to create a habit for something I love to do?
• Sometimes I can change a habit overnight, and sometimes I can’t change a habit, no matter how hard I try. Why?
• How quickly can I change a habit?
• What can I do to make sure I stick to a new habit?
• How can I help someone else change a habit?
• Why can I keep habits that benefit others, but can’t make habits that are just for me?
Whether readers want to get more sleep, stop checking their devices,
maintain a healthy weight, or finish an important project, habits
make change possible. Reading just a few chapters of Better Than Before will make readers eager to start work on their own habits—even before they’ve finished the book."
This was okay.
I had hoped for more real research to be mentioned, but it’s all very anecdotal. Gretchen Rubin did the research, but she doesn’t talk much about it. Instead, she mostly talks about how she implemented these ideas herself or how she talked others into doing what she thinks is best for them.
She really is full of herself, and this tone is so tiring.
That said, she does have some good tips, ideas, and insights into understanding habits so I'm not mad I finished it.
Better Than Before is worth reading if you’re looking for practical advice on habits, but don’t expect deep scientific insights.
Have you read Better Than Before? Did you find it helpful, or did you feel the same way I did? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Happy reading!
Helena
