[aschearer]

I came across this paper a decade plus ago and it stuck with me. Specifically, there were a few things:

1. We derive pleasure from anticipation, so ensure there are a number of things to look forward to.

2. Likewise we derive pleasure from looking backwards -- so the above is a two-for-one.

3. When making decisions in realtime, we tend to slip into "reptile-thinking" and that in turn leads to unhappy-decisions. They cite a snickers bar versus an apple. So try to make more decisions upfront, aligning them with your goals. e.g. bulk cook versus figure out lunch daily.

4. Day-to-day life has a huge impact on our happiness but we often architect it in ways that make us unhappy. e.g. moving into a big house in the burbs and therefore having a long commute. Think about our goals and design daily life so they flow more readily.

Edit to add my own twist on the paper and a challenge:

If you're so smart, why aren't you happy?

[tinmandespot]

I wholeheartedly concur with the gist of this sentiment.

An example from my own life.

I’m an avid coffee drinker, and consume 2 doppio espressos a day.

I’m often asked why I don’t just buy an espresso machine and save some money.

To which I respond: - I look forward to the small interactions when I order coffee - I build a sense of community where I live/work - I enjoy the opportunity to tip and give back( albeit in a very small way) - I’m buying something I like everyday, and this leads to a sense of fulfillment - I don’t accumulate anything that I need to lug around/maintain

[feoren]

I love this reasoning about the espresso machine because it highlights how easy it is to label humans as being irrational when you're just focused on one or two dimensions (cost), but it turns out that humans are generally very rational if you just don't evaluate them on a crappy, limited model of rationality.