Extreme Routines: How To Do A 100-Day Dopamine Detox

Brandon Steenhoek’s Hollywood lifestyle was pretty great (until it wasn’t). So he set about changing everything in 100 days.

Discover how extreme routines can lead to profound changes and a recalibration of the dopamine baseline for a more balanced and satisfying life.

#PersonalityPlaybook  #LifeQuotesToLiveBy #CareerGrowth #TrustTheProcess #FromCoffeeToCuttingRoom #SelfCare #RealTalk #Balance #Perfectionism

Beginning a Career in Film: The Journey from Passion to Profession

A successful entertainment career, particularly film, is often the product of a lifelong passion for storytelling and the yearning to elicit audience joy and emotion. Transitioning from a love for arts, such as music, to a more multifaceted industry like film is a path many take. Film combines various artistic elements, offering a robust and reliable platform for creative expression and, for some, a sense of security against the volatile nature of a music career. The journey typically starts with education, yet it quickly becomes apparent that this industry values hands-on experience as much as, if not more than, formal education. From running errands on small sets to taking on editing dailies, the willingness to embrace and excel in every task—no matter how menial—sets the foundation for future success.

Networking and proving oneself through consistent performance can lead to more significant roles and full-time jobs. This progression underscores the importance of apprenticeship and practical experience in the film industry. As individuals work their way through various departments, touching props, adjusting lights, and maneuvering cameras, they collect invaluable knowledge beyond what can be gleaned from a textbook.

The Role of Mentorship and Self-Teaching in Career Advancement

Mentorship plays a critical role in developing one’s career. A key piece of advice for budding professionals is not to let formal education hinder the practical learning process. Interacting with more seasoned individuals who emphasise the significance of experiential learning can help newcomers prioritise the skills that truly matter. As the industry thrives on craftsmanship, the ability to adapt, learn, and perfect one’s art through actual practice often takes precedence. Such an apprenticeship approach allows one to understand the intricacies and demands of the job first-hand while building a network of invaluable contacts in this closely-knit industry.

Personal Growth and Career Evolution in the Creative Industry

The creative industry demands a unique synergy between personal and professional growth. How individuals view and carry themselves can influence interpersonal dynamics on set or within a team. Shedding self-judgment and anxiety enables us to fully embody our role and interact with others more effectively. This evolution extends beyond the professional sphere, affecting overall life perspectives and self-perception.

For many professionals, personal projects, such as writing a book or taking on life-changing challenges, allow for introspection and growth. These transformative experiences, like embarking on a hundred-day journey of quitting distractions and cultivating healthy habits, can redefine our approach to work and life. Such commitments often lead to greater clarity, focus, and a holistic sense of fulfilment, as they inspire individuals to eliminate unproductive habits and replace them with actions that contribute to their well-being and career objectives.

In conclusion, careers in the creative industries are not just about talent but also about persistence, adaptability, and the constant pursuit of personal and professional growth. By understanding the unwritten rules of professional dynamics and embracing a continuous learning curve, individuals can create a vibrant career path while shaping their lives in and out of the workplace.

The Detrimental Grip of Social Media and Substance Habits on Awareness

The pervasive reach of social media platforms and the chronic use of substances such as alcohol have been scrutinised for their impact on mental health and overall awareness. Brandon’s 100-day journey to detach from these stimuli laid bare the extent to which they can diminish an individual’s sensory acuity and cognitive presence. Regular consumption of alcohol, for example, may condition the body and mind to a dulled state of awareness, where the richness of everyday experiences fades into obscurity.

Brandon’s anecdote about the realisation that followed his first sip of a mojito after an extensive period of abstinence is telling of the powerful effect substances can have on our physical and psychological perceptions. It not only illustrates the psychoactive results of alcohol but also signals how modern lifestyles, patterned with the frequent use of alcohol and captivation by social media, can systematically eclipse the nuanced experiences life has to offer.

Reclaiming Autonomy and Freedom Beyond Stimuli

Brandon’s transformation throughout his self-imposed detox wasn’t solely about eliminating distractions; it was a deeper search for personal freedom. Often, the illusion of freedom is marketed to us through various channels—whether it’s the liberation associated with alcohol in social settings or the connectivity promised by social media. Through his introspective journey, Brandon sought to break free from the shackles of these seemingly controlling substances and behaviours that society normalises and often encourages.

This pursuit of autonomy is a broader quest for liberation from the dogmatic structures imposed by cultural norms, societal expectations, or rigid upbringing. Whether transitioning from the structured beliefs of the Mormon church to hedonism or from dependency on dopamine-inducing behaviours to a state of self-control, Brandon’s story is a testament to the dynamic cycle of seeking and defining personal freedom.

Prioritising Essential Elements of Life Post-Detox

Upon completing his challenge, Brandon found himself in unforeseen territory. The obsessive nature of the 100-day endeavour itself was extreme and all-consuming. But once it concluded, he discovered an unexpected serenity in the lack of desire for the very things he had renounced. This new-found vacancy in mental preoccupation offered an opportunity to invest time and energy into pursuits of substance and personal value—caring for a pet, indulging in reading, and the noble undertaking of writing a book to share his revelations.

