How to Step Off the Hedonic Treadmill in 2026 (#118)
Thu Jan 29 2026
Why doesn’t success feel as good as you thought it would? Probably because you’re trapped on the hedonic treadmill, which is leading to less and less career satisfaction!
You worked hard. You achieved the goals. So why do you still feel restless, disconnected, or like something is missing in your life?
In this episode, I break down the hedonic treadmill and hedonic adaptation, the psychological phenomenon that causes happiness from achievements to fade over time. High-achieving women are especially vulnerable, because corporate culture trains you to believe that effort plus achievement equals fulfillment.
You’ll learn:
✨ Why success often leads to adaptation instead of lasting satisfaction
✨ How hedonic wellbeing (pleasure, comfort, and external validation) differs from eudaimonic wellbeing, the kind of fulfillment rooted in meaning, growth, alignment, and contribution
✨ Why promotions, raises, and titles never fully satisfy you, and what to seek instead
I'll also be sharing some real-life examples from my own career journey and client work, and invite you to reflect on the hidden drivers keeping you stuck chasing “what’s next.” You’ll be challenged to identify the hedonic rewards in your life and explore how to replace them with more meaningful, values-aligned pursuits.
If you’ve ever thought, “I should be happy… so why am I not?” this episode will help you see your career (and your dissatisfaction) through a powerful new lens.
Ready to step off the treadmill? Download the Empowered Exit™ Guide and start mapping your corporate exit strategy today at karinfreeland.com/empowered-exit.
Get your Empowered Exit Guide Today: karinfreeland.com/empowered-exit
Support the show
Are you ready to make your Empowered Exit™ and break free of corporate? Learn more here: www.karinfreeland.com/life-coaching
Then book a complimentary 45-min Empowered Exit™ call!
Not ready for coaching? Get a copy of my self-help book: Grab Life by the Dreams!
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Why doesn’t success feel as good as you thought it would? Probably because you’re trapped on the hedonic treadmill, which is leading to less and less career satisfaction! You worked hard. You achieved the goals. So why do you still feel restless, disconnected, or like something is missing in your life? In this episode, I break down the hedonic treadmill and hedonic adaptation, the psychological phenomenon that causes happiness from achievements to fade over time. High-achieving women are especially vulnerable, because corporate culture trains you to believe that effort plus achievement equals fulfillment. You’ll learn: ✨ Why success often leads to adaptation instead of lasting satisfaction ✨ How hedonic wellbeing (pleasure, comfort, and external validation) differs from eudaimonic wellbeing, the kind of fulfillment rooted in meaning, growth, alignment, and contribution ✨ Why promotions, raises, and titles never fully satisfy you, and what to seek instead I'll also be sharing some real-life examples from my own career journey and client work, and invite you to reflect on the hidden drivers keeping you stuck chasing “what’s next.” You’ll be challenged to identify the hedonic rewards in your life and explore how to replace them with more meaningful, values-aligned pursuits. If you’ve ever thought, “I should be happy… so why am I not?” this episode will help you see your career (and your dissatisfaction) through a powerful new lens. Ready to step off the treadmill? Download the Empowered Exit™ Guide and start mapping your corporate exit strategy today at karinfreeland.com/empowered-exit. Get your Empowered Exit Guide Today: karinfreeland.com/empowered-exit Support the show Are you ready to make your Empowered Exit™ and break free of corporate? Learn more here: www.karinfreeland.com/life-coaching Then book a complimentary 45-min Empowered Exit™ call! Not ready for coaching? Get a copy of my self-help book: Grab Life by the Dreams!