Sep 18

137: Transforming Habits with Gretchen Rubin and "The Four Tendencies"

Episode 137 On Air with Ella

gretchen rubin the four tendencies is On Air with Ella

What if you're fine just the way you are?

In this episode of "On Air with Ella," I am thrilled to welcome back the brilliant Gretchen Rubin, author of several bestsellers including "The Happiness Project" and "Better Than Before." It's been exactly 100 episodes since her last appearance, and she brings with her a wealth of thought-provoking insights, particularly around her latest work, "The Four Tendencies," which categorizes how individuals respond to expectations—both external and internal.

"You don't need to change yourself. You just have to set up your circumstances differently."

four-tendencies-venn-diagram-gretchen-rubin

Self-Awareness is the Key to Habit Transformation

Gretchen explains that the Four Tendencies as:

Upholders - meet both outer and inner expectations.
Questioners - question all expectations and will only meet them if they make sense to them.
Obligers - readily meet outer expectations but struggle with inner expectations.
Rebels - who resist all expectations, whether they are external or internal.

Gretchen emphasizes the importance of self-awareness in understanding our behaviors and motivations, particularly when it comes to habit formation and goal achievement. This episode is jam-packed with tips and insight!

I believe that when we know ourselves and what works for us, we can change our habits and our lives.

Gretchen Rubin

Gretchen Rubin is one of today’s most influential and thought-provoking observers of happiness and human nature. She’s known for her ability to convey complex ideas—from science to literature to stories from her own life—with levity and clarity.

She’s the author of many bestselling books, such as The Happiness Project, Better Than Before, and The Four Tendencies, which have sold millions of copies in more than thirty languages. Her most recent book is Life in Five Senses.

Website: gretchenrubin.com

Click for the full episode transcript

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