The hedonic treadmill (also known as hedonic adaptation) is the psychological tendency of humans to quickly return to a relatively stable baseline level of happiness despite major positive or negative life events or changes in our circumstances. cite

Because humans are remarkably resilient, both joy from a big promotion and trauma from a negative event tend to fade over time as we adjust to our new normal. cite

The Striving Cycle

When it comes to positive achievements (like a pay raise or buying a new car), the hedonic treadmill manifests in a predictable four-step loop cite:

1. Desire: We believe that acquiring a specific thing or reaching a milestone will make us deeply happy.
2. Obtain: We reach the goal and experience a surge of excitement and pleasure.
3. Adapt: The novelty wears off, the item or status becomes the “new normal,” and our happiness level drops back to its baseline.
4. Desire Again: Because we feel unsatisfied, we set our sights on the next bigger milestone to chase.

I read this post on Facebook by Dr. Tony Leachon and posting here as a reminder…

Behavior Never Lies

Words vs. Actions

• Words can be manipulated, rehearsed, and tailored to please an audience. They can mask intentions or project an image that is not authentic.
• Actions, however, are harder to disguise. They emerge from habits, values, and convictions. A leader may promise transparency, but if decisions are made behind closed doors, the behavior exposes the truth.

The Moral Lens

The Stoic Connection

Implications for Leadership

• Trust is earned when actions match promises.
• Integrity is proven when leaders act ethically even when no one is watching.
• Accountability is demonstrated when mistakes are admitted and corrected, not denied or covered up.

Personal Reflection

Tony Leachon