The Looking Glass: Our Souls Need Proof of Work

Work hard for yourself, for the joy you feel when you’re one step closer to the person you’ve always wanted to be, whether it’s getting in the dirt to make things grow, getting in front of a crowd to speak your truth, or going out to find love behind all those brambles.

But I noticed something else: there was long-term satisfaction to be found in my journey. It wasn’t in the attaining but in the becoming .

The process itself, of becoming the kind of person who could make useful things and earn a living doing so, was a joy. As was the process of deepening the craft of exploring or reading or writing.

Paradoxically, doing hard things makes us happier. Putting ourselves through struggle makes us better equipped to enjoy life.

Comfort and convenience are valuable for the time it frees up. But how we use that time matters. We need voluntary challenge, not the empty victory of quick dopamine hits. Research into discomfort—like ice baths or cold showers—shows these short bursts of voluntary hardship boost mood, reduce stress, and build greater resilience.

hard work is necessary for our happiness and well-being .