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Huberman Lab

Essentials: How to Set & Achieve Goals

Huberman Lab

Goal Setting
0:00,0
10 min
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2:00
4:00
0:00 15:00 30:00
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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: drinkag1.com/huberman

David: davidprotein.com/huberman

LMNT: drinklmnt.com/huberman


  • (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

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