We all want to feel good, to experience pleasure. But our minds have the ability to deceive and skew what we think IS pleasurable by a process known as “Hedonic Adaptation.”

“Hedonic” has to do with wanting or experiencing pleasure. “Adaptation” has to do with, well…adaptation. Now that we’ve cleared that up, let’s understand how it works.

In the early 70’s, a number of researchers found that people who were stripped of things that would normally give them pleasure, prison inmates, for example, were able to adapt rather quickly to their simplistic lifestyle. Their contentment and pleasure stabilized as they accepted their meager surroundings. This stabilization of pleasure became known as “hedonic adaptation,” and it happened quite quickly.

Here is how hedonic adaptation works. We want pleasure. If our ability to obtain new things is limited, we find pleasure in what we have, not what we can get. Our pleasure calibration changes to fit our circumstances.

But hedonic adaptation works against us if the situation goes the other way. When we ADD new things, the pleasure calibration rises to enjoy the new car, promotion, house, jacket, or whatever, but it doesn’t last very long. Our hedonistic enjoyment adapts to the new “thing,” but then, that new “thing” becomes “normal,” driving us to want MORE of it to create pleasure.

Hedonic adaptation works FOR us when things are reduced because we calibrate by what we HAVE. It works against us when we obtain new things because we calibrate by what we can GET!

Addictions can be fueled by hedonic adaptation, by wanting more and more of the pleasurable substance. Employees who have received a raise can soon want another raise because of hedonic adaptation. The “high” from a new relationship can go away because of hedonic adaptation. And that new dress that makes you look thin and gorgeous can get lost in the closet because of hedonic adaptation. Researchers called this a “hedonic treadmill” – wanting more and more things to find the pleasure we crave.  

If you are on a hedonic treadmill, what can you do? Two things help. First, you can try a “reduction.” Decide what area of life the hedonic treadmill governs, then choose to simplify it. Step off the treadmill, be in control, and strip away a few things. You will notice how getting rid of some things not only gives you a sense of personal power, but a sense of pleasure. Have you ever cleaned out your closet or desk? That feeling you got? That’s what I’m talking about. Hedonic adaptation at work.

Secondly, researchers found that hedonic adaptation tends to have less effect on new EXPERIENCES than it does when getting new THINGS. This may be because of a time factor. Putting on a new jacket is like taking a gulp of pleasure. Driving to a lakeshore with friends for an evening picnic around a bonfire is like leisurely sipping a soothing cup of tea. Your “hedonistic-meter” doesn’t calibrate so quickly with experiences, so the pleasure you derive from them lasts longer – much longer.

Without you taking the wheel, hedonic adaptation will be setting the rules and driving you to get more and more things. Instead, YOU take the wheel. Drive by the goodwill store to strip away what you really don’t need or want; then drive to a place where you can experience a sunset. You’ll have more pleasure with that experience for a longer time than if you drive to the mall to get some-THING new.

This article is part of our ongoing Achievement Nudge series—short, witty, and often inspirational articles to spark your personal and professional growth. Explore more nudges on our blog, or sign up for our weekly Nudge and News email. Each edition includes an Achievement Nudge plus leadership, professional development, and personal growth videos and articles to keep you inspired and on track.