Oddly enough the Torah does NOT tell us to do what makes us happy. That is a recent concept of the past generation, really beginning with the 60s feminist movement and leaching into all aspects of life. How many of us have said, “I don’t care what my child does AS LONG AS HE’S HAPPY.” Utter nonsense. We HAVE to care. There are many things that we do for our (and our children’s) benefit that will not make us particularly happy (immunizations for one). We cannot treat people’s egos so gingerly that the main concern and pursuit is happiness, because without responsible action alongside of it, that happiness may be quite short-lived.
Following the Derech haTorah is what is ultimately supposed to bring us joy and fulfillment, but that joy is not the ultimate goal. That goal is to fulfill Ratzon Hashem. And R”H will lead to our happiness, because He knows what is best for us.