Hedonism - Pursuit of Happiness via Pleasure

(Hedonism is the philosophy that believes life’s meaning and happiness comes from pleasure)

This week, I've learned something I already knew: you don't become happy by giving in to your pleasures. Short-term comfort doesn't lead to lasting happiness. Instead, you become happy by the pursuit of a difficult long-term goal. Our internal decision-making system, known as the hedonic system, manages our mood or feelings towards different actions. It helps us navigate the conflict between short-term pleasures and long-term satisfaction.

Short-Term vs. Long-Term Satisfaction:

• Short-term pleasures like indulging in fast food or cheap dopamine activities might seem to make you happy, but they often leave you feeling drained and unfulfilled.

• Long-term satisfaction comes from tasks that might not feel rewarding in the moment but give a sense of achievement afterward. Examples include spending time with friends, visiting family, or going for a run.

Running and Writing: The Joy of Completion

• You might not enjoy the act of running or writing, but the feeling of having run or written is where the true satisfaction lies.

Fulfillment Through Pursuit:

• Fulfillment arises from the daily activities and tasks that contribute to achieving something meaningful. Even if you don't reach your exact goal, the journey towards it can instill a sense of accomplishment and discipline. For instance, working towards a six-pack might not yield the physical result you seek, but the discipline learned along the way is invaluable.

Resetting Your Hedonic System:

• Practice Gratefulness: Reflect on what went well today. What made you feel good? What made you feel accomplished? Start small - perhaps not snoozing your alarm or cooking a meal for yourself.

• Set and Pursue Goals: Choose a goal and take one small step towards it. Think of the atomic habits approach where a man committed to just 5 minutes at the gym daily to build the habit. What small action can you take today that you'll be proud of tomorrow?

Action for You:

• Be Grateful: Write back to me with one thing you're grateful for that makes you feel good about yourself.

• Take Action: Share one thing you can do today that tomorrow you will be proud of.

Reply back to me letting me know one thing you are grateful for that makes you feel good about yourself and one thing you can do today that tomorrow you will be proud of.

stay curious, Karam x