Learning Is Addicting

Martha Burns is an adjunct professor at Northwestern University. She says, "Our goal as teachers is to get our students addicted to learning." Learning something new releases a chemical in our brain called dopamine that activates the same brain reward areas as drugs and gambling.

While drugs and gambling are artificial triggers and lead to severe consequences, the dopamine that comes from learning something new and exciting is a much healthier and more rewarding way to feel good.

Dopamine also helps us retain new information. When dopamine is present, we remember things better, and when it's not, nothing seems to stick.

Help your students and athletes release the dopamine needed to learn and retain information by bringing energy and enthusiasm to everything you do, and making new information exciting. You can hook your students and athletes in by teaching them something new they can use quickly.

Remember - dopamine can be addictive, and our goal as teachers and coaches is to get our students and athletes addicted to learning and getting better.