Definition:

The Hedonic Treadmill, also known as hedonic adaptation, refers to the psychological concept which states that humans have a tendency to return to a relatively stable level of happiness or satisfaction, regardless of major positive or negative events or changes in their lives.

Subtitles:

The Mechanism of Hedonic Treadmill

Hedonic treadmill operates on the concept that individuals continuously seek happiness and pleasure, but their happiness levels tend to revert to a baseline or set point.

Constantly Shifting Reference Points

This phenomenon occurs because people tend to compare their current state or experiences to past conditions, creating a shifting reference point. As a result, initially positive or negative events eventually lose their impact on long-term happiness.

Adaptation to New Circumstances

Humans quickly adapt to new circumstances, including material possessions, life events, and changes in social status. As adaptation occurs, the temporary boost in happiness derived from these factors diminishes over time.

Impact on Long-term Happiness

The hedonic treadmill implies that external sources of happiness, such as wealth, material possessions, or achievements, provide only temporary boosts in individual happiness. Long-term happiness is more strongly influenced by internal factors, such as personality traits, outlooks, and personal interpretations of experiences.

Breaking the Hedonic Treadmill

Although the hedonic treadmill is a natural psychological process, individuals can take conscious steps to break free from its cycle. By practicing gratitude, mindfulness, and focusing on meaningful experiences rather than material gains, individuals can increase their overall life satisfaction and well-being.