Does it feel like you are forever chasing a rainbow? That happiness is just around the corner but when you step forward, the goalpost moves? If that is so, then you are not alone. We, humans, are prone to this behavior that essentially limits our ability to be happy. And there is a cool name for this phenomenon- the hedonic treadmill.
So today, let’s take a look at what is the hedonic treadmill and how it affects us in our pursuit of happiness. We will also discuss 7 practices that will help you to break this cycle and find fulfillment.
What Exactly Is The Hedonic Treadmill?
To put it simply, a hedonic treadmill is our propensity to maintain a relatively stable level of happiness, despite undergoing major life changes. These changes can be either positive or negative in nature. In other words, humans have this unique tendency to return to a set happiness level after some time.
The term, hedonic treadmill (also known as hedonic adaptation) was coined by Philip Brickman and Donald T. Campbell in their 1971 essay titled, “Hedonic Relativism and Planning the Good Society”. In this essay, they suggest that additional wealth essentially does not increase the level of happiness in one’s life. In fact, the ability to be happy is somewhat a genetic trait and thus heritable to an extent.
So, What Does This Imply?
We often tell ourselves that if we achieve a certain something, we will finally be happy. However, things usually don’t pan out this way in most cases. The moment we reach our goals, we experience a momentary phase of satisfaction. And then we set our eyes on the next big prize- a promotion or a vacation or perhaps a new car or a house. Thus begins our cycle of constant yearning and traversing on the hedonic treadmill.
When unchecked, this eventually becomes a never-ending battle of the serpent chasing the tail. It moves in circles and stops only when we consciously make an effort to do so.
Related Read: 10 Happiness Habits For the Daily Life
How To Get Off The Hedonic Treadmill?
You may wonder that if happiness is a genetic trait, then is there really anything that you can do? Well, as it happens, yes. You see, only a part of our ability to be happy is actually coded in our genes. In fact, after about a decade of studying the happiness quotient of more than a thousand sets of twins, researchers Lykken and Tellegen (1996) concluded that about 50% of our happiness levels are genetic. Social factors, personal situations, and individual efforts influence the rest.
That leaves quite a room for improvement, doesn’t it? One of the most pertinent ways to do so is to get off our personal hedonic treadmills.
Here are 7 practices that can help you to stop your hedonic treadmill cycle. Read on to know more!
1. Evaluate Your Goals Carefully
Goals play an indispensable role in our lives. Much of our successes depend on carving out achievable yet challenging goals. However, they need to be meaningful in order to add value to our lives.
Often people make the mistake of setting targets that do not come from a sense of actual purpose. For example, making a lot of money sounds nice, but to what end? Also, will that money guarantee a semblance of happiness in your life?
Evaluate your life goals carefully by asking pertinent questions. Understand what you want to achieve through each one of them. Don’t just set out to do something because it sounds cool.
2. Understand The Concept Of Having Enough
Humans have the habit of falling in the rabbit hole of wanting too much. Material possessions have the tendency to eclipse our ability to lead a fulfilled life. The hedonic treadmill theory shows how wanting more than what is necessary can wreak havoc to us. Hence, knowing when to stop and saying that we have enough helps in breaking the cycle.
After all, most of us do not need much to be happy.
Related Read: Simplify Your Life- 6 Practices To Simple Living
3. Focus On Meaningful Relationships
The relationships that we forge during our lifetimes define us as persons. It is said that a person is the average of their five closest people. If that is true, then you must put more thought into who you have in your life.
The people around us have a significant impact on our psyche. Upbeat and positive people will make you feel more optimistic. The reverse is also true. That’s why sometimes we feel drained off of energy after certain interactions. As part of getting off the hedonic treadmill, pay special attention to your relationships. You might find the need to create a bit of a distance in some cases and that’s absolutely okay.
4. Quit Keeping Up With The Joneses
Peer pressure is real but detrimental. Many people make the mistake of falling into its clutches. As a result, they start basing their worth and happiness on others’ sense of accomplishment.
Just simply don’t do that if you want to not become a victim of hedonic adaptation. Always remember that this life is yours. Do what makes YOU happy.
5. Weigh Your Priorities
In order to do what makes you happy as an individual, you need to have a clear idea about your priorities.
Different people want different things. And yet we sometimes forget that and start going with the flow. But that ultimately results in dissatisfaction and probably bitterness.
Hence take time to evaluate your priorities in life and work towards achieving them.
6. Be Mindful In Your Endeavors
Mindfulness is the keystone of living a happy and fulfilled life.
You can adapt these practices according to what suits you. Simple breathing exercises for grounding or just being intentional- choose your technique. The ultimate goal is to be present here and now. Be deliberate.
Related Read: Cultivating Patience For Everyday Living
7. Learn To Just Be!
Finally, just be. Accepting ourselves as we are is a big step towards getting off the hedonic treadmill.
Learn to be okay with all your emotions- both negative and positive. You are you because of all the good and bad. Until you can come to terms with this basic fact of life, you will always be running after a mirage. The journey to self-healing and happiness begins from this seemingly innocuous step.
So, just be!
Peace.
Do you have any related experience or story to tell? Please share in the comments below. I would love to hear from you.
