Dopamine is often referred to as the “feel-good” hormone, because it’s a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in the brain’s pleasure and reward system. In fact, a consistent level of dopamine is a cornerstone of good mental health, helping us to feel happy and motivated, and maintain the concentration and focus to achieve our goals.
The dangers of dopamine imbalances
Too much or too little dopamine can have serious consequences for our mental and physical health. Signs of low levels of dopamine include depression, fatigue, chronic pain, weight gain; lack of motivation; and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Too much dopamine is associated with anxiety, insomnia, and impulsive or risky behaviours. Dopamine imbalance is also frequently linked to addictive behaviours, such as compulsive overeating, gambling, or excessive use of drugs or alcohol. This is because these activities temporarily boost dopamine levels, causing the person to feel briefly happy or comforted.
However, when the effect wears off, there is a strong desire to repeat the behaviour, which has diminishing pleasure rewards over time. This can create a destructive cycle, as the person needs a bigger hit of the addictive substance to experience the same level of pleasure.
What is the link between the dopamine trap and high achievers?
Addictive substances are not the only way to get stuck in a dopamine trap: it can bring down high achievers as well. Highly motivated people who measure their success in terms of milestones such as promotions, hitting profit targets, brokering deals and so on find that they are constantly chasing the gold at the end of the rainbow.
Often, career-driven people never truly feel content or fulfilled, however much they achieve.
How to dopamine loop gets a grip
High achievers tend to thrive on the buzz of chasing their reward, so this is actually when their dopamine levels peak. Once the goal has been achieved, they are often surprised to find that they feel empty rather than happy and proud. This sense of underwhelm drives them on to the next big project, as they seek to replenish those good vibes.
The dangers of seeking external validation
If the high performer comes to depend on their sense of happiness and self-worth from external achievements only, it can be impossible for them to ever feel genuinely happy and content. Fear of failure can outweigh any enjoyment in the process, fuelling anxiety and imposter syndrome.
For most people, it’s also an unsustainable way to live, and eventually leads to burnout.
How to break out of the cycle
The first step towards developing a consistent and healthy dopamine balance is to shift your focus from the goal to the journey itself. This takes the heat out of fear of failure, and helps you see setbacks as learning opportunities rather than catastrophes. Note what you enjoy in your day to day, rather than thinking only of the outcome.
Carving out time for interests outside of your career is also important, as this will help you to pursue an activity purely for fun, rather than to hit a target.
If you are struggling with finding your true sense of identity or other barriers to happiness, then you may benefit from working with an IFS therapist.
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