Values clarification — identifying what matters most to you at the deepest level — is a cornerstone of ACT therapy for hedonic treadmill and provides direction when hedonic treadmill removes other navigational tools.
Why Values Matter for Hedonic Treadmill
Hedonic Treadmill often disconnects us from our values through avoidance, withdrawal, and reduced capacity. Reconnecting with values provides:
- Direction when hedonic treadmill has eliminated other motivation
- Meaning that persists even through difficult hedonic treadmill periods
- A basis for action independent of how hedonic treadmill makes you feel
Clarifying Your Values with Hedonic Treadmill
Ask yourself: 'If my hedonic treadmill were less present, what would I be doing more of? What kind of person would I be?'
Values are not goals (achievable and done) but ongoing directions: being a present parent, creating beauty, contributing to others.
Values-Based Action in Hedonic Treadmill
ACT therapy teaches: act according to values even when hedonic treadmill is present. Small values-aligned actions, despite hedonic treadmill, are more sustainable than waiting for hedonic treadmill to lift first.