Getting Off the Hedonic Treadmill
Tue Feb 03 2026
Ever feel like you're constantly chasing the next achievement, the next milestone, the next thing—thinking that “happiness” lives there? Like most of us at some time or another, you are on the hedonic treadmill. If you have ever felt like you are on this treadmill, this episode is for you. We explore why we adapt so quickly to the good things in our lives and how our culture keeps us “running in place”. More importantly, we dive into the science-backed strategies that can help you step off the treadmill and cultivate lasting, sustainable well-being. From gratitude and savoring to meaning and connection, discover how to shift from chasing happiness to actually thriving.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
The hedonic treadmill is real: Research shows we quickly adapt to both positive and negative life events, returning to our baseline happiness—which keeps us chasing the next thing.
40% is within your control: While 50% of happiness is genetic and 10% is circumstances, a full 40% is determined by your intentional activities and choices.
Shift from hedonic to eudaimonic well-being: Instead of chasing fleeting pleasure, focus on meaning, purpose, growth, and connection for more sustainable satisfaction.
PERMA-V is your blueprint: Positive emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Accomplishment, and Vitality are the building blocks of flourishing.
Six practical strategies: Practice gratitude, savor the good, prioritize experiences over things, cultivate relationships, find meaning and purpose, and practice mindfulness.
Reframe your relationship with "more": It's not about stopping growth—it's about wanting more while knowing you're already enough.
YOUR PRACTICE THIS WEEK: Choose one strategy from this episode and commit to it for seven days. Notice what shifts.
Thank you for listening. We are so happy you found us.
If you enjoyed today’s episode, follow Nine to Thrive: The Well-Being Podcast so our new episodes are automatically delivered to your favorite podcast feed, and please share it with friends!
Reviews and ratings matter 3
We would be so grateful if you left a 5 star rating and a few words about what you liked (or loved) about this episode.
Want more tools and strategies for thriving and flourishing?
-Check out Julie’s website and subscribe to her monthly newsletter here.
Follow Julie on Instagram or LinkedIn for more daily thoughts and reflections on what it means to thrive and flourish in our complex world.
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Ever feel like you're constantly chasing the next achievement, the next milestone, the next thing—thinking that “happiness” lives there? Like most of us at some time or another, you are on the hedonic treadmill. If you have ever felt like you are on this treadmill, this episode is for you. We explore why we adapt so quickly to the good things in our lives and how our culture keeps us “running in place”. More importantly, we dive into the science-backed strategies that can help you step off the treadmill and cultivate lasting, sustainable well-being. From gratitude and savoring to meaning and connection, discover how to shift from chasing happiness to actually thriving. KEY TAKEAWAYS The hedonic treadmill is real: Research shows we quickly adapt to both positive and negative life events, returning to our baseline happiness—which keeps us chasing the next thing. 40% is within your control: While 50% of happiness is genetic and 10% is circumstances, a full 40% is determined by your intentional activities and choices. Shift from hedonic to eudaimonic well-being: Instead of chasing fleeting pleasure, focus on meaning, purpose, growth, and connection for more sustainable satisfaction. PERMA-V is your blueprint: Positive emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Accomplishment, and Vitality are the building blocks of flourishing. Six practical strategies: Practice gratitude, savor the good, prioritize experiences over things, cultivate relationships, find meaning and purpose, and practice mindfulness. Reframe your relationship with "more": It's not about stopping growth—it's about wanting more while knowing you're already enough. YOUR PRACTICE THIS WEEK: Choose one strategy from this episode and commit to it for seven days. Notice what shifts. Thank you for listening. We are so happy you found us. If you enjoyed today’s episode, follow Nine to Thrive: The Well-Being Podcast so our new episodes are automatically delivered to your favorite podcast feed, and please share it with friends! Reviews and ratings matter 3 We would be so grateful if you left a 5 star rating and a few words about what you liked (or loved) about this episode. Want more tools and strategies for thriving and flourishing? -Check out Julie’s website and subscribe to her monthly newsletter here. Follow Julie on Instagram or LinkedIn for more daily thoughts and reflections on what it means to thrive and flourish in our complex world.