Celebrating successes and rewards is an important part of self-motivation and long-term success.
Why and what happens with us on a mental and biological level?
Our brain is programmed to react to rewards. When we successfully overcome a challenge or achieve a goal, a neurotransmitter called "dopamine" is released in the brain. The area of the nucleus accumbens is heavily involved in the reward system. It is activated by dopamine and plays a central role in the perception of satisfaction, joy and reward. When we celebrate a success, the reward and the positive emotions associated with it are reinforced even more. This motivates us to repeat the goal-oriented behaviour. (Ikemoto & Panksepp, 1999).
"Recognize small successes: Don't wait for the big breakthrough to celebrate. Recognize small progress and successes."
According to a study in the "Journal of Neuroscience," dopamine is not only released when a reward is actually given, but also in anticipation of a reward. This effect explains why setting goals and looking forward to rewards can be so motivating (Schultz, 2016).
"Set targeted rewards: Rewards should be specific and relevant. Think of small rewards that motivate you to keep going."
Celebrating successes and setting rewards not only has a positive effect on our mood. It also affects our motivation and learning processes. It also strengthens neural networks that are responsible for learning and memory formation. Studies show that rewards increase activity in the prefrontal cortex. This area of the brain is responsible for planning, decision-making and goal pursuit. (Pessoa, 2009)
"Positive self-reflection: After a success, take time to reflect on what went well. This strengthens self-confidence and promotes the neural anchoring of successes.”
In addition to dopamine, endorphins also play an important role in reward and emotional well-being. Endorphins are the body's own painkillers and are often referred to as “happiness hormones”. They are released when we feel good - for example after a sporting activity/exercise or when we celebrate something. Then it can happen that we do a little dance of joy, a high-five or just a big smile. This also explains the high effectiveness of body-based coaching methods such as embodiment. Celebrating with friends, colleagues and family is even better.
“Get social recognition: share your successes with others. Social interactions also activate the reward system in the brain.”
Celebrating successes and rewards are more than just a nice gesture. It is an effective tool for self-motivation that is deeply anchored in our neuropsychological processes. Consciously experiencing success activates the reward system in the brain. Dopamine and thus positive emotions are released. In the long term, this not only strengthens our well-being. It also helps us stick with it and achieve our goals more easily.
Sources
Schultz, W. (2016). Reward functions of the basal ganglia. Journal of Neuroscience, 36(45), 11442-11444.
Ikemoto, S., & Panksepp, J. (1999). The role of the nucleus accumbens dopamine in motivated behavior: A unifying interpretation with special reference to reward-seeking. Brain Research Reviews, 31(1), 6-41.
Pessoa, L. (2009). How do emotion and motivation direct executive control? Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 13(4), 160-166.
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