Simulate Your Happiness Curve
This interactive graph represents the visual you are looking for. The dotted line is your Baseline Happiness. Click the buttons below to simulate "Life Events." Notice how, no matter how high the spike or low the dip, the curve eventually flattens back to the baseline. This is Hedonic Adaptation.
Impact Bias: The Prediction Error
In the course, Dr. Santos explains that our minds lie to us. We suffer from Impact Bias—we overestimate the intensity and duration of our emotional reactions.
We think getting a promotion will keep us happy forever (the blue line). In reality, we adapt quickly (the orange line). We simply get used to the "new normal."
Key Term: Miswanting
The act of being mistaken about what and how much you will like something in the future.
"I'll be happy forever if I get this..."
Stepping Off The Treadmill
Since adaptation is inevitable, how do we maintain well-being? The course suggests specific strategies to reset our reference points and thwart adaptation.
Savoring
The act of stepping outside of your own experience to review and appreciate it. Don't just eat the cookie—pay attention to the texture and sweetness.
Gratitude
Adaptation happens because we take things for granted. Gratitude is the antidote. It forces you to re-value what you already have.
Negative Visualization
Imagine losing the things you love. This mental subtraction resets your reference point, making the present reality feel like a gain again.