Beyond the To-Do List - Productivity for Work and Life Michael Long on Taming Dopamine: Regain Focus and Productivity
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Aug 18, 2025 
In this engaging discussion, bestselling author and speechwriter Michael Long shares insights from his work on dopamine and its effects on our lives. He explains how dopamine drives craving and distraction in the digital age. Michael offers practical strategies like dopamine fasting to help regain focus. He emphasizes the importance of aligning our work with values for lasting motivation and joy. Additionally, he explores the potential of newer treatments like GLP-1 drugs for managing cravings while advocating for meaningful life experiences.
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Schedule To Leverage Dopamine
- Use structured planning like calendarizing tasks to capitalize on your dopamine.
- Systematic productive habits amplify whatever dopamine level you have to boost output.
Pause Between Stimulus And Reaction
- Lengthen the gap between stimulus and reaction to let planning override impulse.
- Use that pause for mental time travel to imagine outcomes before acting.
Practical Dopamine Fasting
- Do focused reductions in high-stimuli behaviors instead of aiming for perfect fasting.
- Replace screen time with sensory, here-and-now activities like walking, reading, or conversation.
