I’ll let Dr. Andrew Huberman say it all!
In summary, we possess an ancient, innate reward system that encourages us to keep progressing even when faced with threats. When we muster the courage to take action in the face of danger, our brain’s fear center, the amygdala, is inhibited. This inhibition signals our brain to release dopamine, a reward neurotransmitter, as a way of acknowledging and reinforcing our efforts to move forward despite the threat.
This adaptation is entirely logical when considering our hunter-gatherer ancestors, as they needed these motivational rewards to enhance their chances of survival.
So, the next time self-doubt or fear creeps in as you contemplate something undoubtedly beneficial, push through despite the fear. Our biological makeup is wired to navigate and overcome these perceived threats. Chances are, once that dopamine surge kicks in, you’ll find yourself doing it again!
Notes: Findings by Sousa et al. (2017) suggest the importance of not over-relying on rodent and even non-human primate studies. Human experience and study are now much more critical and important.
References:
André M. M. Sousa et al. ,Molecular and cellular reorganization of neural circuits in the human lineage.Science358,1027-1032(2017).DOI:10.1126/science.aan3456
Be Inspired (2021) “Your Behaviour Won’t Be The Same” | Dr. Andrew Huberman (Stanford Neuroscientist). YouTube [Online Video]. Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZVw-9ThmSM 2023.