Hedonic Treadmill Theory

The Hedonic Treadmill Theory suggests that people quickly adapt to changes in their circumstances, whether positive or negative. When we achieve goals or acquire new things, like a promotion or a car, our happiness levels rise temporarily, but soon return to baseline. This means that while we may seek more wealth, success, or pleasure to increase our happiness, we tend to revert back to our original happiness level over time. Essentially, it highlights the idea that chasing constant pleasure or material gain may not lead to lasting happiness.