Lesson 2: Learn to want what you already have

One of the worst, yet most common vicious cycle we get stuck in, especially in the Western world, is the hedonic treadmill . Scientifically known as hedonic adaptation , this is a system in which we chase material possessions, only to attain them, quickly get used to and bored by them, to reset and chase the next item.

A tranquil and virtuous person knows she must break out of this cycle: learning to want the things we already have and appreciating the things in our life . The more you want what you have, as compared to having what you want , the happier you’ll be.