Chasing your aspirations can prove to be a journey that not many individualsre willing to undertake. However you stand out from the crowd. Luckily you have come across a resource that will lead you through a five step process to condition your mind to embrace obstacles.
This process is born out of real life encounters, trials and mistakes. By following it you have the opportunity to revolutionize your life. It’s important to note that this approach may not be suitable, for everyone; take what resonates with you and tailor it to suit your situation. Remember, though the idea is straightforward putting it into practice is anything but simple.
A Story from Communist China
Allow me to recount an anecdote about two siblings residing in Communist China during the Cultural Revolution. When the Red Guards seized control families with land ownership were stripped of their belongings. Sent to labor camps for re education. The two brothers belonged to such a family. Despite being elementary school students they were denied education and resources as they were branded as enemies of the state, by the Communist Party.
The younger brother was tasked with tending to cattle.
From dusk till dawn he would rest in the grassy meadows playing games to pass the time. Meanwhile his elder sibling carried the weight of chores like chopping wood tending to the fields and harvesting crops. Working tirelessly during daylight hours not out of a sense of duty but because of the fear of repercussions within his family.
When confronted with an existence one faces two options; either accept the circumstances and grumble or devote all efforts to breaking free, from it. Understanding that stagnation would yield no change the older brother realized he needed to reinvent himself. Knowing that continuing as a farmer would only perpetuate a farmers life he made a commitment to instigate change.
As the brothers resolve solidified his younger sibling carried on with life in the fields. Though not ideal it was bearable— enough to get by. Existing in a state of tolerance is among the positions one can find themselves in. It lulls you into complacency. Dampens your drive for change. It’s akin to a leak; inconspicuous, at first but eventually sapping your motivation away.
That small hole made an impact.
When the sun was high, in the sky the older brother put in hours working in the fields. As evening approached he shifted his focus. By the light of a candle using saved fat he taught himself to read. Every piece of paper he came across significance for him. Each one represented freedom. Through them he pieced together a life with purpose.
He tried to seek advice from his father. Instead faced harsh treatment. “If you have time to read you have time to work ” his father would scold him. The older brother realized that self reliance was his choice.
Managing Dopamine Levels for Success
Each person possesses a reserve of energy that drives their motivation and aspirations—this is dopamine. Dopamine is a brain neurotransmitter that spikes in anticipation of rewards inspiring individuals to engage in activities, like eating experiencing things or pursuing objectives. At the beginning of each day this energy gauge is full and gradually decreases as the day goes on.
One can decide whether to channel this dopamine resource into pursuits or waste it without purpose. Many individuals opt for the option depleting their energy reserves by feeding them into a furnace.
These common heating sources, fueled by individuals constantly trying to attract people to spend their time and money are, like relying on dopamine as a crutch while mindlessly scrolling through media indulging in drinks or substances or pursuing pleasures that don’t hold long term value.
By wasting energy in these sources of waste people deplete the resources needed for what matters. Imagine having firewood to stay warm but instead choosing to travel 200 miles through freezing cold to reach a source of heat. The distractions, entertainment and the quest for approval from others may seem enticing. Leave little fuel for the crucial source of purpose.
Divergent Paths
The younger sibling never felt the comforting warmth of the fire. He spent his days squandering his resources without exploring beyond heat sources. Six decades later his situation remains unchanged—. Perhaps worsened. Struggling with a gambling addiction and debilitating strokes he now resides in a nursing home with no future.
In contrast the older sibling was ready, for the conclusion of the Cultural Revolution and the reopening of institutions. He pursued his studies at schools determined never to find himself in dire circumstances again.
After leaving positions behind he set out for the United States completed his Ph.D. And now enjoys his job, at the Federal Reserve Bank in the U.S. The individual who has had the impact on the writers life is none than this man. It is none other than the writers father.
Five Approaches to Regulating Dopamine Levels
Mastering the management of dopamine is a life skill that everyone should possess. Here are five essential strategies;
1. Awareness; Understand how you use your dopamine resources. As your brain generates an amount of dopamine each day it’s important to track where it is allocated. Keep a record of all activities that deplete your energy.
2. Elimination; Get rid of any sources of dopamine that impede your progress toward your goals. In situations concentrate on what propels you adopting this “conquering Mount Everest” mindset involves creating an environment where success is inevitable.
3. Timing; Make use of your peak dopamine levels in the morning when they are, at their peak. Avoid wasting this resource on tasks; instead tackle your most demanding tasks first thing in the day. Begin by dedicating 5 minutes to your priority task before checking your phone or having breakfast.
Taking on tasks becomes easier when you start with a plan. Remember to reward yourself for your achievements. It’s important to eliminate distractions. Also find ways to enjoy yourself. Be intentional, in how you incorporate experiences into your routine by using rewards as motivation for completing necessary tasks.
Make sure to prioritize rest and recovery in your schedule. Take time each day to relax and give yourself a break at the end of the week. Without rest your energy levels won’t fully recharge, which can lead to burnout. Rest is crucial for maintaining productivity and mental well being.
By following these suggestions you can effectively manage your dopamine levels. Move closer, to realizing the life you’ve always dreamed of.