By Default, You Choose the Easiest Path, Not the Most Pleasant.
In the absence of self-motivation, a good habit, or an inspiring deadline, your brain will take the default path. You might think that this path leads to the easiest and most enjoyable choice, but in reality it only leads to the easiest.
As the advice site Barking Up the Wrong Tree explains, the default state you reach when, for example, you’re tired of making decisions is to take the easiest possible path. Instead of cleaning the kitchen, you watch TV. Instead of working on a project, you are playing video games. Since this sounds funny, you might think that the easy way is at least fun. However, if you remember the funniest and most enjoyable moments in your life, then it probably was not so easy either:
Yes, it sounds silly simple, but don’t sugarcoat it, internet skimmer. Research shows that oftentimes you don’t actually do what you enjoy best – you do what is easiest. You may enjoy going to the beach, but the TV is faster. If you want a pleasant life, devote more time to what gives you the most pleasure.
And for Pete’s sake, plan some nice things to do. If you have room on your calendar for awful things like dentist appointments, then there must be some cool things. (I like seeing my friends. So I don’t “see them when I see them,” I have dinner with them every Friday at 1:00 pm, like clockwork. And “Burger Night” every Monday at 5:00 pm. Dinner with Jason and Lisa comes every Sunday night. Nick and I go out and talk about interesting things every Tuesday night. I’m sure you like my socializing schedule, but the thing is, with a little planning, you can make the entertainment default.)
Video games and television can be a little fun, but spending time with friends and family or going on vacation takes work. These are things that need to be planned, planned, prepared, and they require motivation almost as much as any job. This does not mean that you can never do simple things, but if you want to increase how much you enjoy your life, it will take the same work as anything else.
How To Live Happily: 4 Secrets Backed By Research | Bark on the wrong tree