Understanding of the neurotransmitter dopamine has suffered from a shallow comprehension. We’ve understood it in the context of getting a “dopamine hit” for taking part in rewarding behavior. In her new book, Dopamine Nation, Dr. Anna Lembke offers new information deepening our understanding of the nuanced functioning of dopamine. This deepening understanding reveals that dopamine functions as far more than a simple reward hit. It directs, programs, reinforces, punishes us in its withholding, and more. The impact has an undeniable influence on our daily lives.
I have always had an interest in diet and believed I “ate healthily.” I experimented with several lifestyle diets, including pescatarian and a seven-year stint as a vegetarian in my twenties (and in the last threeish years). At 37 and newly divorced, I found myself at 210 pounds, and it was clear I was a bit overweight. I ran a lot, doing several half marathons. I didn’t understand why I wasn’t losing weight.
Lepera is popularly known as the “holistic psychologist” on social media. Holistic is defined as “characterized by the treatment of the whole person, taking into account mental and social factors, rather than just the symptoms of a disease.” With all of the academic divisions busy within their silos, there is a need for a holistic discipline. It’s possible for academics to not be aware of the connectivities between and among the disciplines.
Late to the “Goggins” party, an acquaintance gave me a copy of Can’t Hurt Me. The book provides a stark, non-apologetic, and inspiring telling of David Goggins’ life. Mainly, the book gives context to the idea that the mind can overcome the body as Goggins is proof. It requires a deep dive into the book for complete impact, as the context proves important.
The Best Recent Titles for Inspiration, Motivation and Personal Revolution
Listen to the Audio Version of this post above.
More information is published on just about any subject than ever before. As Tesla founder Elon Musk says, “You don’t need college to learn stuff… you can learn anything you want for free.”1 I adore this piece of advice.
There are two challenges when attempting to learn on your own. First, determining what’s important. Second, clearing the static created by the barrage of available information. So we’ll limit what’s important to psychology, self-improvement and insight. And let’s just say the purpose of this article is to clear the static!
In the last five years, print book sales have reached 650 million. Printed books maintain popularity over digital and audio version of the same. Sixty-five percent of adults in the US have read a printed book in the last twelve months2. Educational material has never been more in reach for human kind than in this moment, right now.
The following are seven must read books! These books will shift your paradigm, motivate and inspire you.
