In today’s fast-paced, consumer-driven society, many of us find ourselves constantly chasing after the next big thing, believing that it will bring us lasting happiness and fulfillment. However, we often discover that once we attain our desires, the happiness we envisioned quickly fades away and we are left craving more. This phenomenon is known as the hedonic treadmill.
The hedonic treadmill suggests that humans have a natural tendency to adapt to positive or negative experiences, returning to a relatively stable level of happiness regardless of external circumstances. You may purchase that new car and revel in driving in for a few weeks or months, but soon you realize your commute is still the same and you’re back at square one.
Factors that influence how quickly you adapt to changes
While the hedonic treadmill suggests that we naturally adapt to changes in our circumstances, certain factors can influence the speed and extent of our adaptation. One important factor is the duration of the experience—longer-lasting events tend to have a greater impact on our baseline level of happiness.
Our individual personality traits, genetic predispositions, and social support systems can influence how we adapt to positive or negative events. Some people may have a more resilient nature, making it easier for them to bounce back and maintain a higher baseline level of happiness should a negative event occur.
Always wanting a little more
Society often tells us that acquiring more material possessions will lead to greater happiness. Yet we only receive a short-term increase in happiness before searching for the next item that will enhance our lives. This constant pursuit of material wealth keeps us chasing an elusive sense of fulfillment. But it can also crop up in areas you may not have considered.
Some people refuse to retire because they want to save a little more money. Sometimes this is necessary, but often people will have enough to fulfill their lives but just want more. Similarly, a person may be happy in their job, earning good pay and being recognized for their contributions. Yet if they have a friend who seems to have achieved more, they may put aside their happiness to reach for yet another brass ring.
This endless pursuit of more can be exhausting. Plus, it can prevent us from savoring what we’ve achieved since we are always looking ahead to the next goal.
Appreciate what you have
One of the ways to stop this constant cycle of wanting more is to better appreciate what you have.
Be grateful and mindful. Take a moment each day to reflect on the things you’re grateful for, whether it’s the view of the mountains out your window or the hummingbird that flits around your garden. Try to be fully present in the moment, savoring the cup of coffee instead of just downing it for the caffeine high.
Make the routine special. When I was younger, I couldn’t afford really good coffee. I would make a cup of instant in the morning and then grab a cup at the office later on. Now I can purchase any type of coffee that I would want. Yet I still have instant during the week. Why? Because it makes the weekend special, when the kitchen fills with the smell of brewing coffee and I taste that first perfect sip. If I did this daily, it would become easy to ignore.
Stop the social media comparison. When you feel like you must keep up with the seemingly perfect lives of others, you’re fueling the hedonic treadmill. Figure out what’s important to you and forget the rest. For instance, when you decide you don’t really care about your kitchen countertops, all those photos of the perfect kitchen will have little impact.
Events bring longer lasting happiness
Instead of chasing the latest gadgets or designer clothes, invest in experiences that create memories and personal growth. Go on a hike, try a new hobby, or embark on a travel adventure. These experiences not only bring joy in the moment but also provide a sense of fulfillment and enrich your life in ways that possessions cannot.
Once you recognize the influence of the hedonic treadmill in your life, you can take steps to find genuine happiness beyond material possessions. Take the time to savor your positive experiences and revisit them from time to time to keep them alive for as long as possible.
Photo by VIde Feliz-Triste