Meet Mr. Rao, the high achiever who seemingly has it all — a prestigious job, academic success, and career milestones to boot. Yet, something’s still missing.
Despite all of his accomplishments, He can’t shake off his feelings of emptiness and dissatisfaction. It’s like he’s stuck on a hamster wheel, running laps with no way to jump off.
But don’t worry, Mr. Rao’s not alone in this frustrating cycle of highs and lows. Humans have a remarkable capacity for resilience, but finding lasting satisfaction in life’s successes?
Do you want to know more about this hedonic hamster wheel ride? Please read on…
In this blog post, we’ll look at what cognitive bias means in terms of how we navigate decision-making and provide some tips on how to survive the hedonic treadmill.
Understanding the “Hedonic Treadmill”
The “Hedonic Treadmill” is a psychological concept that says people tend to go back to a consistent level of happiness or contentment regardless of what happens in their lives or the conditions around them.
To illustrate more on this tendency, my friend recently bought a lavish saree, both looks and price-wise. But within a few weeks, she had already grown tired of it and sought another one to fill its place. And going by her track record, it seems like she’s never satisfied with what she has and can’t resist the allure of the next luxurious thing.
The grass seems greener, or in this case, the saree is always brighter on the other side. So this continuous yearning for something new, shinier, and more stylish than what you have in your hands. This feeling doesn’t seem to fade away. You always seem to be wanting more!
Ah, the elusive pursuit of happiness, chasing after material possessions or emotional highs, only to find yourselves back where you started. Your brains constantly crave the next big reward, but it seems true contentment is always just out of reach.
Yet, maybe it’s the journey that counts, not the destination. Or perhaps we’re all just masochists who love a good challenge. And coming to my friend, she’s at least keeping the fashion industry thriving! Either way, you people out there, try to strive off the treadmill!
Exploited And Exploiters
The Hedonic Treadmill primarily affects individuals who believe their happiness relies mainly on external factors rather than their internal state. Consequently, people often find themselves caught in a repetitive pattern of relentlessly pursuing greater rewards, such as material possessions, social achievements, or emotional highs. However, this pursuit often leaves them just as dissatisfied and unfulfilled as they were before.
On the flip side, Certain individuals have the potential to take advantage of the hedonic treadmill bias in others by manipulating their longing for material possessions, social achievements, or emotional gratification.
This manipulation can trap individuals in a never-ending pursuit of external rewards, ultimately leading to feelings of discontentment and a lack of fulfillment. It’s crucial to understand that exploiting others is not an inherent characteristic of the hedonic treadmill theory; instead, it is an unethical behavior that these individuals may exhibit.
Day-To-Day Hedonic Treadmill
- A stay-at-home person who constantly wants a bigger or better house despite the current home, being a fairly new one that is comfortable and sufficient for their needs.
- A tech entrepreneur who releases a hot new product, only to feel the same level of satisfaction as before once it goes on sale.
- A fashionista who is always on the hunt for the latest trend but never quite feels fulfilled after getting it.
- An Instagram influencer who is constantly striving for more followers but never seems to reach the desired level of success.
- A foodie who eats at every 5-star restaurant in town but never feels like they’ve had enough.
Recognizing When You Are Slipping Into The Hedonic Treadmill Trap
Identifying whether or not you are falling into the trap of the “Hedonic Treadmill” can be difficult. Still, there are a few key signs to look out for:
- Feeling dissatisfied no matter how much you have achieved.
- Constantly looking for the next best thing, even when you already have something good.
- Thinking that more money, possessions, or recognition will bring ultimate happiness and fulfillment.
- Struggling to find contentment with anything for more than a short period.
- Excessive shopping or spending despite having more than enough items already.
Overcoming the Hedonic Treadmill
Practice gratitude
Expressing gratitude for what we possess fosters a profound sense of contentment and allows us to genuinely value life. This appreciation can lead to a reduction in the constant desire for acquiring more and larger possessions.
Pay attention to experiences, not possessions.
Rather than focusing on material possessions, invest in experiences such as traveling or going out for dinner. These memories will bring more joy in the long run.
Break away from comparison games.
Comparing ourselves with others and wanting what they have brings a sense of unfulfillment rather than contentment. Striving to find our own path instead can lead to a more balanced outlook on life.
Replace “I want” with “I need”
If something is needed, it should be bought after a careful assessment; otherwise, it’s often just another luxury item to desire but never truly need.
Focus on relationships
Connecting with people has been proven to increase happiness and reduce stress levels, thus freeing us from the burden of acquiring material objects for satisfaction and purpose in life.
Prioritize personal growth
Strive for self-improvement rather than keeping up with current trends or aiming for perfection in terms of looks or material possession; these goals often need to be more attainable in an ever-changing landscape of worldly items!
Find intrinsic rewards
Taking part in activities that stimulate us mentally, such as reading, creating art, playing a sport, etc., rather than looking externally (possessions), will provide inner fulfillment that is priceless and lasting!
Final Thoughts
Losing a loved one can also get into this neverending cycle of pain and grief. Accepting the loss of a furry family member can be devastating, and my relatives learned this firsthand. They didn’t just mourn the physical loss but also their pet’s impact on their daily lives. It’s no secret that pets bring us comfort and joy, but the absence can be overwhelming when they’re gone.
Thankfully, my relatives found a way to channel their pain into something positive. Instead of drowning in their sadness, they took action and became foster parents for pups in need. By providing a loving home, they were able to help these four-legged friends find their forever families.
You know what they say: money can’t buy happiness. And this experience proved that it’s not about the fancy car or the latest iPhone but about the connections we make with other fellow living creatures.
So, when we stop chasing the hedonic treadmill and start prioritizing meaningful moments, true contentment can be found.
Finally
The sooner you get off the treadmill, the more you can focus on finding lasting sources of happiness rather than always seeking short-term pleasures.
Keep an eye out for more helpful posts that will help you lead a more informed life. Also, do subscribe to our newsletter; to stay updated with our latest posts.
Reference
The above article is based on the book Thinking Clearly; this article is here to help us learn and understand how our minds can be tricked by something called cognitive biases.