The brain chemical dopamine gets a lot of press these days.
The reason has to do with the role it plays in rewarding and reinforcing pleasurable behavior.
For example...
Activities like morning coffee, checking social media, and watching videos are all reinforced by little hits of dopamine each time we partake.
The function of dopamine has become so well-known that people joke about needing their 'dopamine fix.'
This isn't necessarily an issue when it comes to certain behaviors -- like exercise.
After all... God appears to have wired us so dopamine would affect the way we function.
The problem is dopamine also reinforces destructive addictive behaviors, such as pornography and drug abuse...
And it can make us compulsive toward activities that just aren't all that constructive or good for us.
So how do you get dominion over dopamine so it doesn't rule your life?
Here's a place to begin...
Recognize how we tend to get our dopamine fixes out of activities that are easy.
This is why constantly checking the news or platforms like Instagram can be so addictive. They are easy to do!
A solution is to get engaged in more challenging activities... and get your dopamine fix there.
This might include taking on a new hobby or reading a book. Just the satisfaction of making a little progress in these areas can supply all the dopamine you need.
Also... and this is most important of all... really embrace the different areas God has called you in life -- even if they are hard.
Don't begrudge them, but commit yourself to them... unto the Lord.
There's no greater pleasure than that which comes from following God and being engaged in what He has given you to do.
As the psalmist writes...
"You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore" (Ps.16:11).
Get Dominion,