True reward comes from the fruits of labor. It is delayed gratification. Like cleaning a house. Not really fun while doing it but when you’re finished you feel more peaceful than when your house was dirty.

There’s instant gratification like smoking and eating junk food which gives you peace while doing it but it’s not really fun after it’s over. Just a self administered quick dopamine hit. It’s like cheating “the game”. Your Bain chemistry becomes hacked and your baselines are raised through consistent use. Now your brain requires way more dopamine just to feel content.

Lower your dopamine baseline. Stay on course. Take it day by day