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Leverage Dopamine to Overcome Procrastination & Optimize Effort

Huberman Lab

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The Relationship Between Dopamine and Goal Achievement

Some people require perfect conditions to achieve things, while others can pursue goals regardless of the circumstances. People can excel at achieving goals in one context but struggle in another. The presence of cues, such as seeing a deli or an app for a desired sandwich, increases dopamine levels and signals that we are on the right path towards our goal. As dopamine drops below baseline, our desire to pursue the goal intensifies. When we finally achieve the goal, there is a peak in dopamine levels, which is influenced by how satisfying we find the reward to be. The time delay between encountering the cue and achieving the goal varies depending on the specific goal, such as a four-year degree or an exam.

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