Neuroscience as a melody and the body as the orchestra
Over time study of the brain has progressed with developments in technology to study brain function giving us a science of the brain, Neuroscience. Developments within the field of Neuroscience has provided tantalising insights into the physical and chemical functions of the brain. Associated with these insights, treatments that can assist some people with chronic conditions or offer some relief from difficult psychological states have developed.
Within this field several core neurochemical pathways have been identified in being instrumental to certain motivational states. To offer a vastly oversimplified model, four neurochemicals Dopamine, Oxytocin, Serotonin and Endorphins relate to Reward, Love, Mood and Pain Relief respectively. In this article, I will explore Dopamine and its relationship with Reward.
The Carrot
With his work Awakenings, Oliver Sacks, an eminent Neuroscientist, recorded several case studies in which a chemical substitute for dopamine, L-Dopa was administered to a number of patients with Parkinsons, an extremely degenerative disorder of brain function. The observations from these treatments offer a diverse and intriguing record of how neurochemical pathways in brain function are involved in behaviour, motivation and conscious experience.
Although the observations of the impact of L-Dopa were varied, for the purpose of this essay it was observed that changes in neurochemicals created behavioural changes that could ‘Awaken’ a patient from catatonia, a sleep like state of zombification. In Awakenings, Sacks states
‘..the awakened patient turns to the world, no longer occupied and preoccupied by his sickness. He turns an eager and ardent attention on the world, a loving and joyous and innocent attention, the more so because he has been so long cut-off, or ‘asleep’.’
For those of us who are fortunate enough to not have to deal with Parkinsonian symptoms these observations can point toward the value of understanding how our brains function. The awakening caused by a change in dopamine like neurochemicals, is one of greater engagement with the world. There is a sense of moving from dysfunction to health with an accompanying movement, from self-involvement toward outward facing attention to life. Such observations can assist us in trying to lead more fulfilling lives, and suggest strategies related to Dopamine function that may improve our own motivation to act and engage with the world.
Facing outward by discipline inward
Some years ago, I elected to run a half-marathon and after a number of months of training, I was in relatively good shape to complete the race. However, as yet I had never run such a distance. The day started threateningly as the weather had turned to provide an unseasonably cold October morning. I found myself beset by feelings of resistance as I considered braving the cold and having to wait in line before the race began. In my mind I conceived two outcomes, one in which I refused the challenge and remained home. I considered the disappointment and shame I may feel in light of the temporary relief from the pain of the cold. In opposition to this negative vision, I considered passing the finish line and returning home with the feeling of pride and satisfaction of the achievement. In the light of such contemplation there was no contest, and I left the comfort of home to undertake the race.
This points me to the first aspect of the psychological reward system, the apprehension of a goal fulfilled. Without the conception of a goal, we are liable to be in a state of reactivity to our circumstances that is likely to induce us to seek homeostasis and security. We turn inward to ourselves and seek to minimise our engagement with the world that can soon appear hostile, threatening our security and comfort. Yet with a compelling goal the world is the arena in which our goal can be realised. A place of challenges, yes but also opportunity. Reward and adventure. The goal shifts our focus from obstruction to opportunity, from captivity to captivating.
‘A journey of a 1000 miles begins with a single step.’
The adage above is a much-sited quotation that offers an insight into a second important aspect of achieving, focus upon the individual actions within themselves. In Awakenings, Oliver Sacks describes the patients prior to their treatments often locked in a catatonia unable to take a single step. This extreme condition is a reflection of a sickened motivational response, in which any action is prevented even in its initiation. Yet all achievements big or small require small consistent and appropriate actions.
To this end our brains contain a valuable reward system that allows a greater achievement to be experienced, as an evolving journey with consistent rewards. Within my Half-marathon I experienced a relatively direct sense of a consistent reward process, that mirrors how such rewards function. Throughout the race I naturally felt my energy levels fluctuate and as the latter stages approached, I felt an ever-greater sense of exhaustion and fatigue. Yet as I passed each mile marker, I gained a sense of completion with a brief burst of pleasure that allowed me to stay motivated and encouraged. Toward the end of the race, smiling angels in the guise of stewards, offered water and sweets to assist me in the task. Although the glucose was instrumental in the value of these rewards, I also suspect that a degree of dopamine was at work, as I felt encouraged by the support provided both physically and psychologically.
In essence, I am alluding to the rewards associated with the individual steps taken toward achieving my goal. Highlighting how milestones, pit-stops and my recognition of progress along the way supported me in remaining motivated, engaged and consistent throughout the process. Underlying these experiences are feelings, positive rewards that provide a conscious experience of eager engagement with my chosen task.
Life as an adventure
To conclude, I have attempted to utilise the example of my completion of a half-marathon to present some processes that assist psychologically with the fulfilment of a goal. I have postulated that there are dopamine neuropathways as a core mechanism that underlies the brain activity associated with the motivation in achieving such goals. I will provide a caveat that my representation is a vast oversimplification of the processes at work, yet the framework allows an introduction to considering brain function in motivation.
The ability to clearly apprehend a goal allows us to envision a pathway of fulfilment. Adhering to this pathway can motivate us to undertake the individual tasks that are required to progress on the path. While, feeling consistent rewards as part of that progress allows us to enjoy the process. As such we can consider that it’s not only the final achievements that give our lives meaning, but also the unfolding experiences, successes and failures, that make up the process of fulfilment.
With this in mind I urge you to consider investing in the power of your brain for motivation. It may serve you to invest the time to create an emotionally compelling vision for your future, and then conceive of the individual tasks that can make that vision a reality. Then act and enjoy the sweet rewards along the way, and the success at the finish line.
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