Reward Systems for Dopamine Rush Entrepreneurs and how your Bucket List plays a significant role in your dopamine rush.
When was the last time you had a dopamine rush as an entrepreneur? Experts believe that one of the major reasons why entrepreneurs have breakdowns is because of a depletion of dopamine stores in their bodies. And yes, all the physiological jargon can get pretty tricky, but if you are not someone for detail, the only thing you need to remember is that you need a bucket list and to start ticking it off. This is the essence of being a “Dopamine Rush Entrepreneur”—someone who understands the importance of celebrating wins to sustain motivation.
Why celebrate your goal achievements?
Entrepreneurs are under constant strain. Surprise, surprise. The fear of failure, rejection, financial disaster, or just the fear of not being good enough plays constant havoc in your brain. Whether these emotional strains are a direct result of your business activities, personal issues, or other people, they do have an influence on your performance. A bucket list that you keep on ticking off as a celebration of achieving a goal in totality or just milestones en route to your goal can invite all your neurotransmitter friends to come out and play again.
Dopamine and the rest of the neurotransmitter team will have a major effect on your physiological state, which is responsible for your energy levels, ability to manage stress, and sleep quality, to name but a few.
So why should you celebrate as often as you can? First, it recharges your dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, endorphins, norepinephrine, and acetylcholine levels. All work and no play makes Jack a very dull boy to live with. Life is meant to be lived, not survived! On a physiological and emotional level, the reality is that, in the end, they are all connected in one way or another.
Neurotransmitters in the bodies of our Dopamine Rush Entrepreneurs
Below is an extremely brief explanation of how neurotransmitters have an effect on entrepreneurs.
Dopamine
Dopamine is a key neurotransmitter often referred to as the “motivation hormone” or “doing hormone.” It plays a crucial role in the brain’s reward system by signaling pleasure and reinforcing reward behaviors.
- This neurotransmitter is involved in various functions, including:
- Reward and pleasure: Dopamine is released in response to rewarding stimuli, encouraging individuals to repeat behaviors that lead to positive outcomes.
- Learning and memory: It helps form associations between stimuli and rewards, which is essential for motivation in future situations.
- Alertness and focus: Dopamine contributes to feelings of alertness and concentration, enhancing the ability to pursue goals.
Serotonin
Serotonin is often associated with mood regulation. It influences feelings of well-being and happiness, which can impact motivation levels. Low serotonin levels are linked to depression and decreased motivation, while balanced serotonin levels can promote a positive outlook and drive towards goals.
Oxytocin
Oxytocin, known as the “bonding hormone,” has been found to interact with dopaminergic pathways, influencing social behaviors and emotional connections. This neuropeptide can enhance motivation for social interactions and cooperative behaviors, suggesting its role in motivating actions that foster social bonds.
Endorphins
Endorphins are neurotransmitters that act as natural painkillers and mood enhancers. They are released during activities such as exercise, leading to feelings of euphoria (often referred to as a “runner’s high”). This release can motivate individuals to engage in physical activities and pursue challenges.
Norepinephrine
Norepinephrine is involved in arousal and alertness, which can enhance motivation. It helps prepare the brain and body for action, particularly in response to stress or perceived threats. Increased levels of norepinephrine can lead to heightened focus and energy, motivating individuals to engage in tasks.
Acetylcholine
Acetylcholine is involved in attention and learning. It can enhance cognitive functions and memory, which are essential for motivation as they help individuals remember past rewards and the actions that led to them. These neurotransmitters work in concert with dopamine to create a complex motivational landscape, influencing behavior and goal-directed actions in various ways.
The Ultimate Bucket List for Dopamine Rush Entrepreneurs
Yes, I know all these highly technical explanations of all the neurotransmitters can be a bit much, but let’s get to the fun stuff. Your Ultimate Bucket List for Entrepreneurs is ready and waiting to be explored. Whether you are someone who gets excited to be taking on new adventures in nature or more of a creative soul, having something to look forward to at the completion of a milestone or a goal in totality, nothing gets the dopamine and the rest of the neurotransmitters going like a celebration to look forward to.
How does a Photography Workshop sound or a sleep-out on the beach? Learn to Salsa or book a Day at the Spa. Feeling a bit more energetic? How about signing up for Run-the-Berg? Whatever tickles your fancy, you will be in a much better space if you add this to your focus sheet.
The addVentures Focus Sheet
The addVentures Focus Sheet is the most basic document that we use at addVentures Business Coaching to help you unpack your Goals, current Realities, Obstacles, Opportunities, Options, and Way Forward. From here, we look at how important this goal is for you and how to measure it. And then, which in my opinion is the most important aspect of your planning, how will you celebrate your win. Having something tangible to look forward to makes a world of difference. But you know that by now.
Your Business Adventure Awaits
Want to explore those dopamine rushes as an entrepreneur? We have a couple of options for you:
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- Sign up as a Member of addVentures Business Club
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- Sign up for Personal One-on-One Business Coaching through addVentures.
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- Join us on Nature Walk at Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve once a month. See the sun rising over our beautiful koppies, while savouring our hand-made rusks and locally roasted coffee brew. More detail to follow, but if you are keen, give us a tinkle.
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- Speaking of locally roasted coffee brew, we are planning a Coffee Exploration Evening like you have never experienced before. If you are keen, give us a tinkle.
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- Sign up for a photography workshop, hoasted by our cameraman extraordinaire and friend, Marais Wessels. More detail to follow, but if you are keen, give us a tinkle.
Whatever you choose to do, your business adventure awaits and we cannot wait to explore all the opportunities with you.
