<p>My example wasn’t the greatest but you are missing the point. Do things because you enjoy doing them. Don’t take pride in unfinished house or the finished house. If you have to build a house then build it for the happiness it will bring you in the woods rather than the pride of accomplishment. Pride is useless and artificial. And the same concept goes for negative things that happen in the past. Don’t dwell on the bad or the good. Not dwelling on the bad is considered common knowledge but it is difficult to do. By not dwelling on anything in the past one can focus on present and future happiness.</p>
<p>Another good definition of happiness:</p>
<p>“activity of the soul in accordance with virtue” - Aristotle</p>
<p>How could looking back at the past with pride be in accordance with any virtue? Confidence should come from your knowledge that you can make logical judgments in evaluating how to live life virtuously not from pride. If pride isn’t the source of happiness or self-confidence, what is its purpose?</p>