Hedonic Adaptation: A term we should all be familiar with

“Do you ever stop?”

“You’re always so busy.”

These phrases became increasingly familiar as I pushed towards the end of the sh*t show that was 2022!

As I look to a new year and start to prioritise things I hope to achieve, I ask myself — Why do I continue to set so many goals? Why can’t I just sit back and enjoy what I have?

I’m sure many of you think I’m crazy, but those who resonate will be pleased to know that this constant drive to achieve actually has a name!

Welcome to my to-do-list treadmill, also known as HEDONIC ADAPTATION. 

Basically, it’s that pesky voice in your head that tells you that you can only be happy if you achieve an even higher standard. If you’re familiar with Shawn Achor’s work whom I quote regularly in my leadership courses, you may have heard this paradigm referred to as a ‘chasing happiness mindset.’

You know how it goes; you buy a shiny new car and it’s the best thing ever, but then a few months later you’re already wanting something even newer or more expensive. You start off with a 5km park run and next you’ve registered for a half marathon. You drop a dress size and now you’re on a mission to lose 10kg. 

Hedonic adaptation is a natural process that is genetically wired to our DNA; it is also what drives us to improve. 

It’s important to remember that hedonic adaptation doesn’t just apply to material possessions. It can also apply to goals and achievements in business. For example, a business owner might set a goal to increase profits by a certain percentage, and when that goal is achieved, it brings a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. But eventually, that sense of accomplishment fades and the business owner might start to feel like they need to achieve an even higher level of success in order to be happy. 

This never-ending push for more-and-better can leave you feeling empty and unfulfilled, even if you’ve achieved all the external markers of success like wealth, status, and recognition. As the dopamine rush fades, the constant pursuit for more can be exhausting and lead to burnout. 

“My name is Jade Scott and I am addicted to achieving.”

There, I said it. 

Ironically [for me] it has nothing to do with greed or a desire for wealth, in fact, it’s the opposite; it’s wanting to achieve more so I can give more back in return.

Its important to identify these patterns and make an effort to find fulfillment and happiness in other areas of life, rather than just focusing on a never ending to-do-list.

What is more concerning is the opposite to hedonic adaptation, and that is ambition recession. People revolting against high workloads through ‘quiet quitting’ (aka when your ambition and drive takes a nosedive). This is understandably due to burnout and the existential crisis that lingers post covid. 

As a generation carrying scars from a pandemic, we now [understandably] reflect on, and prioritise what is important. Things like work, and an enticing career pathway are no longer as important as spending time with loved ones and enjoying the little things in life. And who can blame us? When the world feels like it’s falling apart, it’s natural to reevaluate what truly brings us fulfillment and happiness.

So, let’s be aware of hedonic adaptation as we kick off our new year’s goals, but also ensure we don’t fall victim to the ambition recession. I am going to make a promise to focus on what truly matters BUT, I’m also not going to slow the momentum I have gained over the last two years.

The best balance is somewhere in between hedonic adaptation and ambition recession — this is where you will find me in 2023!

Bringing you my best. 

Big love,

Jade [a slower paced but more productive] Scott xx

1. If you’re looking to understand what motivates your team to increase productivity, active engagement and long term-staff retention in 2023, then my upcoming webinar is for you. You can register via the link below.

https://members.growthrx.com/key-motivators-webinar

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