life_choices

Yes, I suspect your diagnosis is correct.

Thanks for your answer.

Where would you post this on reddit? I was hesitant to share the specific personal problem, because I wanted to focus on the decision process.

In any case, if you know any community similar to HN quality for either "personal/relationships" discussion or decision-making, I would love to know.

Thank you for your very kind answer.

I like it. I will have to digest it further, but on first approximation it seems like two good tactics: 1. to hack the goal/reward system, 2. to manage the exploration/exploitation trade-off.

I agree with the delta's regarding happiness. I might add "satisfaction/accomplishment/pride" in relation to your life's components. I think it goes in a bit of a different direction to what you are saying (million dollars vs homeless with new job).

It also has to do with momentum, I think. As in keep making progress in some aspect. In a professional setting, you can be a startup founder working 100 hours weeks, but if you're riding a growth wave, you're happy and satisfied, even if tired. On a personal level, something similar happens.

I agree with your take on process as well.