How to escape the treadmill of consumption and find true happiness
Saturday, June 8, 2024
“Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.” ~ Epicurus
This ancient wisdom from Epicurus rings true even in our modern, materialistic world.
A relentless focus on what you want—but don’t currently have—makes it difficult to appreciate what you already possess. Psychological research backs this up, showing that materialistic folks are often more depressed and unsatisfied with life.
The Happiness Study: Gratitude vs. Materialism
How The Study Was Conducted
A fascinating study conducted with 246 people at a private university shed light on this issue. Researchers wanted to see:
How materialistic and needy participants were
How satisfied they were with their lives
Their levels of gratitude
The findings were clear: those who were more materialistic felt less gratitude, which was closely linked to lower life satisfaction. This supports the well-established psychological principle that gratitude is crucial for both life satisfaction and happiness.
The Power of Gratitude
Jo-Ann Tsang, the study’s lead author, emphasizes the importance of gratitude:
“Gratitude is a positive mood. It’s about other people. Previous research that we and others have done finds that people are motivated to help people that help them — and to help others as well. We’re social creatures, and so focusing on others in a positive way is good for our health.”
Gratitude shifts our focus from what we lack to what we have, creating a sense of contentment and joy. It’s not just a feel-good exercise; it has tangible benefits for our mental health. Grateful people tend to have stronger relationships, better physical health, and greater resilience in the face of adversity.
The Trap of Materialism
In contrast, materialism tends to lead to unhappiness. James Roberts, a co-author of the study, explains why:
“Our ability to adapt to new situations may help explain why ‘more stuff’ doesn’t make us any happier. As we amass more and more possessions, we don’t get any happier — we simply raise our reference point.
That new 2,500-square-foot house becomes the baseline for your desires for an even bigger house. It’s called the Treadmill of Consumption. We continue to purchase more and more stuff but we don’t get any closer to happiness, we simply speed up the treadmill.”
This phenomenon, known as the hedonic treadmill, means that no matter how much we acquire, our expectations and desires continue to rise, leaving us perpetually dissatisfied. Materialism is like trying to fill a bottomless pit—no matter how much you throw in, it’s never enough.
Finding Happiness Off the Treadmill
The wisdom of Epicurus serves as a powerful reminder: “Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.” Imagine if every credit card carried this quote in fluorescent pink!
While that's a humorous thought, real antidotes to materialism include practicing gratitude, spending money on experiences rather than possessions, and viewing money as a tool for success—not a measure of happiness.
Practical Tips to Cultivate Gratitude
Keep a Gratitude Journal: Write down three things you’re grateful for every day. This simple practice can shift your focus from what you lack to what you have.
Express Gratitude to Others: Let people know you appreciate them. This strengthens relationships and fosters a positive social environment.
Mindfulness and Reflection: Take time to reflect on your life’s blessings. Mindfulness practices, such as meditation, can enhance your awareness and appreciation of the present moment.
Spend Money on Experiences: Research shows that experiences bring more lasting happiness than material possessions. Plan a trip, attend a concert, or enjoy a meal with friends.
Volunteer and Help Others: Helping those in need can increase your sense of gratitude and well-being. It might remind you of your own blessings and foster a sense of community.
Final thoughts
By shifting our focus from what we lack to what we have, we can step off the treadmill of consumption and find true happiness.
So, take a moment to appreciate your current blessings—they were once what you dreamed of.
Embrace gratitude, savor experiences, and cultivate a mindset that values what you have. Remember, the key to happiness isn't acquiring more but appreciating what you already have.
Be Well, Stay Kind, and Godspeed.
REFERENCES:
Tsang, J., Carpenter, T. P., Roberts, J. A., Frisch, M. B., & Carlisle, R. D. (2014). Why are materialists less happy? The role of gratitude and need satisfaction in the relationship between materialism and life satisfaction. Personality and Individual Differences, 64, 62-66. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2014.02.009
