Nootropics for Motivation – How They Can Help You Achieve Your Goals?

Humans have been using caffeine as a stimulant and energy booster for nearly 10,000 years. However, these days various substances get you through a long day’s work. What makes modern nootropics a favorable choice is that they don’t have the infamous “crash” associated with caffeinated beverages.

Below are 13 of the best nootropics for motivation and how you can use them to unleash your full potential. You’ll also learn a little bit about the science behind motivation and how nootropics can help drive enthusiasm.

What Is Motivation Anyway?

You can spend countless hours trying to create a plan of action, but your chances of success are slim to none if you lack motivation. Since life always seems to have another obstacle, task, event, or catastrophe, it can be challenging to hold on to motivation even if you have it. However, motivation isn’t something tangible that we either “have” or are “lacking.”

In short, motivation is a brain response to certain stimuli. Our brains can react to different stimuli uniquely and activate a distinct feeling of motivation. So instead of trying to find the motivation to finish your book, apply for that job, or write that song, start thinking of ways you can come across motivators to tell your brain “this task is important.”

The Science

If you want to understand how certain motivators affect the brain, you need to know a bit about neuroscience and how the brain works. Don’t worry—you don’t need to know every fine detail about the brain’s anatomy, but just have a basic understanding of how each mechanism works.

For several years, science has shown that the brain feels motivation when it’s pumped with dopamine—a neurotransmitter correlated with pleasure, learning, memory, etc. The brain releases dopamine to the nucleus accumbens, a part of the brain responsible for reward behavior. Dopamine can create a response in your brain that indicates that something good is about to happen.

For example, if you get an email from your professor regarding a new assignment, dopamine will flow through your brain and help determine the feeling you will have if you finish the task or not. Now that you know what’s at stake, you can choose to perform better to get the reward or avoid the assignment and face the consequences.

In short, humans are motivated by the reality of potential reward or despair. If you accidentally place your hand on a hot stove, you’re highly motivated to remove it for fear of burning your hand.

3 Types of Motivation

In traditional psychology, motivation is separated into two categories. However, modern research determines a third type of motivation you can rely on when all else fails.

Intrinsic Motivation

In short, intrinsic motivation is when you participate in an activity solely because it feels rewarding. You don’t care about the potential gain or loss; you only enjoy the actual act of participating. Some examples of intrinsic motivation are playing in a sports match because you enjoy the game or keeping your room clean because you like to be organized.

Extrinsic Motivation

Extrinsic motivation generally involves a potential reward from completing a task or participating in an activity. You’re motivated because you might gain something from your actions. Some extrinsic motivation examples are competing in a sports match to win a championship, studying in school to get into a good college, or cleaning your room to impress your parents.

Family/Friends

It isn’t always easy to come across intrinsic or extrinsic motivation. However, when people think about their families or closest friends, they tend to have more incentive to do the right thing. Knowing that your actions could potentially harm or benefit your loved ones will increase your motivation when making decisions.

13 Best Nootropics for Motivation

1. Methyllibrine

Methyllibrine is a health supplement designed to increase energy levels the same way coffee, tea, or other naturally caffeinated products would. Methyllibrine’s molecular makeup can easily break through cell walls, allowing for seamless absorption.

Methyllibrine prevents adenosine, a neurotransmitter that works as a nervous system depressant, from binding to receptors in the brain. Therefore, you maintain alertness while working or performing physical tasks. The supplement also encourages more dopamine production, improving cognitive functions, such as memory and mood.

Methyllibrine is also popular in the fitness industry because it allegedly helps promote fat-loss and boost your gym performance.

2. Tyrosine

3. Theacrine

Theacrine affects the body similarly to caffeine. It stimulates the central nervous system and boosts energy levels. However, unlike caffeine, Theacrine doesn’t affect your blood pressure. Some studies show that Theacrine can help reduce stress-related liver damage, reduce inflammation, and alleviate pain.

Theacrine activates dopamine receptors, allowing you to focus better and regulate your mood. When users take Theacrine regularly, they report having higher energy levels and more motivation to accomplish tasks.

The primary reason why people use Theacrine is to improve memory and other cognitive functions. Theacrine is considered safe. However, it can potentially interact negatively with other drugs.

4. Uridine

Uridine comes with a wide range of benefits, including increased motivation. It’s a ribonucleotide that helps your RNA translate the code from your DNA. Uridine also allows your body to perform functions like breaking down sugar for energy and protecting your mitochondria. Research shows that uridine can also help reduce neuropathic pain, treat depression, and improve sleep quality.

