Dopamine and Motivation

The other day I complained to a friend that I was so very unfit. He replied that there is a gym nearby. When I said that I hated going to the gym, he stated that ‘no one likes going to the gym. It is just one of those things you have to do.’ It reminded me once again of the gulf in understanding between ADHD and nonADHD.

Dopamine is the neurotransmitter that drives motivation and that is important in the reward system. It helps you stay focused and it helps you move towards your goals. When your dopamine baseline is lower than that of most people in society, it has clear consequences. Dopamine drives motivation. Lower dopamine means less motivation.

I only have a few ways to motivate myself to do anything:

Urgency - when I know that there will be serious consequences very rapidly and very impactful if I do not do what is needed.

Strong emotions like fear or anger - pure adrenaline gets me completing tasks. Unfortunately cortisol comes along for the ride, and the combination of both stress hormones is not particularly healthy for my body and over time may attack my organs.

Interest - when I am fascinated by something, I get motivated. This lasts as long as the subject stays interesting to me. That usually is as long as it takes to understand how it works and to have some skill in doing the task. Then it becomes boring and the motivation disappears fast.

Joy or pleasure - My favourite motivating force. If there was a magic door that would transport me instantly to a disco, or to a spa, or to an interesting discussion, that would motivate me, and immediately afterwards I could get masses of tedious tasks done, as the dopamine level would have risen.

Unfortunately going to the gym is never going to be fun. This means that even going to the building would take more dopamine than I am likely to ever possess. I am going to have to find another solution. Any suggestions, remembering that I am someplace where I do not speak the language, and it is very hot. Running is out. Joining a class is out. Erm, any thoughts?

Warm wishes,