Twelve Sayings that Could Change Your Life

Hello Happiness Lab listeners,

I recently sat down with Gretchen Rubin to discuss her wonderful new book, Secrets of Adulthood: Simple Truths for Our Complex Lives, which collects over a hundred aphorisms designed to help us navigate life's challenges.

What's an aphorism? An aphorism is a short, punchy saying that packs a lot of wisdom into just a few words. For example, “You can sink so fast that you think you are flying” is an aphorism from Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach, one of Gretchen’s favorite aphorists.

Aphorisms are easy to remember when we need them most, invite deeper reflection, and often contain paradoxes that make us pause and reconsider our assumptions. After reading Gretchen's book, I found myself returning to certain aphorisms again and again. Here are 12 of my favorites from our conversation, “Twelve Sayings that Could Change Your Life” on The Happiness Lab:

12 of my Favorite Aphorisms from Gretchen’s Secrets of Adulthood

1. Happiness doesn't always make us feel happy.

2. We care for many people we don't particularly care for.

3. Repeatedly rehearsing disaster doesn't protect us from it.

4. One day, now will be a long time ago.

5. By changing our words, we can change our perspective.

6. Accept yourself and expect more from yourself.

7. Good intentions mean nothing unless they inspire practical actions.

8. Don't expect to be motivated by motivation.

9. One of the best uses of willpower is to avoid situations that require willpower.

10. Focus on actions not outcomes.

11. Sometimes to keep going, we need to allow ourselves to stop.

12. Things often get messier before they get tidier.

I love how these simple sentences can contain so much wisdom and spark such meaningful reflection. If you're looking for more insights to carry with you, Gretchen's book is available April 1st wherever books are sold. And you can listen to my full conversation with Gretchen here.