Hello, everyone! Today, let's take a journey through the labyrinth of human history and neuroscience to understand a deeply embedded trait that has led us from hunting and gathering to building empires—our innate drive to seek and explore.
The Origin Story—Why We Seek
From our ancient ancestors trekking through the untamed wilderness in search of food, shelter, and water, the need to seek and discover was not merely a lifestyle choice; it was a matter of survival. Evolutionary biology tells us that humans were naturally selected for traits that enhanced their likelihood of survival. The drive to seek was one such trait. It wasn't just about finding the next meal; it was about discovering new territories, creating more effective tools, and forming social bonds.
The Modern Dilemma—From Seekers to Filterers
Fast forward to today, and you'll find that while we still have this inherent drive, our societal constructs have shifted the way it manifests. In an age of search engines and instant gratification, we've become experts in filtering and choosing, often at the expense of true discovery. While there's value in being selective, a crucial part of us yearns for the thrill and the unknown that come from the act of seeking.
The Psychological Equation—Balance Through Seeking
Neuroscience and psychology show us that seeking activates neurotransmitters like dopamine, often referred to as the 'reward molecule.' This is not mere coincidence. Our brains are wired to reward us for seeking because it once directly correlated with our survival. When we don't fulfill this need, it's akin to leaving a part of our psychological machinery rusting away. And who wants a Ferrari that's left to rust?
There's also another aspect of seeking. For our ancestors it was a whole body experience. Now we have substitutes that stimulate the dopamine release without giving the body a chance to properly metabolize the hormones, and come back into balance. That can lead to a compulsive cycle where our seeking drive is not really fulfilled so we crave that activity even more. Most of these involve screens.
The Call to Action—Be a Modern-Day Explorer
You might be wondering, "How can I tap into this inherent drive?"
Here's how:
- Challenge Yourself: Don't just take the easy route; seek out new challenges that force you to think outside the box.
- Learn Continuously: Instead of filtering information, let's be sponges. Read widely, engage in varied conversations, and don't limit yourself to one genre or subject. Challenge yourself to go beyond the surface on a topic, go two layers deep seeking to build more depth and applicability of what you learn. In other words, don't just learn to be able to talk about it, learn to teach or apply the knowledge.
- Embrace Uncertainty: As someone who believes that every challenge holds an opportunity, I can assure you that embracing the unknown is often the fastest path to growth and enlightenment.
- Get Out of Your Comfort Zone: Do something that scares you. By pushing your boundaries, you're not just seeking thrill; you're rewiring your brain for success. As we become better at filtering, we also more easily filter out awareness of our rough edges and stay in our comfort zone. Trust me, the comfort zone isn't really comfortable, only familiar. (more on that some other day)
So, let's reclaim our evolutionary birthright. Make seeking a daily habit, and you'll be surprised at how much more enriched, balanced, and motivated your life will become.
Remember, we are here to grow, and every experience is an opportunity for growth when we tap into our innate curiosity.
Please share your thoughts and seeking adventures below!
Dave Koshinz PCC
Business Transformation & Leadership Coach
