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Leverage Dopamine to Overcome Procrastination & Optimize Effort

Huberman Lab

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The Relationship Between Dopamine Peaks and Motivation Troughs

The level of motivation is significantly influenced by the peaks and troughs of dopamine. A high dopamine peak results in a deeper subsequent trough, and this depth is proportional to the steepness and rapidity of the peak. Importantly, the recovery from this trough is also determined by its steepness; a steeper trough leads to a slower rebound. When facing a lack of motivation characterized by procrastination, engaging in tasks that require more effort, even if they are challenging or uncomfortable, can facilitate a quicker recovery from the dopamine trough. Conversely, attempting easier tasks or waiting for a deadline typically does not lead to effective motivation and may only result in last-minute efforts or failure to achieve goals.

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