TAM+ EP 29: Escaping The Happiness Trap: Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Goals
Jul 25, 2024
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Delving into the difference between extrinsic and intrinsic goals, this episode explores how short-term happiness from external rewards fades, while lasting joy comes from personal growth and meaningful relationships. Practical tips on shifting focus to intrinsic goals, cultivating gratitude, and building fulfilling connections are shared, emphasizing mindfulness, personal growth, and serving others for genuine contentment.
22:55
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Quick takeaways
Pursuing intrinsic goals like personal growth leads to lasting fulfillment and sustained happiness.
Intrinsic goals aligned with core values provide deeper meaning and fulfillment compared to extrinsic pursuits.
Deep dives
Understanding Extrinsic vs. Intrinsic Goals and the Hedonic Treadmill
Extrinsic goals, focused on external rewards like money or approval, provide temporary happiness that fades over time. Pursuing extrinsic goals traps individuals in a cycle of chasing fleeting joy without long-term fulfillment. In contrast, intrinsic goals, tied to personal growth and meaningful relationships, offer sustained happiness aligned with core values and purpose. Prioritizing intrinsic goals over extrinsic ones can lead to greater well-being and life satisfaction by providing lasting contentment.
The Impact of Intrinsic Goals on Happiness and Well-Being
Intrinsic goals, inherently rewarding and fulfilling, drive sustained happiness through personal growth, meaningful relationships, and purposeful endeavors. These goals align with core values, offering deeper meaning and fulfillment compared to extrinsic pursuits. People prioritizing intrinsic goals tend to experience greater levels of happiness and well-being, fostering lasting contentment and life satisfaction.
Stepping off the Hedonic Treadmill through Intrinsic Values
The hedonic treadmill concept highlights how individuals adapt to changes in happiness despite major events, both positive and negative. Focusing on intrinsic goals allows individuals to step off the treadmill by enhancing purpose and meaning in pursuit of happiness. Building resilience, serving others, and embracing the journey offer practical ways to shift focus from extrinsic to intrinsic values, resulting in sustainable and fulfilling happiness in the long run.
In this episode of The Addicted Mind Plus, Duane and Eric Osterlind dive into the difference between extrinsic and intrinsic goals and how they affect our well-being. Have you ever felt the high of achieving a big goal, only to have that happiness fade away? This episode explores why that happens and introduces the concept of the "hedonic treadmill." You'll learn how extrinsic goals, like money and status, give short-term happiness but don't last. In contrast, intrinsic goals, like personal growth and meaningful relationships, bring deeper and more lasting joy. Duane and Eric share practical tips on how to shift your focus to these intrinsic goals, cultivate gratitude, and build stronger, more fulfilling connections. They also discuss the importance of mindfulness, personal growth, and serving others in achieving true contentment. Tune in to discover how you can step off the hedonic treadmill and find real, sustainable happiness in your life.