Are you unconsciously running on the Hedonic Treadmill? This feeling when the satisfaction from an achievements disappears so quickly that you must run on to the next one to get this feeling back. You live by the rush of making things happen again thinking it will make you happier. You put all your energy in this new win to prove yourself or in this new purchase to get ownership. But, like before, the feeling isn’t lasting. It’s like an addiction, you know it’s not healthy but you continue to pursue single achievements to get a new shot of satisfaction and hope for more long lasting happiness. But happiness is not a mood, it’s a state. The Hedonic Treadmill is a vicious circle that takes us away from the ordinary activities and relationships that make our life more meaningful. As Steven Bartlett used to say: « life is not a finite game ». Relying on successful events to be happy is illusionary. As soon as you get there you have a sense of satisfaction for a little bit but the feeling of happiness is quickly spoiled by your need to reach the next step. You’re playing an endless quest. Life is an infinite game, so happiness is in the everyday moments, in living in the present. Nowhere else.
It’s been a while since I follow the work of Liz Fosslien. Like an humourist that would observe our ordinary lives to make fun of it, Liz uses illustration to provide us with meaning about our lives. It’s smart, obvious and playful. If you want to follow Liz, she is posting her work on Instagram: @lizandmollie.
When you feel frustrated or overwhelmed, have a break to clear your mind. As soon as you feel more peaceful, take the time to think about what is one thing you must focus on and define what is the smallest step you can achieve to get back at it. This is boring but vital to move forward. For a good execution to happen, thinking and planning is as much important as doing. With practice, it will get even more easier to detect those pivotal moments.
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1. Hedonic Treadmill
Are you unconsciously running on the Hedonic Treadmill? This feeling when the satisfaction from an achievements disappears so quickly that you must run on to the next one to get this feeling back. You live by the rush of making things happen again thinking it will make you happier. You put all your energy in this new win to prove yourself or in this new purchase to get ownership. But, like before, the feeling isn’t lasting. It’s like an addiction, you know it’s not healthy but you continue to pursue single achievements to get a new shot of satisfaction and hope for more long lasting happiness. But happiness is not a mood, it’s a state. The Hedonic Treadmill is a vicious circle that takes us away from the ordinary activities and relationships that make our life more meaningful. As Steven Bartlett used to say: « life is not a finite game ». Relying on successful events to be happy is illusionary. As soon as you get there you have a sense of satisfaction for a little bit but the feeling of happiness is quickly spoiled by your need to reach the next step. You’re playing an endless quest. Life is an infinite game, so happiness is in the everyday moments, in living in the present. Nowhere else.