Happiness is a Product of Effort
Happiness is a result of effort, but effort that’s directed towards meaningful goals, not necessarily the goal of being happy.
Daniel Kahneman makes a distinction between two selves: the experiencing self and the remembering self. The experiencing self lives only in the present, and will be happy when you indulge in pleasures like a cold beer on a hot day. This type of happiness is fleeting.
Satisfaction, on the other hand, is a product of the remembering self looking back on what’s passed. It’s something that occurs when you achieve goals and make something of your life, even though the lived experience was difficult or effortful.
“…happiness and satisfaction are distinct. Happiness is a momentary experience that arises spontaneously and is fleeting. Meanwhile, satisfaction is a long-term feeling, built over time and based on achieving goals and building the kind of life you admire.” — Daniel Kahneman
These two selves are often in conflict. One wants us to focus on enjoying the moment, the other wants us to exert self-control and focus on the long-term. Completely ignoring either isn’t a good solution, rather, we need balance. But there are times when the experiencing self and the remembering self can be aligned.
