Where is the break-even point for effort in life? How do we measure energy expenditure compared with perceived benefits? When it comes to mastering new skills, a recent study reaches an unexpected conclusion: short periods of stress add up to lasting contentment with our lives. Who knew? The Journal of Happiness Studies conducted a study confirming that the stress associated with the collective but brief efforts toward improving any aspect of our lives fades as we look back on the very real gains of increased competency and performance.
Even if our effort goes unnoticed, we retain higher satisfaction through newly acquired skills. It’s as if we have amnesia on demand, where we forget the challenging discomforts and bask in the accomplishments instead. Anyone who has ever given birth to a baby knows what I’m talking about. Further, as we develop autonomous approaches to long-term happiness, we become more effective at using similar patterns for future happiness. Go forth and seek your future happiness. Here’s the catch. You must act now.
Howell et al. Momentary Happiness: The Role of Psychological Need Satisfaction. Journal of Happiness Studies, 2009; DOI: 10.1007/s10902-009-9166-1