Why is it always hard to do the right things in life

A most distinguishing feature of humanity is having a conscience; a sense of what is right and wrong. Ideally, because we know what is right, we are expected to do exactly that, but at times that isn't the case. We put laws and punishments to enforce good behavior, to discourage anything directly or indirectly contradictory. But no matter how good we try to be, we constantly find ourselves in a state of cognitive dissonance; a discrepancy between beliefs and behaviors, a point in time where we just want to do what we want to do, irrespective of right or wrong. This is something that no one can avoid, even during a time of childhood innocence. The choice between what is right and what we want is particularly tough because it requires us to put down our stubbornness and hurt our own egos. It requires us to admit that we are wrong and that we are being selfish. To forgo certain things we would have loved to do, to leave things a particular way when we very well know there are ways we can handle it. It's just a constant cognitive conflict we have fought, still fight, and have to keep on fighting. It must be won if we want to leave in peace and harmony, if things are to go smoothly, if the society is to be run properly.