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The Science of Setting & Achieving Goals | Episode 55
In this episode, I discuss the science of setting, assessing, and pursuing goals. I explain the neural (brain) circuits that underlie goal setting and pursuit. Then I describe nine science-supported tools anyone can apply toward their goals. I explain when and how to use goal visualization, when to use multitasking and how to use specific rewards to improve the likelihood of reaching your goals. I also explain why envisioning failures and their consequences are effective and how to set goals of the appropriate level of challenge. I also explain how the molecule dopamine is used to gauge our progress toward milestones and long-term overarching goals and how to leverage dopamine for goal pursuit. Finally, I explain a unique tool called 'space-time bridging' that can be used to support all aspects of goal setting, assessment, and pursuit. This episode ought to be useful for anyone seeking to improve their performance in work, school, exercise, athletics, or personal development.
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Links:
- The 85% Rule for Optimal Learning - https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-019-12552-4
- Effects of Narrowing Visual Attention on Goal Pursuit Behavior - https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0146167219861438
Timestamps:
- 00:00:00 The Neuroscience of Goals
- 00:01:56 Tool 1: Learn Fast(er) by the 85% Rule
- 00:06:04 LMNT, Athletic Greens, ROKA
- 00:13:55 Brain Circuits for Setting & Pursuing Goals
- 00:21:52 Determining the Value of Goals
- 00:24:33 Psychology of Goal Setting: Assessing Value, Action Steps
- 00:30:29 Peripersonal Space vs. Extrapersonal Space
- 00:35:39 Visually Focusing on a Goal Line Improves Performance
- 00:43:50 How Vision Improves Performance: Blood Pressure
- 00:51:55 Tool 2: Use Focal Vision to Initiate Goal Pursuit
- 00:54:40 Tool 3: Use Aged Self-Images to Self-Motivate
- 00:59:33 Tool 4: Visualization of Goals is Only Helpful at the Start
- 01:02:05 Tool 5: Visualizing Failure is the Best Ongoing Motivator
- 01:07:26 Tool 6: Make Goals Moderately Lofty
- 01:13:05 Tool 7: Avoid Goal Distraction; Focus on 1-2 Major Goals Per Year
- 01:15:57 Tool 8: Ensure Specificity of Goals, Weekly Assessment
- 01:19:57 Dopamine, Motivation & Pleasure in Seeking Goals
- 01:22:43 Dopamine Reward Prediction Error, Controlling Dopamine
- 01:34:26 How Dopamine Influences Vision & Vice Versa
- 01:38:10 Interim Summary of Goal-Pursuit Steps
- 01:39:50 Tool 9: Space-Time Bridging
- 01:49:59 Summary
- 01:51:50 Subscribe, Sponsors, Patreon, Supplements: Thorne, Instagram, Twitter, Newsletter
Please note that The Huberman Lab Podcast is distinct from Dr. Huberman's teaching and research roles at Stanford University School of Medicine. The information provided in this show is not medical advice, nor should it be taken or applied as a replacement for medical advice. The Huberman Lab Podcast, its employees, guests and affiliates assume no liability for the application of the information discussed.
Title Card Photo Credit: Mike Blabac - https://www.blabacphoto.com
Published on 3 years, 11 months ago