05 Dec No pain, no gain applies to happiness, too
No pain, no gain applies to happiness, too, according to new research by Ryan Howell. The psychology professor has found that people who work hard at improving a skill or ability, such as mastering a math problem or learning to drive, may experience stress in the moment, but experience greater happiness on a daily basis and in the longer term.
“No pain, no gain is the rule when it comes to gaining happiness from increasing our competence at something,” said Howell, an assistant professor of psychology, whose study was recently published in the Journal of Happiness Studies. “People often give up their goals because reaching them can be stressful, but we found that there is benefit at the end of the day from learning to do something well. And what’s striking is that you don’t have to reach your goal to see the benefits to your happiness and well-being.”
To read the remainder of this research summary – click here