This Simple Skill Will Keep You Motivated By Andrew Huberman
Dr. Andrew Huberman, a neuroscientist at Stanford and host of the Huberman Lab Podcast, reveals the secrets of effort-based pleasure
Feeling exhausted? I also hated my job. Thinking about a bunch of work emails and the deadlines of projects. Then I found Dr. Andrew Huberman Podcast.
Dr. Andrew Huberman is a neuroscientist at Stanford University and the host of the Huberman Lab Podcast.
He writes the report on effort based pleasure. This principle is mostly about raising the level of standard while thinking of it as a motivator to do better.
Our satisfaction comes from seeking and growing, rather than external rewards like a promotion or vacation.
Power of Effort:
Our efforts not only help us achieve our goals but also provide us with enjoyment all over the process. If we pay attention only to the rewards, the possibility of finding meaning in work will be absolutely zero.
Stanford students organized an experiment where introducing rewards initially boosted grades, but then students quickly lost motivation for the activity.
This recognizes instant gratification as a desire and the curiosity of knowledge as a necessity
Growth Mindset power:
Andrew Huberman's research on developing a growth mindset has had a powerful impact.
I used to see challenges as hurdles, but now I view them as chances to grow and learn more about myself.
This shift came from studying dopamine and motivation. Lab research showed me that hard work can be enjoyable, and that enjoyment is key to reaching your goals.
Huberman Lab, one piece of advice that hung up with me is the importance of transforming discomfort as a source of pleasure. It is a mindset concept that requires practice and dedication, but the rewards are infinite.
Here is what this concept can do for you:
- Now, you can learn new skills instead of suffering. You may end up proud of the humility and wisdom that you didn’t know you had before.
- In the process of learning and progression, the happiness and need to do better gives purpose to your struggle, so that you no longer need that external validation. The thing that you will notice is increased morale after you accept tasks with a unique feeling of aspiration.
Worst Side Of the Dopamine:
Our brains are the reward-seeking within all information. To be honest, it is surprising for me when I get this kind of short-lasting dopamine rush after a win.
If anyone continues to depend entirely on external motivation such as promotions or grades etc may end up with negative results. Here’s why:
The initial excitement starts to disappear. The paradox is that we are always looking for the next dose of dopamine that makes our brain look like we have done something e.g. task or work.
Motivation turns into resistance. Mostly external rewards are easy to come by, but the happiness they bring doesn’t last. Any new phone might initially seem surprising, but the excitement fades quickly.
This makes it hard to stand with things that take more effort, even if they are better for us in the long run.
It doesn’t inspire you to think of the days when you were successful in anything e.g. drawing, but eventually you got used to it and it turned into routine work and became no more fun for you. I would cite the professor’s example of diminishing intrinsic motivation.
Reprogramming Your Reward System:
The good news is that you can train your brain to find pleasure in the effort itself. Here are some tips from the Huberman Lab:
- When faced with a hard task, never do negative self-talk. Instead, tell yourself “This is challenging, but I can learn and grow from it.”
- Dr. Huberman recommends focusing on the positive aspects of effort, reminding yourself that the struggle is a sign you’re on the right track.
- Celebrate the minor victories. That tricky problem you solved, that unbelievable paragraph you wrote. Enjoy your progress. Dr. Huberman says to focus on the little “happy storms” you get along the way, not just the big win at the end.
- Get lost in the act of doing whether it’s writing, coding or anything. This state of “flow” is where you become completely absorbed in the task and lose note of time.
- Huberman suggests that experiment with the flow state of work with different techniques to find what works best for you like listening to specific music or working in short cycles with focused breaks.
Benefits of Effort-Based Pleasure:
Illuminate success and personal growth by raising effort-based pleasure. Here is what to prepare yourself for:
- When you enjoy the process, you can put all the effort needed to achieve skill. You will find yourself working smarter, not just harder.
- Challenges become excuses for learning and adaptation. You will develop the spirit and stamina needed to overcome setbacks. Dr. Huberman says that effort-based pleasure builds resilience, the mental toughness to bounce back from anything life throws your way.
- The joy of effort fuels a love of learning and self-improvement. You become truly motivated to seek new obstacles and keep growing your Skillset.
Final Thoughts
The true reward is not on the way to the destination but on the path itself. When anyone has a mindset that appreciates the value of hard work and persistence, then one can utilize it in a limitless capacity.
The more you try, the more you’ll discover what you’re capable of!
About me:
I hope you will feel the pleasure I felt as I was writing. I will be waiting for new friendships.
Thank you for reading! If you enjoyed my story and would like to support my work, please consider Buying me a Coffee.
