summary ofThe Molecule of MoreBook by Daniel Lieberman, MD, Michael E. Long

first KEY POINT

Beyond the comfort zone

You interact with the world around you in two fundamental ways. Picture yourself in a cozy room. Looking down, you see familiar items — your smartphone, perhaps a cup of coffee, or a notebook. These things are within your reach, easy to interact with, and represent the moments you live in — the present. They anchor you, keep you grounded, and bring comfort.However, when you look beyond your immediate surroundings, you spot the vast sky, soaring birds, or tall buildings. These aren't items you can grab. They stand for future aspirations, goals, and the unseen. To reach them, you must plan, dream, and act.The main thing here is not what you see but what you feel. When you engage with the present, certain chemicals, the “here & nows,” flood your brain, usually a mix of neurotransmitters like serotonin, oxytocin, and endorphins. They help you revel in the moment, whether laughing at a joke, enjoying a meal, or hugging a loved one.Yet, a different chemical — dopamine — kicks in when we set our sights higher, aspiring for more. You might have heard that dopamine is about immediate rewards, but it's also the anticipation of those rewards. When we think about our goals, dreams, or the prize of a future endeavor, dopamine is released. It pushes us beyond, making us chase, create, innovate, and explore the unknown.

As you see, ambition and contentment are two sides of the same coin. Balance them, and you find harmony. Overdo one, and chaos can ensue. It's fascinating how these two perspectives — the contented present and the ambitious future — shape your life experiences. Their interplay defines your happiness, success, and even your challenges. But here's the most intriguing thing: the chemicals in your brain guide you.Further, you can examine yourself from this point of view more carefully. It will be exciting, so stay tuned!