17 Dec 2025 · 0 min
Brian Johnson explains hedonic adaptation, the tendency to quickly get used to good things and return to baseline happiness. Sonia Lyubomirsky's research shows we're on a happiness treadmill. The fix: name three people or things you're taking for granted to build lasting well-being.
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Hi, this is Brian.
Welcome back to another Optymyze plus one. In our last plus one we hopped on a treadmill with Will Smith and and Smokeybot. Today, let's hop on a treadmill with well being researcher Sonia Lybomirsky. 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 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 plus 1 plus 1 plus 1.
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