Book quiz
Better Than Before: Mastering the Habits of Our Everyday Lives Quiz
Better Than Before: Mastering the Habits of Our Everyday LivesGretchen RubinWhy would someone who never missed a practice in high school be unable, as an adult, to make herself go for a run? Gretchen Rubin looks for the answer and finds it in the differences between people. This book is about how different people can reach the same habit by different roads, and how to find yours.
Question 1 of 5
Where, per Rubin, should you start before changing a habit?
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Right answer: Understand how you respond to expectations
The same advice can help one person and hinder another. So first understand yourself, and only then choose a method that fits you.
Question 2 of 5
Reports for the boss are always on time, but your plan of evening walks dies by Wednesday. What would Rubin suggest?
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Right answer: Arrange to walk with someone who'll wait for you
That's the Obliger: keeping your word to others is easy, to yourself hard. Outer accountability helps, when someone notices whether the promise was kept.
Question 3 of 5
One sweet starts the "maybe one more?" debate, and by evening the box is empty. What suits you, per Rubin?
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Right answer: A "never" rule: quitting ends the debate
That's how an abstainer works: it's easier not to start at all than to keep to moderation. For a moderator, a strict ban can backfire.
Question 4 of 5
"I've kept to the plan all week, so today I can". What is this, per Rubin?
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Right answer: A loophole that sounds reasonable
Rubin calls it the moral licensing loophole. A loophole sounds reasonable, so it's hard to spot. Catch it the moment it appears and name it out loud.
Question 5 of 5
You promise yourself new running shoes after a month of runs. What's the risk, per Rubin?
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Right answer: After the finish it's easy to stop running at all
A reward turns a habit into a task with a finish line. Instead, Rubin suggests small treats with no conditions, so you don't feel deprived.
Want all of the book's key ideas? Read or listen to its retelling in Livria.