Gianna sees all humans as artists and creatives in their own right. She explores what motivates us to create anything in our lives, and why we each possess a basic need to be creative; whether it’s a piece of art, an experience, a new or improved relationship, an unconventional idea, or any endeavor that makes you feel alive. The chemical reward system that makes creating feel so satisfying is based more on the joy of working toward a goal than on the end game or win. Setting goals and then working toward them gives us a sense of purpose and forward momentum. Feeling purposeful and intentional provides a chemical reward system that can sustain us, and allow us to move beyond obstacles like boredom, hopelessness, pointlessness, and fear. Often we feel flawed or defective when we lack motivation, but this is not a flaw. This is a universal experience of being human.

Motivation can be harnessed when we have some sense of agency and understanding of what inspires and hinders our thoughts, emotions, and actions. Our neurobiology influences our perspective on life. Dopamine is released as we move toward a goal; oxytocin, when we feel connected to others and community; and serotonin is associated with the experience of feeling gratitude and satisfaction in our lives. Knowing how our nervous system functions can help us create an internal environment to optimize the release of these brain chemicals. Creating makes us “feel good” and can sustain or revive our motivation in moments when we may feel a reflex to give up and quit. When depleted, dopamine is that molecule that can reset us and drives us forward into action. This requires a balance between too much more (addictive behavior) and enough to promote positive forward momentum. Learning what resets our cut off point to release dopamine can provide an understanding of how to find and renew your own motivation. Develop insight into what depletes and fulfills you.