Many of us will have experienced the fact that after achieving a long-awaited goal – like buying a new car, landing a dream job, or moving into a bigger home – the initial happiness fades faster than we expected.
Yet, it is a goal we have worked towards, possibly for years, so the fact that the happiness doesn’t last can be confusing and disappointing.
We thought the new home, the days spent getting the interior design just right, the hours spent creating a perfectly manicured garden, and the fact there are even fairy lights above the patio, would leave us feeling happy and content for years to come. Yet it doesn’t.
The fact that the cushions are colour coordinated, the bookcases tall enough for hundreds of books, there are goal posts in the manicured garden, and a room dedicated only to shoes, is not enough for extended happiness.
Add an indoor pool, a sound-proofed reading room, an office with Apple-products only, a self-cleaning oven, indoor plants that stay alive, and an underground tunnel which means you can commute to work in under ten minutes, and the outcome would be the same.
This phenomenon is known as the hedonic treadmill, and it plays a significant role in shaping our understanding of happiness and contentment.
What Is the Hedonic Treadmill?
The hedonic treadmill, also called hedonic adaptation, refers to the human tendency to quickly return to a relatively stable level of happiness despite significant positive or negative life changes.
It’s like being on a treadmill where you keep moving forward but never really reach a new destination of lasting happiness.
The excitement of a new achievement, possession, or experience tends to wear off, and we find ourselves returning to our baseline level of happiness over time.
This concept is rooted in psychological research and suggests that even major life changes – such as a pay raise, marriage, or the latest iPhone – often bring only temporary boosts to our happiness.
After a while, the new car becomes just another vehicle, the excitement of the new job becomes routine, and the sense of novelty fades away.
Similarly, even negative events like job loss or a breakup may lower happiness for a period, but most people eventually adjust back to their usual level of well-being.
The Science Behind the Hedonic Treadmill
The idea of the hedonic treadmill was popularised by psychologists Philip Brickman and Donald T. Campbell in the 1970s. Their research and subsequent studies found that people’s happiness levels tend to remain relatively constant over time, even after life-changing events.
One famous study compared the happiness levels of lottery winners and people who had suffered serious accidents. Surprisingly, both groups returned to their baseline levels of happiness after an initial adjustment period.
This tendency is believed to be evolutionary in nature. Humans are wired to adapt to their environment, a skill that was crucial for survival.
While this ability to adjust helps us cope with setbacks and challenges, it also means that positive changes don’t keep us happy for as long as we might expect. The brain quickly normalises new circumstances, leaving us craving the next goal or reward in an endless cycle.
The Impact of the Hedonic Treadmill on Modern Life
In today’s fast-paced, consumer-driven world, the hedonic treadmill is particularly evident. Many people believe that happiness lies just around the corner – often in the form of the next promotion, the next holiday, or the latest tech gadget.
This mindset can lead to a constant pursuit of more, where the focus is always on future achievements rather than enjoying the present.
Social media can also amplify this effect. As we scroll through pictures of other people’s seemingly perfect lives, it’s easy to believe that a new purchase, new style, new Converse trainers or lifestyle change could finally bring lasting happiness.
But when these things don’t deliver the permanent boost we hoped for, we might feel disappointed or think we’re not doing enough.
How to Step Off the Hedonic Treadmill
While it’s natural to adapt to new situations, there are ways to mitigate the effects of the hedonic treadmill and cultivate a more enduring sense of well-being:
Practise Gratitude
Regularly focusing on what you already have, rather than what you lack, can help increase feelings of contentment. Gratitude journals, where you write down a few things you’re thankful for each day, can be especially effective.
Focus on Experiences, Not Things
Research shows that experiences – such as spending time with loved ones or engaging in hobbies like reading – tend to provide longer-lasting happiness than material possessions.
Memories and shared moments often carry more emotional weight than the latest Apple product.
Invest in Relationships
Meaningful connections with others are one of the most consistent predictors of long-term happiness. Nurturing friendships, family bonds, and community ties can provide a stable source of joy that isn’t as subject to adaptation.
Mindfulness and Being Present
Mindfulness practices, like meditation or simply focusing on the present moment, can help reduce the constant striving for more. By appreciating the here and now, you can cultivate a deeper sense of satisfaction.
Set Intrinsic Goals
Goals focused on personal growth, relationships, and helping others tend to be more fulfilling than those focused solely on external rewards like wealth or status.
These types of goals align more closely with our core values and can lead to a more sustained sense of happiness.
Embracing a Balanced Approach to Happiness
Understanding the hedonic treadmill doesn’t mean giving up on goals or ambitions. It’s more about recognising that external achievements and possessions have their limits in terms of making us happy.
By shifting our focus toward gratitude, relationships, and personal growth, we can find greater contentment in the present and step off the treadmill of endless desire.
Happiness isn’t always found in reaching the next milestone – it’s often in appreciating the journey itself.
