Essentials: How to Set & Achieve Goals

Huberman Lab

In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode, I explain how to use science-based tools to better set and achieve goals.

I discuss the neuroscience of goal pursuit and how dopamine and visual attention shape motivation and effort. I explain whether visualizing success or failure better supports goal pursuit, how to choose goals at the right level of difficulty and evaluate progress. I also share a short “space-time bridging” protocol that helps train long-range, goal-directed behavior. These tools will help you stay motivated and reach goals more effectively.

Read the episode show notes at hubermanlab.com.

Thank you to our sponsors

AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman

David: https://davidprotein.com/huberman

LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/huberman

Timestamps

(00:00:00) Goal Setting

(00:00:23) Brain & Goal Pursuit

(00:03:32) Goal Value, Action Steps

(00:05:49) Sponsor: David

(00:07:07) Peripersonal vs Extrapersonal Space

(00:08:34) Tool: Visual Focus & Pursuing Goals

(00:13:04) Visualization & Goal Pursuit, Tool: Visualize Failure

(00:15:25) Sponsor: AG1

(00:16:48) Tool: Goal Setting & Difficulty Level

(00:18:27) Dopamine & Goal Pursuit, Reward Prediction Error, Tool: Weekly Goal Assessment

(00:23:39) Dopamine & Vision; Importance of Behavioral Tools

(00:25:37) Recap of Tools for Goal Setting & Pursuit

(00:26:49) Sponsor: LMNT

(00:28:21) Goal Pursuit, Time; Tool: Space-Time Bridging

(00:35:49) Recap, Key Takeaways

Disclaimer & Disclosures

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