Are you familiar with the concept of the "hedonic treadmill"? It's a psychological phenomenon where we quickly adapt to positive changes in our lives, and over time, return to our previous level of happiness. This can make it difficult to achieve lasting happiness, as we are always chasing the next big thing. But, there are ways to jump off this treadmill and achieve greater fulfillment in life. In this blog, we'll explore the concept of the hedonic treadmill and discuss practical strategies to help you break free from the cycle and live a more fulfilling life.
First, let’s get the jargon word squared away. Hedonic means “relating to pleasant sensations.” Good food, the endorphin rush of acquiring a shiny new gadget, the guilty burst of happiness when you lash out and buy new shoes — these are all examples of hedonic happiness.
Hedonic adaptation refers to our species’ annoying tendency to become accustomed to these kinds of enjoyment in a very short timeframe. We’re hardwired to rapidly return to a “default” state of happiness. Thanks for that, evolution.
The concept of a hedonic treadmill is all about what happens next. You get the treat you crave, it wears off way too fast, so off we go in search of the next prize … and the next one … then the next. You get the idea. It’s an endless unsatisfactory loop of short-term gratification followed by more struggle for the same kind of experience.
But does it matter? After all, a literal treadmill is still good cardio. Maybe this metaphorical contraption we find ourselves on isn’t all that bad?
Let’s break down the implications of our endless hedonic restlessness. And spoilers … it’s not great.
We’ve hopefully established that the hedonic treadmill can have some pretty damaging implications for your emotional and financial well-being if you let it rule your life. The obvious next question is, is it possible to jump off? And if so, how?
It’s important to go easy on yourself! Remember that many of us are pushing against deeply hardwired impulses.
As you set work goals, be mindful of how your happiness works. Are you setting a succession of hedonic milestones that never fully deliver on their promise? Or are you defining your success by goals that can deliver a lasting impact?
The other part of the work-life puzzle though is to recognize that pursuing happiness isn't frivolous or wrong. What better reason to push out your work horizons than the knowledge that all that hard work will allow you to spend lavish sums on things you know you'll love -- that'll enrich your life? The trick is to spend consciously, to carefully choose those rewards that'll make the effort worthwhile, and to mercilessly cull out the rest.
Real happiness isn't an endless treadmill. Pursuing prizes that'll never truly satisfy you is a self-inflicted lab experiment in futility. But you're not going to find happiness in perpetual frugality either! That's just another kind of treadmill with fewer payoffs. You step off life's hedonic treadmill when you consciously choose to chase after those things that'll genuinely enrich your life, whether a family vacation, more time with the kids, or whatever floats your figurative boat -- yes, even an actual, literal boat.
And the best thing about getting more mindful about happiness? You can finally stop running for its own sake.
People may face challenges when trying to jump off the hedonic treadmill, including ingrained habits, pressure from others, fear of missing out, and balancing long-term goals with present enjoyment. To stay motivated, it can be helpful to set specific goals, track progress, find support, focus on positive changes, and practice self-compassion. By doing so, individuals can avoid falling back into old habits and pursue long-term happiness.
Investing in your health can be an effective way to jump off the hedonic treadmill. This might involve prioritizing exercise and physical activity, eating a healthy and balanced diet, and getting enough restful sleep each night. Additionally, practicing mindfulness, reducing stress, and engaging in activities that bring you joy and fulfillment can help you cultivate a more positive and sustainable lifestyle. By making your health and well-being a priority, you can reduce your reliance on short-term gratification and achieve greater long-term happiness.