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Dopamine and Motivation

It's a simplification, but approximately on a neurological level, the messenger molecule dopamine is motivation. We respond to incentives (hence the field of economics). Thus if we want to change habits or build new ones, we need to design incentives properly.

The same core group of neurons in our brain that enable learning, also encodes motivation. Changes in the level of the neurotransmitter dopamine affects our learning ability. We are reward-seeking creatures, and dopamine is the messenger of reward.

When this system goes haywire, it can lead to addictive loops of behavior. Our goal, of course, is to hack the system to our advantage, to learn new things. We need positive feedback loops. For enabling new habits without resorting to sticks/carrots, we need to (a) have regular reminders, (b) make new habits short and easy, and (c) journal our progress diligently. The last step will help our motivation, as we can do hard work as long as we know that we are on the right track.

“When it comes to habits, the key takeaway is this: dopamine is released not only when you experience pleasure, but also when you anticipate it.” — James Clear

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