Better Than Before by Gretchen Rubin
Today's book review is Gretchen Rubin's Better Than Before: What I Learned About Making and Breaking Habits-- to Sleep More, Quit Sugar, Procrastinate Less, and Generally Build a Happier Life. I first saw this book at Barnes and Noble next to the Kondo's books and was intrigued by the cover and ended up getting the book. There's also an accompanying workbook you can get which is more of a weekly journal reflection.
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| Courtesy of Gretchen Rubin |
- Upholder
- Obliger
- Rebel
- Questioner
My result was Questioner and Rubin states:
1. Questioners question all expectations, and will meet an expectation only if they believe it’s justified, so in effect, they meet only inner expectations
2. Once Questioners believe that a particular habit is worthwhile, they’ll stick to it—but only if they’re satisfied about the habit’s soundness and usefulness
3. They resist anything arbitrary or ineffective; they accept direction only from people they respect
4.Questioners may exhaust themselves (and other people) with their relentless questioning, and they sometimes find it hard to act without perfect information.
The book then goes on to discuss the 4 foundation that people tends to think about in terms of forming better habits which are actions that'll help them sleep better, move/ do more physical activity, eat/drink right and unclutter. Rubin also introduced the importance of keeping a calendar and task list but more importantly being accountable for habit creation.
At each topic, Rubin lays out a foundation for all 4 tendencies and the challenges that each tendencies may encounter with different issues such as dealing with distraction or managing loopholes. I found the loophole and reward sections quite relevant in forming better habits. She discussed how "the reward for good habit is the habit itself" meaning that forming good habits is an evolving, growing experience and should not be viewed as a goal with an end reward.
I always find it difficult to review self-help books but this one even more so because she uses a lot of antidotes and injects a lot of personal stories and examples. I enjoyed the book and have started tracking my habits better. If you are really committed, you can also pick up the journal as well. As always thanks for reading!
Until next time,
At each topic, Rubin lays out a foundation for all 4 tendencies and the challenges that each tendencies may encounter with different issues such as dealing with distraction or managing loopholes. I found the loophole and reward sections quite relevant in forming better habits. She discussed how "the reward for good habit is the habit itself" meaning that forming good habits is an evolving, growing experience and should not be viewed as a goal with an end reward.
I always find it difficult to review self-help books but this one even more so because she uses a lot of antidotes and injects a lot of personal stories and examples. I enjoyed the book and have started tracking my habits better. If you are really committed, you can also pick up the journal as well. As always thanks for reading!
Until next time,
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review, no other compensation was received. Most products on my blog have been purchased by me (unless stated like this one) and I will be honest about my reviews and will only work with brands who truly have great products. Please check out my full disclaimer page if you have any questions. Following guidelines provided under FTC 16 CFR, Part 225.
