If rewards don’t feel good anymore, is it the halo effect or personal growth?

[jennifer_bloom]

So today I decided to reward myself for 6 years of self-directed research by ordering food online. I was expecting a massive mood boost but it was barely noticeable, I am not even sure I even enjoyed my meal that much.

That does not mean I am incapable of happiness, it just means I am growing and the things that bring me happiness have changed, becoming less material or sensory and more spiritual.

[RFC1872]

When I would prepare for bodybuilding competitions I would always bribe myself during strict dieting with promises of double cheese pizza and German chocolate cake.

I would never have it.

The pleasure doesn't come from the indulgence, the pleasure comes from the suffering. Your reward is the pain. You love it.

When you are 'starving' yourself, going to the gym twice a day, rationing water, pushing your body to the max, that is your real pleasure.

Standing on the stage, holding a trophy, shredded, a muscled 'god' is your indulgence... where does the German choco cake fit? It doesn't. The pleasure is in the pain.