Beyond the To-Do List - Productivity for Work and Life Michael Long on Taming Dopamine: Regain Focus and Productivity
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Aug 18, 2025 
In this engaging discussion, bestselling author and speechwriter Michael Long shares insights from his work on dopamine and its effects on our lives. He explains how dopamine drives craving and distraction in the digital age. Michael offers practical strategies like dopamine fasting to help regain focus. He emphasizes the importance of aligning our work with values for lasting motivation and joy. Additionally, he explores the potential of newer treatments like GLP-1 drugs for managing cravings while advocating for meaningful life experiences.
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Dopamine Drives 'More' Not Happiness
- Dopamine focuses on anticipation and the promise of future rewards rather than present happiness.
- It drives pursuit of what we don't have and can lead to endless craving if unchecked.
Dopamine As A Relentless Salesman
- Dopamine acts like a salesman promising things will matter and urging investigation of novelty.
- Modern devices constantly present new stimuli that trigger this ancient alert system.
Two Dopamine Systems Explained
- There are two dopamine systems: desire (early-warning) and control (planning/creativity).
- High dopamine can fuel creativity and ambition; too much causes distraction and mental illness.
