The Dopamine Curve

...or understanding *why* I (and maybe you?) describe yourself as a social chameleon.

One of the silver linings of 2020 for me was the abundance of time and opportunity for deep self-reflection and introspection.

I've been thinking a lot about how throughout my life I've consistently fallen victim to what I describe as the 'Dopamine Curve' as it relates to accumulating new interests and hobbies - though I think it can apply to different people in all aspects of life (jobs/relationships etc).

I've always joked that my hobby is "having hobbies" and described myself as a "chameleon" able to adapt on the fly and carry a conversation on almost any topic, but it's only recently that I've come to reflect on why that is and why despite my many (MANY) varied interests, I've never truly mastered any of them.

I built the below chart to label what I feel are the typical phases of the journey - whether it be learning an instrument, trying a new sport, or picking up a new hobby of any kind.

Here is how I'd define each phase of the journey from a first person perspective.

Discovery: "This new thing seems awesome, it's unlike anything I've encountered before...this could finally be THE thing I master!"

Immersion: "Wow there's so much engaging content/insights/analysis waiting for me to consume about this topic (cue YouTube/Google Rabbit Hole x20)"

Investment: "I've purchased the top of the range ____ (insert musical instrument, sporting equipment etc), I'm now committed, especially because I spent a lot of money. I've got skin in the game! This is going to be great!"

Rapid Improvement: "Wow I'm loving this, I've beaten the hardest part of the learning curve! Only upwards from here!"

Realisation of Mastery Gap: "Oh this is actually going to take ages to get properly good at...and those experts I found online have been doing it for decades. I'm not feeling the reward of immediate improvement anymore."

Disillusionment: "Maybe this actually isn't 'the thing' I need to master. What about those other things I like? Maybe it's time to check in with those and see how they're doing?"

Withdrawal: Instrument (or equivalent) goes into the cupboard to slowly gather dust, though some of the knowledge and insights gained will be retained and remembered fondly. Likely to rinse repeat with next new interest.

I'm interested to hear whether this trait is something you’ve recognised in yourself (consciously or perhaps subconsciously...until now!) and if so, how you’ve gone about interpreting and managing it - i.e. maximising the positive value & benefits and limiting the negative impacts.

Despite the initial framing of 'fallen victim to', I should state that I don't think this is an inherently negative trait, in fact far from it. There is genuine & strategic value in 'knowing a little about a lot' and being able to empathise and build relationships with people from all walks of life.

In general I believe the more you seek to understand yourself, the more room for growth you create.

I've begun to implement some strategies of my own to manage this (as with everything, Awareness is both the first and most important step) however I’m always keen to learn from others who experience the world in similar ways to me.

Thanks for reading.

Tom