This is an overly simple example to illustrate the concept, but you get the idea.

Our well-being returns to a set-point after good or bad events This conforms with the mathematical principle of regression toward the mean. With time, though, our well-being creeps back to its baseline. Over time, good and bad events cause temporary spikes or drops in our well-being. In the image below is a simplified example of the hedonic treadmill in action. That number will fluctuate with life’s ups and downs, while generally returning to this baseline. The average American reports a happiness level of 6.7 out of 10. Meanwhile, the Joneses have appeared to creep ahead again. We buy our new marble countertops, and for a few days, we feel like the Joneses! But, alas, the hedonic treadmill keeps moving and we stay in place. The Joneses, with their new cars and curtains, always seem to be enjoying the life we can’t quite settle into, no matter how hard we try (or how much we buy). It is the reason we can’t seem to keep up with the Joneses. While the hedonic treadmill may not be familiar to you by name, the principle behind it has long been a part of our popular culture. Despite the changes in fortune on both sides of the spectrum, both will return to his or her baseline happiness after a temporary rise or fall in well-being. In other words, every time we take a step forward, a treadmill moves right along with us, keeping us in place.Ī classic example is that of the lottery winner and a paraplegic. The theory of hedonic adaptation suggests that short term gains or losses in our happiness or well-being do not necessarily lead to lasting gains or losses in well-being, because we adapt to our circumstances. Then we will look at some ways to get off the hedonic treadmill altogether Buying things feels good, but the feeling doesn’t last.

Hedonic