The Pain-Pleasure Balance
Pain and pleasure exist on a scale. If we chase too much pleasure, we develop a tolerance, requiring bigger dopamine hits while experiencing stronger withdrawals.
But if we start with pain or challenging stimuli (e.g., cold showers), the pleasure comes naturally and more consistently over time. With repeated exposure, the discomfort decreases, and the pleasure arrives more quickly.
By balancing pain and pleasure intentionally, we can reset our dopamine system, increase motivation, and sustain long-term focus.
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In a world full of instant gratification, our dopamine system is constantly overstimulated, leading to burnout, lack of motivation, and difficulty focusing. Inspired by Ali Abdaal's insights, this post explores practical ways to regulate dopamine, boost motivation, and improve productivity.
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Pleasure-Pain Balance
• When that pleasure-pain balance tilts to the side of pain after the experience of pleasure, we experience feelings of discomfort, restlessness and irritability which can leave us unhappy and wanting to recreate the feeling of pleasure.
• ANY type of addiction makes us mal...
Pain can reset our balance to the side of pleasure
Activities that are exhausting, challenging, or painful like cold showers, confronting one's fears, or working out can increase your dopamine level after you did those activities. However, too much pain is not good either and pain can be addicting as well.
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