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The newsletter that provides actionable life lessons to a wealthier, healthier, and happier future.

The Hedonic Treadmill

The Hedonic Treadmill is a term created by psychologists Philip Brickman and Donald T. Campbell.

It describes how we quickly adapt to good things in life, like getting a new phone or a fancy gift. At first, it feels exciting, but after a while, the joy fades, and we return to our usual level of happiness.

Think about a child opening a big, shiny present on Christmas morning, a new toy they’ve been dreaming about. They’re thrilled at first, but a few days later, the excitement wears off, and they’re already asking for something new.

That’s the Hedonic Treadmill at work!

Stages of the Hedonic Treadmill

1. Desire: You see something you want and feel excited about getting it.
   Example: You spot the latest smartphone and think, “I need that!”

2. Strive: You work hard to achieve or acquire it.
   Example: You save money for months to buy the phone.

3. Obtain: You finally get what you’ve been striving for.
   Example: You buy the phone and feel thrilled.

4. Enjoy: You experience joy and satisfaction from having it.
   Example: For a few weeks, you’re amazed by the phone’s features.

5. Adapt: Over time, the excitement fades, and the phone feels normal.
   Example: You start taking the phone for granted.

6. Craving: You find something new to chase, restarting the cycle.
   Example: A newer model comes out, and the cycle begins again.

Ways to Step Off the Hedonic Treadmill

Practice Gratitude

• Start a gratitude journal and list three things you’re thankful for each day.

• Before opening presents, take a moment to appreciate the effort and thought behind them.

Foster Meaningful Relationships

• Call or visit loved ones instead of texting—face-to-face connections mean more.

• Plan a holiday meal or game night to strengthen bonds and create lasting memories.

Engage in Acts of Kindness

• Volunteer at a local shelter or food bank to spread joy to others.

• Write heartfelt cards or thank-you notes to people who’ve made a difference in your life.

Practice Mindfulness and Self-Care

• Set aside quiet time to reflect on what truly matters to you this season.

• Take care of your physical and mental health with short walks, meditation, or simply resting when needed.

Pursue Personal Growth and Learning

• Try something new, like cooking a holiday recipe or learning a seasonal craft.

• Reflect on what you’d like to grow into in the coming year.

Limit Materialistic Pursuits

• Focus on giving thoughtful, meaningful gifts rather than expensive ones.

• Set a budget for holiday spending and stick to it to reduce stress and focus on what’s important.

Savor and Mindfully Enjoy

• Slow down and truly enjoy small moments, like sipping a cup of hot cocoa or admiring holiday lights.

• Take time to notice and appreciate the details, like the smell of a Christmas tree or the sound of holiday music.

Here are some key takeaways from this concept:

• Lasting Joy Comes from Connection: Material things bring temporary excitement, but relationships and shared moments create true, lasting happiness.

• Gratitude Keeps You Grounded: Reflecting on what you already have helps you appreciate life more deeply, especially during the holidays.

• Less Can Be More: Simplicity and mindfulness often bring more joy than an overabundance of material gifts or activities.

This Christmas, step off the treadmill. Focus less on what you can buy and more on the experiences and connections that create lasting happiness.

Happiness isn’t about chasing the next big thing; it’s about cherishing the moments and connections that truly matter.

In the short time I have been following Shaan Puri’s blog, he has some great insights. This blog post is no different.

He looks into the power of asking better questions and to think of questions as keys, they unlock clarity, solutions, and opportunities.

Shaan reminds us that asking the right question can transform your thinking and lead to unexpected breakthroughs.

Tim Ferriss puts it best: “If you want confusion and heartache, ask vague questions. If you want uncommon clarity and results, ask uncommonly clear questions.”

So, what does this look like in practice?

Here are a few examples from Shaan’s “better questions” collection to get you started:

Use some of these questions to unlock doors in your own life.

Check out the content Here.

This quote reminds us that the true meaning of occasions such as Christmas often lie in the unexpected moments and simple pleasures of being together with family.

In the rush of preparing and planning for the holiday, we can forget that the real gift is the present moment, connecting with loved ones, sharing joy, and expressing gratitude for the people around us.

Christmas is a time to pause, appreciate what we have, and embrace the beauty of life, rather than focusing on the perfection of plans.

Take a moment to appreciate the little things, the unexpected moments, and the warmth of family.

The teachers will know all about this one.

If you're looking for a fresh, fun way to bring everyone together this Christmas, let me introduce you to Blooket. 

Originally designed as a teaching tool to gamify learning, Blooket offers engaging quiz-based games that can be tailored to just about any topic, making it perfect for family gatherings.

How to Use Blooket for Holiday Fun

1. Create a Holiday Quiz: Use Blooket’s simple interface to design or discover a quiz about Christmas traditions, movies, songs, or even family trivia.

2. Invite the Family: Share the game code so everyone can join using their smartphones, tablets, or laptops. No app download is needed!

3. Choose a Game Mode: From racing to treasure hunts, Blooket offers several exciting formats to keep the competition lively.

4. Play and Connect: Whether you're hosting a family reunion or celebrating virtually, Blooket brings laughter and a little friendly rivalry to the mix.

Why Blooket Works for Families
Blooket’s charm lies in its simplicity and versatility. It bridges the gap between generations, making it easy for grandparents, parents, and kids to join the fun.

Plus, with endless possibilities for quiz themes, you can customize the experience to match your family's unique traditions and humor.

Give it a go and let me know what you think! 🙂 

Merry Christmas All!

Ambitious Question

What are you chasing right now, and is it truly aligned with your values and long-term happiness?

In case you missed last week's newsletter, I wrote about:

TEACH: Small, consistent actions lead to exponential growth. Start with one tiny habit today.

INSIGHTS: Your calendar reveals your real priorities. This holiday season, align your time with what truly matters.

MOTIVATION: True fulfillment lies in giving back. How are you contributing to others?

EXPLORE: A hike in New Zealand reminded me of the power of slowing down and being present. Create your own “mountain moment” this holiday season.

Ambitious Question: What small change can you make today to better serve others?

Check it out here.

Feel free to share this if you gained any value from it. Feedback is also welcome.

THANKS FOR READING LEGENDS!