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How to Increase Motivation & Drive | Huberman Lab Essentials

2025-01-30 Science & Technology
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Andrew Huberman
Andrew Huberman
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Description

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

Top Comments (10)

@3rd_iimpact 2025-01-30

Things that helped me: - Sunlight twice a day - Got rid of social media (besides YouTube for its long form content) - Meditation - Avoid checking my phone 80-90% of the day - Seek challenges - Reading books - And of course clean diet, exercise, good sleep

798 24 replies
@DanielKirillov-iv3ww 2025-01-30

Too bad I lack motivation to watch this.

638 64 replies
@alexisbonecchi897 2025-01-30

I’m a psychologist and psychotherapist. Your explanations are beyond useful for me personally and professionally.

423 9 replies
@hubermanlab 2025-01-30

Thank you for watching! If you enjoyed this topic and episode, please click the “Like” button and subscribe to our channel on YouTube. Thank you for your interest in science! — Andrew

280 22 replies
@DOGOID 2025-01-30

I find that if i don't feel like doing something , i visualise myself doing it, and after a while i get this surge of energy to do it. Sometimes i don't want to go for that walk, but i force myself anyway, and after putting on some clothes and shoes etc , i actualy feel like the walk. So i come up with this ethos of , don't wait for motivation, create it.

164 2 replies
@HeidiJoubert 2025-01-30

I’m starting to love the extremes of pain and pleasure. Fasting makes eating so much more pleasurable

163 8 replies
@Aquarius_Ayan 2025-01-30

Some people need enough motivation to watch this video without skipping!!

123 7 replies
@thealterrmusic 2025-01-30

Thank you for the essentials series. It's been really helpful!

75
@alexclausen5376 2025-03-07

Love these 30 min versions. Very helpful and digestible. Thank you!!

59 1 replies
@Semper_Eadem_83 2025-01-30

One thing that worked for me was to get two small kittens. They have inserted themselves into every nook and cranny... sometimes emerging from under furniture covered in dust... This has had a huge impact on my motivation to clean.

46

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