Jeepers I hadn't thought of Minesweeper in years! I just finished reading Dopamine Nation cheap dopamine from the pleasure side of the pleasure / pain balance is short lived and unfulfilling. However, effort with reward pushes on the pain side of the balance to indirectly cause pleasure that is more fulfilling and sustainable. I'm really trying to push on the pain side more often and working on finding ways of doing hard things that bring an element of fun - traditional productivity advice can feel so heavy for a pleasure seeker 😜
Your article brilliantly draws a parallel between the game of Minesweeper and the challenges of procrastination and productivity. It's fascinating to see how a simple computer game can provide such deep insights into human behavior. Your three-phase journey of 'knowing', 'caring', and 'trying' beautifully encapsulates the stages we go through in many aspects of our life, not just productivity. Your reflections on the reasons behind procrastination, especially the fear of failure, resonated deeply. It's a gentle reminder that while knowledge is crucial, consistent effort is what truly drives results. Your conclusion serves as a powerful nudge to take control and navigate the challenges of the modern world. Exceptional piece!
What is the brain chemistry reward for effort? Some time ago I did a brief search and did not find an answer for "effort" per se but found an answer for "giving" to others, service or otherwise, which often requires some effort. According to "The Neuroscience of Giving" by Eva Ritvo, MD, it could be "The Happiness Trifecta" which is a combination of oxytocin, serotonin, and dopamine.
Jeepers I hadn't thought of Minesweeper in years! I just finished reading Dopamine Nation cheap dopamine from the pleasure side of the pleasure / pain balance is short lived and unfulfilling. However, effort with reward pushes on the pain side of the balance to indirectly cause pleasure that is more fulfilling and sustainable. I'm really trying to push on the pain side more often and working on finding ways of doing hard things that bring an element of fun - traditional productivity advice can feel so heavy for a pleasure seeker 😜
Your article brilliantly draws a parallel between the game of Minesweeper and the challenges of procrastination and productivity. It's fascinating to see how a simple computer game can provide such deep insights into human behavior. Your three-phase journey of 'knowing', 'caring', and 'trying' beautifully encapsulates the stages we go through in many aspects of our life, not just productivity. Your reflections on the reasons behind procrastination, especially the fear of failure, resonated deeply. It's a gentle reminder that while knowledge is crucial, consistent effort is what truly drives results. Your conclusion serves as a powerful nudge to take control and navigate the challenges of the modern world. Exceptional piece!
Great article!
What is the brain chemistry reward for effort? Some time ago I did a brief search and did not find an answer for "effort" per se but found an answer for "giving" to others, service or otherwise, which often requires some effort. According to "The Neuroscience of Giving" by Eva Ritvo, MD, it could be "The Happiness Trifecta" which is a combination of oxytocin, serotonin, and dopamine.
Minesweeper is a blast from the past. Great post this, makes you think.