Money is an interesting topic in productivity circles. There are those that love money, think money is the key to a happy, lengthy life, and the solution to all of the world’s problems. Then there are those that literally think that money is the root of all evil and giving it all away to those in need will truly make you happy.
Web Worker Daily writer Anne Zelenka wrote a guest post today for Zen Habits about putting your so-called hedonic treadmill in reverse gear. The theory of the hedonic treadmill states that “humans rapidly and inevitably adapt to good things by taking them for granted. The more possessions and accomplishments we have, the more we need to boost our level of happiness”. And it is true isn’t it? The more money you have, the more money you spend, the more things you have…and your happiness? It’s in the same place and you still feel you need more stuff to be happier.
Since Zelenka’s husband returned to grad school, the couple has had to cut down on their spending. She’s found that it is possible to put the treadmill in reverse by gradually cutting down spending in increments which allows your happiness level to stay constant. While this is all great in principle, Zelenka is misguided in linking money and material possessions to happiness. While I agree that having enough money to meet your basic needs is essential to being happy, buying nice things is only connected to a surface-level happiness in those who rarely go beyond themselves in service of others.
Sufferers of mood disorders such as depression and bipolar illness often have all sorts of financial difficulties throughout their lives. Time is required off of work quite often for some as they adjust to new medications or just become to sick to function. Being in such a situation gives you a whole new perspective on the meaning of happiness and the place of money in contributing to that happiness. My finding has been that there is very little direct relation.
Back in July, Gretchen Rubin from The Happiness Project posited that money actually can buy you happiness. However, she doesn’t link money directly with happiness. Money can buy happiness only if it’s spent in such a way to support your happiness goals. Interestingly, the 8 tips for buying happiness with your money have absolutely nothing with material possessions and everything to do with spending your money on others, investing in relationships, and investing in your health. Service, relationships, and health…all keys to living a truly happy life.
So don’t worry if you don’t have a lot of money. There is no happiness in it anyways. And if you have a lot and can’t seem to put that hedonic treadmill in reverse, look beyond yourself and your things. Find somebody in need or a good cause to invest in. Forget about putting the hedonic treadmill in reverse and buy yourself a real one instead, put it in forward motion and make an effort to improve your health for the benefit of your wife and kids.
Good luck!