The hedonic treadmill.

Why desire never stops.

What's behind this strangely named concept?

A theory according to which human beings, after experiencing a big positive or negative change in their lives, gradually return to their general level of happiness.

In short, after a change and the adaptation period: we return to the same place.

Many feel this by saying to themselves:

• "When I have this level of income, I will be happy."

• "When I have this job, I'll be happy."

• "When I reach this goal, I'll be happy."

And realize that reaching the goal ultimately doesn't change much about the level of happiness they were already feeling.

Are we doomed to be eternally dissatisfied?

Yes and that's a good thing. We are programmed to feel desire and it is these desires that drive us to seek to accomplish our dreams.
Once a goal is accomplished, if our desires stop, we would be left without meaning.
So we feel a rush when we accomplish a goal and then our hedonic treadmill brings us back to the middle and says it's time to go get more.

But what if we're not happy accomplishing our goals?
How can we be happy?

The key is to be happy right now.
If you hate the road to the top of the mountain.
You won't be able to enjoy the view.
You have to reconnect to reality.
Re-learn how to use those senses.
Anchor yourself in the present and stop projecting.
Slow down, observe, breathe, appreciate.
You are on your way to the top of the mountain.
You can hate the climb and keep your head down, looking only at your feet.
You can lift your head and enjoy the scenery right now.
Breathe in the fresh air.
Look at how beautiful the sky is today.
Knowing that this day is necessary to move forward, it is just one step in the grand plan.
Take pleasure in the daily tasks we do to accomplish our goals later.
Transform the pain of uncomfortable daily tasks into pleasure.

This is how you can increase your level of happiness… starting today.