If you’re looking for a reliable cognitive enhancer that’s safe to use, uridine is worth checking out. Several users claim that uridine helps them reduce mental fatigue and power through difficult tasks. It can also help make you feel less anxious when you’re given a difficult assignment.

5. Theobromine

If you love chocolate, this one’s for you. For years, the public has known that dark chocolate comes with a wide range of health benefits. Theobromine is a compound found in cacao and could have several benefits for our physical and mental health. The compound has a chemical makeup remarkably similar to caffeine and also works as a stimulant.

Besides boosting your energy levels, theobromine can also improve your mood, help clean your teeth and work as a cough suppressant. Dark chocolate contains more theobromine than milk chocolate due to the higher cacao content.

6. Adrafinil

Although modafinil is a common supplement used to treat narcolepsy, the safety of adrafinil isn’t conclusive. However, there haven’t been any known adverse side effects if you take the correct dose. Doctors don’t recommend you take adrafinil long-term as the side effects are currently unknown.

7. Noopept

If you’re seeking motivation and have trouble memorizing things you learn about, Noopept could potentially be beneficial. It can help you manage information processing, store memories, and promotes overall better brain health.

8. Fasoracetam

Fasoracetam is a relatively new nootropic and is currently in the experimentation phase to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The Food and Drug Administration approved the compound in 2015, and promising research has shown that fasoracetam could potentially help improve concentration and make you more attentive while completing tasks.

Some other benefits of fasoracetam are better sleep quality, reduced anxiety, fewer mood swings, and reduced symptoms of drug withdrawals. Animal testing shows that fasoracetam can improve your memory and overall cognitive function, but more research is required for conclusive results.

9. Aniracetam

Aniracetam is a nootropic that helps improve brain function by boosting concentration, increasing memory, and regulating mood. While aniracetam isn’t FDA approved, several people purchase it online and use it daily. Some of the common uses of aniracetam are reducing anxiety, treating depression, and alleviating the symptoms of depression.

The primary reason why the Food and Drug Administration didn’t approve aniracetam is that the side effects are virtually unknown. While most users don’t claim they feel any adverse side effects, others report that the nootropic makes them feel nauseous, irritable, restless, and irritable.

10. Cordyceps

Cordyceps are parasitic fungi that use insects as hosts to reproduce. This fungi has been an integral ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine for hundreds of years and is still a big part of the industry. Some of the physical benefits of cordyceps supplements are improved sex drive, battling fatigue, and treating kidney disease.

Some studies show that cordyceps supplements can improve your gym performance, boost concentration, and promote clarity. Several companies use the fungi in over-the-counter hangover treatments.

11. Lion’s Mane

The Lion’s Mane mushroom is an extremely beneficial super supplement that’s extremely prevalent in Asian countries. This superfood can be either cooked or eaten raw. Several people claim that Lion’s Mane tastes like seafood. There are numerous health benefits linked to Lion’s Mane, such as improved focus, reduced stress and anxiety, and treating stomach ulcers.

If you eat Lion’s Mane regularly, you can expect to see a general increase in cognitive function, including but not limited to better memory, improved mood, more focus, and a more optimistic life view.

12. Sulbutiamine

Sulbutiamine helps boost your brain’s thiamine levels and can also help athletes perform better in the gym. Patients with Alzheimer’s disease also take this supplement to boost their cognitive function. Therefore, sulbutiamine is considered a viable option for those looking for better performance and more motivation in the workplace.

While research of sulbutiamine benefits is promising, there isn’t enough data to draw any conclusive results.

13. L- Carnitine

L-carnitine is an amino acid the body produces naturally. While it’s mostly used in the bodybuilding community for weight loss, it could also help boost brain function. This amino acid helps your mitochondria (the cell’s powerhouse) produce more ATP ( the energy your cells use to function). Your body already produces a suitable amount of L-carnitine. However, you can obtain more by consuming supplements.

People with alcohol addictions also claim that L-carnitine has helped them boost their brain function when trying to quit drinking. If you’re looking for a more natural nootropic, L-carnitine is an excellent option.

Conclusion

Without a doubt, nootropics are a fantastic way to boost your brainpower and stay motivated which is why many people will use nootropics for studying. As you can see, there are several options from which to choose. So, finding the right one can be tricky. It’s always best to determine your goals and lifestyle before trying a nootropic, and always consult with your doctor if you’re currently taking any medication before consuming any supplements.

We hope this list of the best nootropics for motivation was helpful. If you know somebody who lacks motivation and is considering nootropics, feel free to share this article with them.