Happier with Gretchen Rubin – Ep. 562: Do You Hesitate to Raise Your Hand to Make Something Happen? Plus a Medication Hack

Date: November 26, 2025
Hosts: Gretchen Rubin and Elizabeth Craft

Main Theme & Purpose

This episode centers on the power and benefits of “raising your hand”—taking initiative to make things happen, especially in social, professional, or community settings. Gretchen and Elizabeth share personal stories about stepping up to organize gatherings and delve into why volunteering to lead can be energizing and rewarding, while also offering how-to advice for making it easier. The episode also features a practical happiness hack about organizing medications, and a reflective segment on the phrase “not suffering fools gladly.”

Key Discussion Points & Insights

“Try This at Home”: The Power of Raising Your Hand

[03:35–12:24]

• Concept: Raising your hand means volunteering, taking initiative, or stepping forward to do something—be it organizing an event, leading a group, or making plans.
• Personal Example:
  Gretchen describes planning a reunion for past fellow Supreme Court clerks, illustrating the steps, obstacles, and ultimate satisfaction:
  • Choosing the “Who” and “Where”: Narrowed to those who worked in the same era, picked D.C. as a central, meaningful location.
  • Communication: Sent out date surveys, secured venues, created an itinerary (brunch, tour, dinner).
  • Delegation & Payment: Clarified she’d organize, not bankroll; collected funds post-event.
  • Challenges: Flight cancellations and a government shutdown changed plans, but quick pivots led to new experiences (e.g., Lincoln's Cottage tour).
  • Energy & Reward: Despite work, the act of bringing people together was deeply energizing and gratifying.
• Types of Gatherings:
  • Old, high-intensity relationships (school, work cohorts), which rekindle intimacy.
  • Interest-based groups (e.g., Survivor Fantasy League), uniting people with shared hobbies.
• Tips to Support the Organizer:
  Elizabeth reminds listeners to RSVP promptly, provide requested info, and pay back expenses right away.

Notable Quotes:

• "Somebody's gotta raise their hand." – Gretchen Rubin [12:19]
• "It's a happiness booster for you, the person doing it, and it's a happiness booster for the person going." – Gretchen Rubin [11:57]
• "If somebody else raises their hand for you and you get to go to something, make sure to give them credit and acknowledge what they've done, because that'll make them more likely to do it in the future." – Elizabeth Craft [09:22]

Happiness Hack: Medication Sheet

[17:25–20:33]

• Hack: Create a medication sheet listing all medications, their purposes, dosages, and times taken (morning, evening), with the document dated for updates.
• Reasons:
  • Aids in weekly pill organization.
  • Provides clarity and safety if someone else needs to assist or if there's a medical emergency.
  • Useful for doctor visits, insurance, or transitions.
• Format: Preferably a paper copy that is accessible to helpers or professionals.
• Personal Examples: Elizabeth notes her own need due to taking several daily medications.

Notable Quotes:

• "Just having all that information in one place turns out to be really, really handy." – Gretchen Rubin [19:40]
• "It would be very nice to just have this typed out. So it's a good idea for many reasons." – Elizabeth Craft [20:07]

Reflection: “Suffering Fools Gladly”

[20:33–24:36]

• Topic: The phrase "doesn’t suffer fools gladly" is often framed positively, but Gretchen and Elizabeth argue it signals impatience, disrespect, and even arrogance.
• Origin: The expression comes from the Bible, but modern usage has shifted to a euphemism for abrasive or unkind behavior.
• Red Flags: Such people are typically hard to work with and prone to public outbursts (salad-throwing anecdote).
• Constructive Criticism vs. Disdain: High standards are distinct from lack of tolerance or respect for others.

Notable Quotes:

• "It's a euphemism for saying somebody's a jerk. If I hear that about somebody, my red flag meter goes up for sure." – Elizabeth Craft [21:57]
• "When someone says, 'Oh, that person doesn't suffer fools gladly,' what they mean is, I have noticed that that person is very impatient and has little tolerance for anyone that they perceive to be foolish or stupid or incompetent." – Gretchen Rubin [20:59]

Demerit & Gold Star

[28:45–36:58]

Elizabeth’s Demerit: Instagram Inertia

[28:54–34:34]

• Goal vs. Reality: Intended to post on Instagram weekly, per her "25 for 25" list, but ended up barely posting.
• Analysis:
  • Feels increased pressure due to lower general activity on Instagram.
  • Focused energy on new Substack project instead.
  • Suffers "analysis paralysis" over what to post and whom to follow, leading to inaction.
• Advice from Gretchen:
  • If the shift to Substack was intentional, she wouldn’t feel she’d failed—framing matters.
  • Scheduling posts could help, and clarity about personal vs. professional content might reduce paralysis.

Gretchen’s Gold Star: Fingerless Gloves

[34:37–36:58]

• Reason: Keeps her perpetually cold hands warm while allowing for typing/writing.
• Details: Enjoys thin, smooth, non-itchy gloves. Always carries backups and links this comfort item to solving daily irritations.
• Humor: Acknowledges she gives this gold star annually, because she’s always grateful for them.
• Hand Warmer Comparison: Likes rechargeable hand warmers, but fingerless gloves win for multitasking.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "At the end... there's just this feeling of energizing reality. Like, I made this happen. It was cool." – Gretchen Rubin [10:44]
• "I need to make that a goal of mine for 2026 to raise my hand." – Elizabeth Craft [12:20]
• "Hosting and organizing are two different things." – Elizabeth Craft [11:49]
• "Identify the problem, and then you can solve it." – Gretchen Rubin [37:03]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [03:35] – Try This at Home: Raise Your Hand
• [06:28] – Gretchen’s Reunion-Planning Story
• [09:41] – Tips for Supporting Organizers
• [11:49] – Difference between Organizing and Hosting
• [17:25] – Medication Sheet Happiness Hack
• [20:33] – Discussion: “Suffer Fools Gladly?”
• [28:54] – Demerit: Posting on Instagram
• [34:37] – Gold Star: Fingerless Gloves

Tone & Language

The episode is warm, conversational, practical, and slightly humorous, reflecting Gretchen and Elizabeth’s encouraging yet honest rapport. Both use relatable anecdotes, clear step-by-step advice, and candid self-assessment.

Summary Takeaways

• Raising your hand to organize, host, or step forward is a major happiness booster with ripple effects for everyone involved.
• Make it easy for others to organize by being responsive, considerate, and appreciative.
• A medication sheet is practical for anyone managing multiple meds or supporting someone who does—organization equals peace of mind.
• Mindful self-talk and reframing (in social media or organizing) changes whether behaviors feel like failures or choices.
• Language matters: “Not suffering fools gladly” may sound positive, but it’s generally a red flag for lack of kindness.

For more resources, gift guides, or to share your own “raising your hand” experience, visit happiercast.com/562 or connect with Gretchen and Elizabeth on their usual platforms.

Closing Thought: "Let us know if you do try this at home and how raising your hand works for you... It is so powerful." – Gretchen Rubin [12:24]