Marielle Segarra is a reporter and the host of NPR’s Life Kit, the award-winning podcast and radio show that shares trustworthy, nonjudgmental tips that help listeners navigate their lives. Recently, she sat down with Gretchen Rubin, host of the Happier podcast, who says happiness is less about attaining joy than it is about growing in the right direction. She explains how to make small changes that can move you toward happiness and why knowing yourself helps contribute to this emotion.
Happiness is often hard to define, but Ms.. Rubin, in her latest book The Happiness Project, suggests that rather than seeking a single definition, people should ask, “Will this make me happier?”
Self-awareness plays a key role in making happiness-driven choices, as different personalities thrive under different circumstances. Rubin’s Four Tendencies framework categorizes people as Upholders, Questioners, Obligers, or Rebels based on how they respond to expectations, helping individuals understand their motivations.
While big life changes might not bring lasting happiness, small actions—like following the “one-minute rule”—can have a significant impact. Ultimately, happiness isn’t a one-size-fits-all formula, and what works for one person may not work for another. Moreover, meaningful actions that align with personal values, even if they’re uncomfortable, can contribute to a deeper sense of fulfillment.
Get more tips and read the full article at https://www.npr.org/2025/03/12/nx-s1-5294584/if-you-want-more-happiness-in-life-ask-yourself-simple-question