Why predicting our future feelings is so difficult

A lottery winner, for instance, won't spend every day celebrating their win. Nor will someone with a disabling accident spend all their time in shock.

When imagining either situation, we like to think that the feelings will be long-lasting. We forget that we will adapt and that the feeling will eventually wear off.

• When we have a decision to make, it is recommended to solicit the views of people who have had the experience you're considering.
• We can also ask the opinions of those around us since people tend to take a longer-term view when thinking about other people's choices.
• The kind of questions we ask is also important. Instead of asking if you should take the new job, ask what they think your day-to-day life will be like if you take it.