Hedonic Treadmill
What is the hedonic treadmill and why is it so important to get off the damn thing?
What is the hedonic treadmill and why is it so important to get off the damn thing?
The hedonic treadmill is a dastardly concept that explains why we end up with garages full of “stuff.” In simple terms, we humans adapt to any new stimuli that enters our life soon after its introduction. The new car makes you feel “amazing,” but only for a short period of time and in short order, you will adapt to that stimulus and end up back to where you started.
This can cause one to think they got the wrong “thing” and that could end up with another trip to the car lot (or mall) to get the “right” thing. BIG POINT: There is no item out there that will help you feel euphoric for an extended period of time. By understanding the hedonic treadmill, we humans can better understand ourselves and why we end up disappointed soon after buying that “great” new thing.
So, get off that damn treadmill and that means rejecting a life of materialism (advertising uses this against you as they try to get you to buy the next great thing). Instead, find ways to serve your community and give to others. Giving will provide that euphoric feeling AND it will sustain itself over long periods of time. When you are looking for meaning and fulfillment in your life, find ways to help others.
Learn more about this subject by reading Your Money or Your Life by Vicki Robin and Joe Dominguez and Financial Happine$$ by yours truly. Reach for more and that means helping your fellow human beings. Everyone wins in that scenario!