EssentialsEssentials
December 18, 2025

Essentials: How to Set & Achieve Goals

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In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode, I explain how to use science-based tools to better set and achieve goals.

I discuss the neuroscience of goal pursuit and how dopamine and visual attention shape motivation and effort. I explain whether visualizing success or failure better supports goal pursuit, how to choose goals at the right level of difficulty and evaluate progress. I also share a short “space-time bridging” protocol that helps train long-range, goal-directed behavior. These tools will help you stay motivated and reach goals more effectively.

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  • 00:00:00 Goal Setting
  • 00:00:23 Brain & Goal Pursuit
  • 00:03:32 Goal Value, Action Steps
  • 00:05:49 Peripersonal vs Extrapersonal Space
  • 00:07:17 Tool: Visual Focus & Pursuing Goals
  • 00:11:47 Visualization & Goal Pursuit, Tool: Visualize Failure
  • 00:14:08 Tool: Goal Setting & Difficulty Level
  • 00:15:47 Dopamine & Goal Pursuit, Reward Prediction Error, Tool: Weekly Goal Assessment
  • 00:21:00 Dopamine & Vision; Importance of Behavioral Tools
  • 00:22:57 Recap of Tools for Goal Setting & Pursuit
  • 00:24:09 Goal Pursuit, Time; Tool: Space-Time Bridging
  • 00:31:38 Recap, Key Takeaways

This transcript is currently under human review and may contain errors. The fully reviewed version will be posted as soon as it is available.

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Huberman Lab Essentials

The Science of Setting & Achieving Goals

Huberman Lab Essentials are short episodes focused on essential science and protocol takeaways from past full-length Huberman Lab episodes.

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You'll also get Andrew's exclusive Daily Blueprint. In it, Andrew shares his daily routine. He also shares practical tools and protocols that you can use to stay productive and maximize your health.

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