Chasing Dreams or Building Castles in the Air? The Science of Talking vs. Doing

Have you ever found yourself caught in a cycle of endless planning and strategizing, never quite reaching the point of action? There’s a fascinating reason for this, and it all boils down to how our brains process dreams and execution.

As Ryan Holiday aptly states, “Talking about the thing and doing the thing vie for the same resources. Allocate your energy appropriately.”

This quote resonates deeply because it reflects a battle we all face — the battle between daydreaming and action.

The Dopamine Trap: Talking Feels Good, But Doing Feels Better (and Gets Results)

There’s a scientific explanation for why we sometimes get stuck in the “talking” phase. When we discuss our plans and aspirations, our brains release dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. It’s a small dopamine hit, certainly not as strong as the reward we’d get from actually achieving those dreams, but it requires significantly less effort.

This “dopamine trap” can lead us to a state of complacency. We get a taste of satisfaction from simply talking about our goals, but it doesn’t translate into actual progress. We inadvertently inoculate ourselves from the hard work required to achieve them by staying comfortably within the confines of our imaginations.

Shifting Your Focus: From “Talking About It” to “Being About It”

So, how do we break free from this cycle? Here’s a powerful rule to consider:

Don’t discuss dreams unless you’re planning builds.

This means reserving conversations about your goals for moments when you’re actively strategizing how to achieve them. Instead of simply fantasizing, focus on concrete steps, timelines, and accountability measures.

Remember:

• Action Breeds Motivation: Taking action, even small steps, releases more dopamine and fuels further motivation.
• Embrace the Power of Small Wins: Don’t let the enormity of your goals paralyze you. Start by taking small, actionable steps. As you achieve these “mini-victories,” you’ll experience a surge in dopamine that fuels further motivation.
• Focus on Progress, Not Perfection: Don’t let the fear of imperfection paralyze you. Start somewhere and celebrate small wins along the way.
• Find Your Action Tribe: Surround yourself with people who inspire you to take action and hold you accountable. Look for those who celebrate your progress and champion your journey from dreamer to doer.

Action is the Antidote to Daydreaming

By shifting your focus from endless discussion to concrete action, you can turn your dreams into reality. Remember, the reward of accomplishment dwarfs the fleeting satisfaction of simply talking about it. So, go out there and be about it!