A short video segment by Brian Johnson introducing the concept of hedonic adaptation—the human tendency to quickly adapt to positive changes and thus remain on a 'happiness treadmill.' Johnson recommends practicing gratitude and intentional appreciation to 'step off the treadmill' and cultivate lasting well-being; he also promotes his Philosopher's Notes and an Optimized membership offering practical summaries and classes.
Hi, this is Brian. Welcome back to another Optimize plus one. In our last plus one, we hopped on a treadmill with Will Smith and Smokeybot. Today, let's hop on a treadmill with well being researcher Sonia Liebomirsky. Sonia is one of the world's leading experts on the science of what is called hedonic adaptation. Basically, hedonic adaptation is a fancy phrase for our tendency to get used to good things. The way we so easily adapt to awesome stuff is kind of like being on a treadmill. You get fired up about making X dollars per year, having a certain car or house or whatever, then you get to that point and quickly adapt to it. Now wanting the next X dollars per year or house or car or whatever, then guess what? There you are on your treadmill, working harder and harder and not going anywhere. That's hedonic adaptation. And on a related note, Maslow told us that getting used to our blessings is one of the most non evil evils out there. It's not an obvious evil evil, but it's an evil nonetheless. So how do we deal with this tendency to so quickly adapt and take things for granted as we sweat and get nowhere on that happiness treadmill? Well, first, know that this tendency exists. Know that nothing out there is ever going to make you happy. Ultimately, creating a durable sense of well being is an inside job. So today's plus one. Let's step off the treadmill. And another thing Maslow taught us is that the most actualized among us have fresh appreciation for for the things others tend to take for granted. Let's appreciate the amazing things you have in your life today. How about three things or people that are awesome in your life right now that you might be taking for granted? Think about it. 1, 2, 3. Practice gratitude, grateful flow, celebratory love, etc. Regularly step off the treadmill. Appreciate the awesome. Repeat + 1 + 1 + 1. Isn't it a bit odd that we went from math to science to history but somehow missed the class on how to live? For some wacky reason, optimal living 101 never made the schedule. Of course it's too late to go back and change that it and you're too busy to read full time to catch up. But if you're like us, you're all about optimizing your life so you can actualize your potential. So imagine this. Imagine having someone read the best books on how to optimize your life and pull out the big ideas that can really change your life. You know those sections you underline and asterisks and mark all up. Then imagine that guy me connecting those awesome ideas to other great books and helping you actually apply the wisdom to your life today. Well, that's what I do with something we call Philosopher's Notes, where I've distilled hundreds of great books into 20 minute super practical summaries. Then imagine me taking the absolute best big ideas from those great books and sharing them with you in hour long Optimal Living 101 classes. Everything from productivity, purpose and confidence to nutrition, goal setting and conquering procrastination. Helping you optimize every facet of your life so you can actualize your potential. You've got a personal trainer. I'm kind of like your personal philosopher. Ancient wisdom, modern science, and practical tools. That's what our optimized membership program is all about. If you're feeling it, we'd love to have you join us.
