Want to Be Happier? Stop Doing What You Enjoy

Here’s a counter-intuitive idea that might blow your mind:

the reason you’re as happy as you could be is that you’re spending too much time doing what you enjoy.

Let me explain.

I read an insightful article by Darius Foroux, titled Three Habits to Stay Healthy in a Hectic World, and one particular habit he mentioned stood out to me: “doing things when you don’t feel like them.”

This struck a chord with me for a couple of reasons. Not only do I firmly believe that having the ability to do things you don’t feel like doing is critical to success, but I’m also convinced of something much more counter-intuitive — that it’s a requirement to unlocking genuine happiness.

I know it sounds crazy. How can doing something you don’t feel like doing possibly lead to happiness? If you want to be happy, shouldn’t you instead focus on things you enjoy doing?

But here’s the catch—experience has shown me that pushing through the initial discomfort, especially when you least feel like it, is often the pathway to fulfilment.

Doing hard things feels good (after you’ve done them).

The Road to Your Goals Isn’t Paved with Comfort

Any meaningful goal requires change. Change demands forming new habits, stretching beyond your comfort zone, and doing things you may not feel skilled at yet. But that’s where the growth happens—when you face tasks that challenge your abilities, question your confidence, and force you to confront your limitations.

And yes, this process often feels uncomfortable—painful even. Your ego might take a hit as you realize you’re not as skilled in certain areas as you’d hoped. In these moments, it’s all too easy to create excuses: “Now’s not the right time,” “Tomorrow I’ll have more energy,” or “I just need to think things through more.”

Steven Presssfield calls this “The Resistance” in his brilliant book The War of Art. (highly recommend!) It’s that invisible force that holds you back from doing the work you know you need to do—usually right when it matters most.

Those are the moments that separate progress from stagnation. The key to real growth is not about how capable you feel or whether you want to do the activity that needs doing—it’s about acting despite your feelings. Especially when you don’t feel like it.

Inspiration comes while you’re doing the work, not before.

The Secret to Joy Is in the Process, Not the Achievement

Here’s the twist: after you push through the resistance and do that uncomfortable thing you’ve been avoiding—you’ll feel an immediate sense of pride and momentum. This is because it’s not the achievement of the goal itself that brings the deepest sense of joy. It’s the act of making progress that fuels happiness.

Progress is where the magic is. When you’re moving forward, even in small steps, you experience a sense of fulfilment that’s far more sustainable than actually realizing a goal.

It’s the thrill of the hunt.

In my own career journey, I’ve noticed that some of the most fulfilling moments come after I’ve pushed through on tasks I’ve been avoiding. That’s when I see genuine progress—not just on paper, but in the satisfaction that follows.

Take Action Today, Not Tomorrow

So, the next time you find yourself hesitating to do something hard—whether it’s a task at work, a challenging conversation, or even a personal project that’s been on the back burner—remind yourself that pushing through that discomfort is what will move you closer to your goals. And, paradoxically, it will also make you happier.

Don’t wait for tomorrow to “feel ready.” Take action today, even when you don’t want to. You’ll be surprised at how much better you’ll feel afterwards.

Quotation that I’ve been pondering

I recently came across this brilliant quote by Helen Keller:

“A happy life consists not in the absence, but in the mastery of hardships.”

This quote aligned way too perfectly with the theme of this week’s article not to use it. Helen walked the talk, facing more than her fair share of hardships, but making the world a better place despite them.

Journal prompt

It’s important to acknowledge the progress you’ve made, instead of always beating yourself up for the countless ways you’re not living up to the expectations you put on yourself. A great way to recognize that progress is to reflect on this prompt.

“What daily habits am I doing on autopilot that I once struggled to stick with?”