Why does winning feel so good?
Why does winning feel so good? How your brain, story, and status team up to create that “we did it” high Quick framing Why does winning feel so good, and why do some wins stick with us for years while others fade overnight? At its core, that rush combines brain chemistry, social status, and the personal stories we tell ourselves about what matters. In this article, we’ll unpack how the “high” of winning works, why it’s about much more than trophies, and how to enjoy success without becoming addicted to it. You’ll walk away with a clearer way to think about motivation, goals, and what a meaningful “win” actually is. The brain chemistry behind a win On one level, winning feels good because your brain literally pays you in “feel-good” currency. When you succeed at something that matters to you, your brain releases a cocktail of chemicals—especially dopamine. Dopamine is like your internal “Yes, do more of this” notification. It spikes when you move toward a goal and when you finally hit i...