The Pursuit of Lasting Happiness: A Coaching Perspective on Hedonic Adaptation

The joy that you got from that bonus last quarter or the high from that great contract win can be truly wonderful, however you will probably find that over time those great feelings subside and you return to what is known as your "base line of happiness". This phenomenon is known as hedonic adaptation. This phenomenon can also be found within team culture. That great initiative everyone was so buzzed about last year seems to have little impact on how everyone feels today. That's because the team has re aligned to their "base line of happiness".

There is an upside to this, bad news can also work in the same way. Set backs or disappointments that can seem so overwhelming will also, over time, reduce in impact and you will return to your base level. So the question is - can you change your happiness baseline ?

Strategies to Improve Baseline Happiness

While hedonic adaptation might seem discouraging, there is good news: research also shows that certain practices can help improve our baseline level of happiness. Here are some evidence-based strategies you can try:

Cultivating Gratitude:

Keeping a gratitude journal can lead to higher levels of well-being. Regularly reflect on what you are grateful for to foster a positive mindset.

Practicing Acts of Kindness:

Engaging in acts of kindness can boost happiness levels. Try to perform small acts of kindness daily or weekly, which can create a sense of connection and purpose.

Developing Mindfulness and Meditation Practices:

Practicing meditation or other mindfulness strategies can increase daily positive emotions and build a variety of personal resources.

Building and Nurturing Relationships:

Strong social relationships are a key component of happiness. Invest time and effort into building meaningful connections with family, friends, and your community.

Pursuing Meaningful Goals:

Setting and pursuing intrinsically motivated goals can provide a sense of accomplishment and fulfilment. Identify and work towards goals that align with your values and passions.

Engaging in Physical Activity:

Regular physical activity has been shown to improve mood and overall well-being. Find some kind of activity that you enjoy and bring it into your weekly routine

Hedonic adaptation teaches us that while external changes may not lead to lasting happiness, internal practices and mindset shifts can significantly impact our baseline happiness. By incorporating evidence-based strategies such as gratitude, kindness, mindfulness, relationship-building, goal-setting, and physical activity into your life, you can achieve a more sustained and fulfilling sense of well-being. Remember, the journey towards lasting happiness is a marathon, not a sprint, and with the right tools and mindset, it’s a journey that can bring profound rewards.

The Pursuit of Lasting Happiness: A Coaching Perspective on Hedonic Adaptation