We can achieve happiness through a new purchase, life change or substance – it’ll just be temporary. In any event – the message is that all feelings we get from outside sources is only temporary, and we always return to a default state of happiness over time. You can probably imagine plenty of examples of negative stimulation to happiness levels already, so we’ll skip it. A big life event such as a wedding or graduation.a dream house, a car, an exotic vacation, etc. Making a major life purchase that we’ve aspired to i.e.Happiness achieved through external means is temporary.Įxamples of positively stimulating our happiness levels include: Hedonic Adaptation is the concept that our levels of happiness can rise or fall when stimulated, but will otherwise return to a ‘default’ state of happiness when the newness of the stimulation begins to fade. This is the Hedonic Treadmill concept in true treadmill form. A few weeks go by, and before we know it, it’s gathered dust. We find ourselves avoiding the treadmill, no longer inspired by it. The workout feels longer than it did before, and we finish will less pep in our step. But the treadmill is calling us every time we walk by. We’ll easily get in shape now that we’ve got this new treadmill. We decide that we’re not in shape because we NEED something to get us going. We’re inspired by the toned, fit celebrity endorser, who promises you to ‘ look and feel your best‘ when you get in shape. We see a commercial for a treadmill on TV. Perhaps we get bit by the fitness bug – we’re feeling a bit out of shape, and aren’t exercising. Let’s use an actual treadmill as an example. The ‘Hedonic Treadmill’ is a tongue-in-cheek name for Hedonic Adaptation. Mandatory Disclaimer: We Are Not Psychologists Or Experts – The Following Is Based On Our Research, Experiences & Beliefs. Which leads us to explore this question: “ What is hedonic adaptation and how can we avoid it?” Expecting Happiness From Running On The ‘Hedonic Treadmill’ Is A Lot Like This Does this sound familiar? A few years ago I stumbled upon the concept of the Hedonic Treadmill, which explains this phenomena I’ve experienced in perfect detail. I always expected to feel different changed. In fact, nearly any happiness I’ve ever felt after buying something I really want, getting a raise or having experience, life always seemed the same afterwards. Aspirations have been reached and happiness has been felt, but it’s always been fleeting. Like many people, my life has had its’ share of ups and downs.
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