The Happiness Project chronicles Gretchen Rubin's year-long experiment to discover what truly brings her happiness and to actively cultivate more joy in her everyday life. The project stems from a mundane moment on a city bus when Rubin has an epiphany: she's not focusing enough on the things that really matter, and while generally content, she isn't as happy as she could be. She realizes that time is passing quickly and decides to dedicate a year to intentionally boosting her happiness.