Have you ever imagined what it would feel like to be bound to read only one book for the rest of your life? It likely wouldn't be much fun, and you might even start to feel like your life lacks meaning.

It's essential to find both joy and purpose in your actions if you want to be content with life. Our lives are comprised of various daily activities, some of which bring happiness, others fulfillment. Scrolling through TikTok might bring you joy, while washing dishes might provide a sense of accomplishment. To be productive, alternate between enjoyable and productive activities. For example, reward yourself with a 15-minute TikTok break or a delicious coffee after an hour of studying.

Professor Paul Dolan's Pleasure-Purpose Principle encourages us to look beyond temporary moments of happiness. He compares activities like watching television, which provides pleasure but little purpose, to raising children, which offers purpose but may not always be pleasurable. Although raising children brings some pleasure, it also involves challenges and provides a significant sense of purpose. As Dolan grows older, he believes that the shift from seeking pure pleasure to finding purpose in life aligns well with his evolving priorities and ultimately contributes to his overall happiness.

Interestingly, your personality determines whether you prefer more pleasure or purpose in your day-to-day life. Find the balance that suits you best between work and fun. You might be a "purpose engine" if you value work more than free time, while a "pleasure machine" needs more fun to feel fulfilled. Which one better describes you?

Remember, happiness is about enjoying the present. It's more about feeling spontaneous joy than reflecting on your overall situation. Being content with your current circumstances doesn't necessarily mean you'll feel happy every day. To enhance your happiness, focus on actively seeking pleasure and purpose in your daily activities.