Intrinsic Motivation and Magical Unicorns

The art and science of time management.

by David D. Nowell, Ph.D.

The Shabbas Box

How one family uses an old shoe box to support positive behaviors at home. Read More

The real problem with procrastination is that it can - if we let it - keep us from doing the "One Thing." That one decision or choice which, if we followed through, would make the biggest difference in our lives right now. Read More

Do I "Wiki-Meet" Diagnostic Criteria for ADHD?

I read an article about ADHD and seem to have many of those symptoms. Does that mean that I have the disorder? Read More

Pills and Skills: What Can We Do While We Wait Out the Stimulant Medication Shortage?

Stimulant therapies are among the best-researched treatments for ADD/ADHD. But with recent shortages of these medications, what else can we offer those who struggle with focus and concentration? Read More

Dopamine and Circular Discussions of Dopamine and...

The logic in explanations I'm reading about dopamine and the human brain seem circular. Can you help? Read More

The Ruination of the Likert Scale

The Likert Scale is one of the great tools of psychological and social science research. Save it from death by misuse! Read More

Different Kinds of ADHD, Different Kinds of Coaches

What does an ADHD coach do? Read More

Lost in Transition

Notre Dame researchers describe emerging adults' approach to moral decision making. What's the role of individual happiness in making right decisions? Read More

We're All ADHD Now

The challenge of deciding how to invest our energy and time and attentional resources - and resisting everything else - is not specific to ADHD Read More

The Cloud Is Here to Set You Free

Distractible and disorganized adults -- the cloud is here to set you free! Read More

Ways the Reward and Planning System Can Go Wrong Part 3

If my brain has this intricate reward and planning system, then why aren't I getting exactly what I want all the time? Read More

How the Reward and Planning System Can Go Wrong Part 2

If the brain's reward and planning centers are in ongoing intimate communication, then why is it so hard for me to reach my most important goals? Read More

Ways the Reward and Planning System Can Go Wrong - Part 1

So why am I not getting exactly what I want all the time? Read More

Understanding - and Maximizing - Your Brain's Reward and Planning System

two hands playing chess You probably know that dopamine is the neurotransmitter of motivation and reward. But do you know how to activate your brain's own reward system? Read More

What Your Body Already Knows

You know that reward and motivation are driven by the neurotransmitter dopamine. But what does dopamine feel like, exactly? Read More

What's Your Dunbar Number?

Our ability to understand others' motivations is directly related to volume of a specific region of the frontal lobe. And, maybe, to our Facebook friend count. Read More

Brain: The Inside Story

A review of "Brain: The Inside Story" at American Museum of Natural History through August 14. The tour ends in the gift shop. Read More

If It Feels Good Do It?

Maybe, like me, you're just barely old enough to remember this expression. To my father, a minister, this dictum summed up everything that was wrong with the emerging values of the 1960s and 1970s. Can you imagine? If everyone just did what felt good? Anarchy! Ribaldry! Read More

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About Intrinsic Motivation and Magical Unicorns

A blog about time-stewardship, self-regulation, and the ongoing pursuit of sustainable and deep happiness. Written from the perspective of a clinical neuropsychologist.