In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode, I explain the biological mechanism behind motivation and drive, as well as discuss practical tools for overcoming procrastination.
I discuss the key role dopamine plays in driving cravings and motivating action. I explain how dopamine regulates the balance between pleasure and pain, and what happens when this system becomes dysregulated, leading to addiction. I discuss the role of molecules like serotonin, which help enhance the enjoyment of the present, and explain how to balance the drive for more while staying focused in the present. I also discuss the causes of procrastination and describe strategies to boost dopamine levels through behavioral approaches or supplements.
Episode show notes: https://go.hubermanlab.com/scK73JK
Huberman Lab Essentials are short episodes focused on essential science and protocol takeaways from past full-length Huberman Lab episodes. Watch or listen to the full-length episode: https://youtu.be/vA50EK70whE
Watch more Huberman Lab Essentials episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPNW_gerXa4OGNy1yE-W9IX-tPu-tJa7S
*Timestamps*
00:00:00 Huberman Lab Essentials; Motivation
00:01:57 Dopamine & Brain
00:04:08 Anticipation, Craving & Dopamine
00:05:37 Food, Drugs & Dopamine Release
00:09:08 Addiction, Pleasure & Pain Balance
00:13:03 Dopamine, Pain, Yearning
00:14:56 “Here and Now” Molecules, Serotonin, Endocannabinoids, Tool: Mindfulness
00:18:30 Procrastination; Tool: Extend Dopamine, Offset Pain
00:22:03 Dopamine & Motivation; Increasing Dopamine, Phenethylamine (PEA)
00:25:30 Dopamine Schedule, Subjectivity
00:28:31 Gambling, Intermittent Reinforcement, Tool: Blunting Rewards
00:33:23 Recap & Key Takeaway
Disclaimer & Disclosures: https://www.hubermanlab.com/disclaimer
17:22 WTH – listening and eating almonds lol😂
Would it be effective to add a chance aspect when deciding whether or not to celebrate? Something like rolling a die.
14:19 The example of croissants spoke to the center of my soul.
Something that helped me incredibly was learning the distinction of MOTIVATION is the impetus to do something that you WANT to do, and DISCIPLINE the impetus to do something that you DON'T WANT to do.
Identifying my desire, or lack thereof, of doing something helps me to overcome many challenges.
About 30 years ago, I worked in IT and I saw several recruitment ads for skills in game theory. That's what we need to apply to our personal lives to maintain motivation.
i wish to have a teacher like you
Andrew. Love you for all your teachings. I am better because of you. Quick question. You never mention pot. Only hard drugs. Is there any difference? Thanks.
And you just answer my question. 😬
thanx andrew
05:05 reminds me of Ali Reza Panahian dopamine video.