Dopamine
Dopamine is a little “feel-good” messenger in your brain that helps you get things done. It plays a big part in keeping you motivated, excited and focused on your goals. It gives you a boost of energy to get started, especially when there’s a reward to look forward to.
Sometimes, the motivation to start something new comes from extrinsic motivators or outside rewards. These could be things like a treat, a prize or praise from others. For example, if you know you’ll get a special treat after finishing a task, the reward can help push you to start. Extrinsic motivators are great for getting you moving, but there’s more to staying motivated than just a reward. This is where intrinsic motivators come in.
Intrinsic motivators come from inside you and they keep you going after the excitement of an outside reward fades. These are things that make you want to continue because they matter to you personally. Here are some powerful intrinsic motivators:
Curiosity - When you’re curious about something, you naturally want to learn more. Curiosity gives you the energy to dig deeper, to ask questions and to explore.
Purpose - Purpose is a sense of meaning. It’s knowing that what you’re doing matters to you or helps others. Purpose is powerful because it connects you to something bigger than yourself.
Passion - When you’re passionate about something, you truly enjoy doing it. It doesn’t feel like work. Passion keeps you excited and willing to put in the effort.
Pursuit of Excellence - This is about wanting to improve and be the best you can be. When you aim for excellence, it keeps you focused on doing well and improving your skills.
Pick two of these motivators that feel most important to you and make them your motivation mentors. Stick with them and you’ll find it’s easier to get into a flow state - a state where you’re so focused on what you’re doing that time just seems to fly by. Flow feels amazing and it’s a sign that you’re really connected with what you’re doing.
If you’re unsure of what to focus on, think about something you’re already good at. When you choose an activity you’re good at, it comes with a built-in motivator because it’s something you enjoy and find easy to start. It’s like adding extra fuel to your motivation!