Brandon’s devotion to journalling daily accentuates the importance of reflection and documentation—a process by which transient thoughts and fleeting experiences are captured, yielding insights that might otherwise be lost. His decision to pen a book stemmed from a personal triumph and the recognition that others might be trapped by similar struggles. This creative and altruistic outlet represents an admirable intention to assist others in navigating through the entanglement of modern-day vices.

Triggers, Anchors, and Behavioural Design

The insights from Brandon’s discussion on triggers and anchors showcase the psychological mechanisms behind habitual behaviours. Behavioural design, a field of study that examines the structuring of physical and digital environments to influence people’s actions, plays a critical role in understanding these phenomena. The designers of social media applications utilise these insights to encourage repeated app usage, tying specific actions or environmental cues to the use of their platforms.

By identifying the triggers that lead to automatic behaviours—such as reaching for a phone or a beverage at the end of the day—we can begin to understand the underlying patterns that govern much of our daily lives. The principle of associating a sequence of actions with a particular chronic response is central to building or breaking habits, as evidenced by Brandon’s own experiences and the teachings of behaviour design experts.

Personal Reconfiguration and Personality Types

Brandon’s decision to overhaul his lifestyle instead of adopting small habit changes reflects his unique personality and journey to reclaim control over his life. The concept of a ‘full reset’ was necessary for him, underscoring the idea that different strategies work for different people. This notion is particularly relevant to those with ADHD, like Brandon, who might require more structured environments or larger-scale changes to thrive.

Personality assessments, like the Enneagram test mentioned by Brandon, provide deeper insight into our motivational drivers. For Brandon, achievement and accomplishment are the primary motivators that influenced the dramatic changes he implemented. On the contrary, someone whose core motivation is safety or security might find incremental changes more suitable. Thus, aligning lifestyle adjustments to one’s personality type and inherent motivations becomes a powerful catalyst for personal transformation.

Social Community and Support During Change

The initial sessions of therapy are often a time of assessment and acquaintance. During these early stages, the therapist gathers information to understand the client’s concerns better. Because of this, the first few sessions may result in the client speaking more while the therapist listens and forms an understanding of the situation. It’s not unusual for clients to question the value they are receiving during these initial sessions, as tangible progress may not be immediately apparent.
To mitigate any uncertainty, a good therapist will outline what therapy will look like, clarifying the process, confidentiality, and any homework that may be assigned. Therapists may also address immediate concerns during the first session to provide some immediate support, emphasizing that while therapy requires time and patience, immediate concerns will not be ignored.

The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health

Brandon’s story illustrates the significance of support systems, such as friends and communities, in facilitating and maintaining transformation. The communal aspect can significantly bolster resilience, whether exchanging messages about cravings for ice cream or sharing broader lifestyle goals with a group. Including friends and peers in one’s journey toward change creates a shared narrative of progress and an environment of accountability.

Given the potential and importance of a supportive community, integrating a social component into non-digital spaces could extend the reach of these collective transformations beyond digital platforms. While social media can offer connectivity, alternative methods to foster community among those aiming to reduce their reliance on digital stimulation could effectively marry traditional support systems with the digital age.

Confronting Perfectionism and Its Consequences

Many can relate to Brandon’s battle against perfectionism. Perfectionism often leads to patterns of avoidance and self-destructive behaviours, such as overindulging in distractions—social media, alcohol, or other substances. By stripping down the distractions, Brandon faced his innate drive for perfection, a journey marked by discomfort but resulting in an ultimate liberation from self-imposed constraints.

Recognising the harmful effects of perfectionism is integral to personal growth. When individuals directly confront unrealistic expectations of perfection, they often find the associated fears far less daunting than imagined. This realisation can be the key to unlocking a more authentic and less encumbered existence, emphasising the importance of self-awareness and courage in personal development.

Contributing Joy as a Habitual Practice

In pursuing personal transformation and behavioural change, it is vital not to overlook the value of positive societal contributions. Inspired by Roger Ebert’s sentiment, the idea of consciously attempting to bring joy to the world can be integrated into our daily routine. By considering acts of kindness, compassion, and positivity as habits to cultivate, we can create a meaningful impact not only in our lives but also in the lives of others.

Beyond individual growth and overcoming personal struggles such as perfectionism, happiness and altruism can play an expansive role in behavioural design. This could involve actions as simple as sharing a smile, offering assistance to a neighbour, or volunteering for community services. Each small act, when repeated consistently, has the potential to become a natural part of one’s behaviour, reflecting an internal state of generosity and well-being.

It's Your Turn

 Whether it’s through offering resources, sharing a message of support, or broadcasting stories of change and inspiration, each contribution carries incredible potential for driving positive change. Let’s keep this conversation going.

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