Gretchen Rubin with Dr. Laurie Santos
Secrets of Adulthood: Simple Truths for Greater Happiness
Virtual Event
Program Takeaways:
Short, memorable “aphorisms” can help families reflect and reset. Rubin and Santos explain that simple phrases stick in the mind and can guide choices—especially during stressful parenting moments.
Happiness strategies can feel uncomfortable in the moment. “Happiness doesn’t always make us feel happy”—good choices often require effort, discomfort, or delayed gratification.
Parents can’t “nag” a child into becoming someone they’re not. You can’t “push a rope”—kids’ nature and interests matter; support growth without trying to force-fit a path.
Shift your role as kids grow: from “coach” to “cheerleader.” Teen/tween motivation improves when adults collaborate, troubleshoot, and encourage rather than direct.
Time, rest, and relationships aren’t extras—they’re the foundation. Both emphasize time affluence (space to breathe), lowering overload, and prioritizing social connection as a key driver of well-being.
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Anyone undergoing a major life transition, such as graduation or a career change, or those just encountering everyday dilemmas will be inspired by the thought-provoking reflections Rubin will share. Filled with key insights into simple truths for living with greater understanding, she presents a road map to adulting offering secrets and insights into life satisfaction.
Drawing from her long studies of happiness and lessons learned the hard way, Rubin will come to GPS to discuss her most recent celebrated book “Secrets of Adulthood: Simple Truths for our Complex Lives” written to benefit her young adult daughters, herself, and her followers worldwide.
Rubin is the author of several bestselling books, including “The Happiness Project” which has sold millions of copies in more than thirty languages. She’s the host of the popular podcast Happier with Gretchen Rubin, founder of the award-winning Happier app, and has been interviewed by Oprah and the Dalai Lama.
In conversation with…
Rubin will be in conversation with Scientist, and podcast host of The Happiness Lab, Dr. Laurie Santos. Professor Santos teaches one of the most popular classes in Yale University’s history. Her goal is to teach others how to use science-backed strategies to live happier, more fulfilling lives.
Speaker Resources
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