The Relationship Between Dopamine and Goal Achievement

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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.

In this episode, I explain how dopamine dynamics — meaning changes and interactions between our baseline and peak levels of dopamine drive our cravings and sense of motivation. I also explain how to leverage dopamine dynamics to overcome procrastination. I cover behavioral, cognitive, nutrition-based and supplementation-based tools to optimize baseline and peak dopamine levels to ensure a persistently motivated state. I also discuss how to boost motivation when you are in a rut, why you might not want to stack behaviors/substances that spike dopamine and how to build and maintain a “growth mindset” for pursuing goals of any kind. Dopamine is an incredibly powerful neuromodulator involved in basic functions (e.g., hunger, romantic attraction, etc.) and feats of cognitive and physical performance; by understanding the dynamics of dopamine, listeners ought to be better positioned to overcome procrastination, maintain motivation, and improve confidence.

For the full show notes, visit hubermanlab.com.