--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I have discussed how the goal of feeling…" description: "\"“I have discussed how the goal of feeling happy is unusual; its not like other goals such as learning to bake a pizza, for which the desire to achieve ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/054/jonathan-rottenberg-31368_adaptation_i-have-discussed-how-the-goal-of-feeling_129751.jpg" --- # I have discussed how the goal of feeling happy is unusual… ![“I have discussed how the goal of feeling happy is unusual; its not like other goals such as learning to bake a pizza, for which the desire to achieve is half the battle and steady application is the rest. Pressing harder on unfulfilled and unrealistic goals for happiness can paradoxically deepen…” quote by Jonathan Rottenberg](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/054/jonathan-rottenberg-31368_adaptation_i-have-discussed-how-the-goal-of-feeling_129751.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/054/jonathan-rottenberg-31368_adaptation_i-have-discussed-how-the-goal-of-feeling_129751.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/054/jonathan-rottenberg-31368_adaptation_i-have-discussed-how-the-goal-of-feeling_129751.jpg) > ““I have discussed how the goal of feeling happy is unusual; its not like other goals such as learning to bake a pizza, for which the desire to achieve is half the battle and steady application is the rest. Pressing harder on unfulfilled and unrealistic goals for happiness can paradoxically deepen depression.”” [Jonathan Rottenberg](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jonathan-rottenberg/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Chasing happiness as a goal can backfire, deepening depression; happiness emerges from process, not pursuit. **In simple terms:** Pursuing happiness can worsen mood. Key Takeaway Find joy in everyday actions. Themes psychology well‑being goal‑setting Mood thoughtful cautious Type psychological philosophical When to use this quote - therapy - mindfulness practice - habit formation Key Concepts mental health philosophy behavioral science Practical Applications - focus on meaningful activities - avoid fixation on happiness Questions to Reflect On - What activities bring you contentment? - How can you shift focus from outcome to process? A Different Perspective Happiness is subjective and variable. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Adaptation](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/adaptation/) [Depression](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/depression/) [Desire to achieve](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/desire-to-achieve/) [Evolution](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/evolution/) [Evolutionary psychology](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/evolutionary-psychology/) [Feeling happy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/feeling-happy/) [Goals](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/goals/) [Happiness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/happiness/) [Modern life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/modern-life/) [Stressors](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/stressors/) [War](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/war/) ## Related quotes > [“Depressed people become unable to remember happy times, or times when they even had a normal mood. 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