The Neuroscience of Determination - How to harness different brain regions to get the most out of your goals

The Neuroscience of Determination - How to harness different brain regions to get the most out of your goals

Author: Alexis Fernandez-Preiksa - Neuroscientist and Mindset Coach August 10, 2026 Duration: 42:48

Determination is a crucial aspect of achieving our goals and living a fulfilling life. But what drives determination, and how can we cultivate it? In this ep we are diving into the neuroscience behind determination, exploring the brain regions and neurochemicals involved in this complex process.

Determination is not just about motivation, but about having the staying power to see things through, even when faced with challenges and setbacks. I also talk about the need to identify what's holding us back, such as inconsistency, lack of clarity, and distractions.

This ep covers the brain regions involved in determination, including the prefrontal cortex, basal ganglia, and amygdala, and how these regions work together to drive persistence, goal-directed behavior, and resilience. And the role of neurochemicals like dopamine, serotonin, and cortisol in motivation and determination.

By the end of this episode, you will have a deeper understanding of the neuroscience behind determination and practical strategies to help them overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.


Hosted by cognitive neuroscientist Alexis Fernandez-Preiksa, Do You F*cking Mind? delivers practical, science-backed mindset tools for anyone looking to cut through internal clutter and build a more resilient, self-directed life. This isn't abstract theory; it's applied neuroscience and psychology for your real-world problems. Each Monday, Alexis releases an in-depth episode exploring a single theme, dissecting topics like the mechanics of habit formation, navigating complex friendships, processing heartbreak, or cultivating a genuinely carefree approach to daily pressures. The focus is on actionable strategies, explaining not just what to do but how the brain works to make those changes stick. Then, every Friday, the format shifts to "Head Noise," a dedicated Q&A session where Alexis directly tackles listener-submitted questions, offering personalized insights and clarifications. The tone is direct, unapologetically candid, and free of fluff, mirroring the podcast's title. It’s a blend of rigorous science and street-smart wisdom, all aimed at empowering you to audit your own thoughts and behaviors. For those ready to move past passive listening and into active self-improvement, this podcast serves as a weekly mental toolkit. Listeners are encouraged to engage by sending their own questions for the Friday episodes.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 50

Do You F*cking Mind?
Podcast Episodes
Should you have single time in between relationships? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:36
In today's episode (a specialized head noise ep), I go into the importance of having a gap between relationships, the benefits of taking time to heal and focus on personal growth before jumping into a new partnership. Ke…
Things to do to 'unrot' your brain [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:12
In today's episode, I'm going to take you through 16 actionable tips to help you "unrot" our brains, including doing a daily brain training game, carrying a book or kindle, and setting a time limit on passive social medi…
Ten Ways to Fall in Love With Your Life Again [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:43
In this episode, I share 10 ways to fall in love with your life again, from rethinking the first three minutes of your day to becoming an expert in a new topic each month. We are going on a journey to rediscover the joy…
Miserable People - How to stop making negativity your personality [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:12
In this episode, I delve into the world of miserable people and how they can be a drain on our lives. We've all met that someone who seems to thrive on negativity, always finding fault in others and themselves, and makin…