EssentialsEssentials
January 30, 2025

Essentials: How to Increase Motivation & Drive

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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.

Huberman Lab Essentials are short episodes (approximately 30 minutes) focused on essential science and protocol takeaways from past Huberman Lab episodes. Essentials will be released every Thursday, and our full-length episodes will still be released every Monday.

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  • 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

This transcript is currently under human review and may contain errors. The fully reviewed version will be posted as soon as it is available.

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Huberman Lab Essentials

How to Increase Motivation & Drive

Huberman Lab Essentials are short episodes focused on essential science and protocol takeaways from past full-length Huberman Lab episodes.

Join 800,000+ subscribers to get regular emails on neuroscience, health, and science-related tools from Dr. Andrew Huberman.

You'll also get Andrew's exclusive Daily Blueprint. In it, Andrew shares his daily routine. He also shares practical tools and protocols that you can use to stay productive and maximize your health.

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