Humans are wired to seek rewards from "summary" of Your Money and Your Brain by Jason Zweig
The brain is hardwired to pursue rewards of all kinds. It is constantly seeking out pleasure and avoiding pain. This primal urge drives our behavior in ways that we often don't even realize. The brain releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure, in response to potential rewards. This chemical reaction motivates us to seek out more rewards, creating a cycle of desire and pursuit. Humans are particularly sensitive to rewards that are unpredictable or uncertain. The anticipation of a reward can be just as pleasurable as actually receiving it. This is why activities like gambling can be so addictive - the thrill of the chase keeps us coming back for more. Our brains are constantly evaluating risks and rewards, weighing the potential benefits against the potential costs. The pursuit of rewards can lead us to make irrational decisions, especially when it comes to money. We may take unnecessary risks in the hopes of a big payoff, or we may spend money on things that bring us short-term gratification but little long-term satisfaction. Understanding how our brains respond to rewards can help us make more informed choices about our finances.- We can take steps to mitigate its influence on our decision-making. Setting clear goals, creating a budget, and practicing mindfulness can all help us resist the impulse to chase after immediate rewards. It's important to remember that our brains are powerful tools, but they can also lead us astray if we're not mindful of how they work. By understanding our natural tendencies and taking steps to counteract them, we can make smarter choices and ultimately lead happier, more fulfilling lives.
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