Dopamine Chasing

I’ve recognized a trend that I thought would be worth elaborating on/thinking more about it. Over the past few years, I’ve become more aware of how my brain is constantly chasing reward. This could go a few different directions (caffeine, nicotine, drugs, alcohol, sex, insert the blank ___________), but I’m going to gear it more towards my phone, computer, and consumerism.

I think if I boil down my thoughts on Dopamine, ultimately I am always looking for “more”. But this is dangerous because I drive myself into a dopamine hole and in order to get out of the hole, I need to disengage from the dopamine chasing behavior for a period of time.

The bigger trend I’ve noticed with myself is I get excited about the new bike, new gym equipment, triathlon, new car, new shoes, etc, but when is enough enough? Why not enjoy the repetitiveness of life and if I do this long enough, maybe it’ll be better for my dopamine circuit and I’ll feel more fulfilled with what I have!

Same thing with the phone. I never put my phone down and think, man I’m glad I spent some time on linkedin, strava, facebook marketplace, found that special cooking thermometer I had to have, etc. It’s a trap. While I’m concerned about whatever dopamine I’m chasing on my phone, I’m missing my daughter coloring in her notebook, asking me to play with her, basically my family growing up right in front of me. This may seem extreme, but I feel strongly that being present is so critical to great relationships. I know how bad it sucks to talk to a friend or family member who I only have half of their attention.

How does this make my daughter, wife, family, coworkers, friends, etc feel?

So what am I thinking is my solution? There are a few things I get long term fulfillment out of. Things that fill up my glass. I definitely enjoy experiencing things with my family. It makes me smile to think about going through chocolate world with my wife and daughter. I have fond memories of going to a race with one of my best friends. The race isn’t what was memorable. It was the experience with my friend. Many trips to Colorado to visit another best friend. Playing golf with my brother. All these experiences are so much more fulfilling than anything I buy.

Relationships and experiences fill up my cup. Anything on my phone or buying stuff is only temporary. It fades. Then you have to chase more to feel the same. How silly

I am not going to re-read this or proof read it because perfectionism has prevented me from journaling anything in a long time. Just some raw thoughts for the day