Hedonic Treadmill Theory

Hedonic adaptation causes us to quickly return to a baseline level of happiness after experiencing either positive or negative changes, which can make it challenging to sustain long-term happiness from life events or achievements.

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The hedonic happiness treadmill is the tendency to continually pursue new goals or possessions in the hope of achieving lasting happiness. This often leads to temporary satisfaction followed by a return to a baseline level of contentment, creating a cycle of unfulfilled desires.

Engaging in activities that induce psychological flow—where one is fully absorbed and immersed in the task—can reduce the focus on external rewards, fostering deeper and more lasting satisfaction that counters the effects of the hedonic pleasure treadmill.