Motivational behaviors originate from the brain. However, this article will discuss the best nootropics for motivation. Motivation is the key to unlocking one’s potential for optimal life performance.
Therefore, why do so many of us appear to fight with our inner drive on occasion? The solution might be found in brain chemicals, particularly dopamine. Nootropics for motivation help maintain healthy dopamine levels, which results in increased motivation.
As a result, boosting dopamine may improve motivation. That’s why the best nootropics for motivation include L-tyrosine, L-theanine, methylated B6 and B12 vitamins, and organic bacopa monnieri leaf extract. Of course, all of them are contained within Maximum Mind in their purest and most bioavailable form. Let’s find out why below.
This blog post demonstrates how combining these nootropics in a smart stack may increase motivation and unleash exceptional life performance.
“The Chief Cause of Failure and Unhappiness Is Trading What You Want Most for What You Want Right Now.”
― Zig Ziglar
What Are Nootropics?
“The only difference between the master and the novice is that the master has failed more times than the novice has tried.”
― Stephen McCranie
First things first, what are nootropics? Corneliu Giurgea, a Romanian neuroscientist, coined the term nootropic (pronounced new-tropic) in 1972. He believed that smart drugs should be invented and made widely available to enhance the general population’s brain health and increase human intelligence.
According to Dr Giurgea’s findings, nootropics enhance cognition, memory, alertness, concentration, creativity, and attention. They became known as cognitive enhancers, substances that amplify the way the brain’s many cognitive functions operate and how we process information.
Simply put, cognitive enhancers (or nootropics or smart drugs) are prescription or off-the-counter drugs or supplements that enhance cognition. Some nootropics contribute to brain health while others can be quite dangerous.
Since Marco’s Grounds only works with safe and natural compounds in their purest forms, for most of our discussions we will restrain ourselves to natural nootropics that increase cognition safely.
Nootropic-Motivation Connection
“Bodily exercise, when compulsory, does not harm the body, but knowledge which is acquired under compulsion obtains no hold on the mind.”
― Plato
You may possess the capability, but it is your motivation that counts. Many argue that drive originates exclusively from the inside. And if your inner motivation is a ready-to-be-lit match, here is your inspiring ignition:
The best nootropic pills available at the moment may boost not only motivation but also the cognitive and biological structures underpinning your motivational output, resulting in increased long-term productivity.
The neurotransmitter dopamine is the primary focus of nootropic intervention. If you wake up in the morning feeling as though the spice of life has been taken away, chances are it has. The “spices” you’re lacking are dopamine and norepinephrine, the major catecholamine chemical that feeds our ambition – thus its moniker “motivation molecule.”
However, even though over 110,000 research articles have been published on the brain chemical over the last 60 years, the neurotransmitter’s complete functionality remains a topic of contention among neuroscientists. Thus, let us explore the relationship between dopamine and motivation before delving into which nootropics best increase this connection.
Dopamine Pathway to Motivation
“If you aim at nothing, you will hit it every time.”
― Zig Ziglar
Dopamine is the primary neurotransmitter involved in both the positive and negative components of motivation’s “Reward Pathway.” However, some nootropics boost dopamine levels, as discussed in later sections of this article.
Dopamine is fundamentally a motivator. It is the neurochemical equivalent of motivation and a very effective mechanism utilized by the brain to promote repeated action.
Due to the joyful effect of dopamine release, which happens in several circumstances:
- Solving a problem or acquiring new knowledge
- Introducing or establishing new concepts, areas, etc.
- Consuming or drinking something delectable
- Cigarette smoking or substance abuse
This variation exemplifies both the positive and negative features of the Reward Pathway. Simply put, when the brain’s Reward Pathway is well-stocked with dopamine and dopamine receptors, more positive actions (e.g., acquiring new information, engaging in new ideas, etc.) are more likely to occur.
Whereas, as seen in Behavioural Neuroscience studies, dopamine shortage (or dopamine receptor deficit) increases the risk of pursuing quick, harmful “fixes” for dopamine release (e.g., junk food, drugs, etc.) [1].
Symptoms of dopamine insufficiency include the following:
- Apathy, or a lack of motivation
- Anhedonia, or Disappointment
- Addictive Low-Energy Behavior
- Depression and Imbalanced Mood
- Memory and learning abilities are impaired.
While dopamine is not the sole biological component affecting motivation and drive, it is a critical cog in the motivation and drive machine. Thus, supplementing with dopamine and energy-promoting nootropics may help restore and enhance motivation levels significantly.
Read more about the role of dopamine here and have a look at dopamine starvation here.
Best Nootropics for Motivation
“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.”
― Mahatma Gandhi
The best nootropics for motivation accomplish one thing generally speaking
They increase dopaminergic pathways, which improves brain energy and mitigates the harmful effects of stress and excessive activity.
Additionally, nootropics are safe. Unlike pharmaceuticals and synthetics that boost motivation and energy via a synthetic flush of dopamine activity, natural nootropics maximize natural dopaminergic and metabolic pathways, boosting addiction resilience and long-term adverse effects.
Historically, it has been the quick “fixes” of dopamine that have destroyed our long-term desires. Nootropics contradict this tendency by enhancing the motivational biological structures themselves. Among the motivating and best nootropics for motivation are the following:
N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine (NALT)
In its active form, N-acetyl-L-tyrosine (NALT), the amino acid L-tyrosine replenishes neurotransmitters, including dopamine, required for motivation. The brain is simply incapable of maintaining a high degree of mental activity for an extended amount of time. One explanation for this is L-tyrosine deficiency.
A highly engaged, agitated brain consumes excitatory catecholamines at breakneck speed. This feel-good surge of mental energy and productivity may lead to spurts of motivation, but once your body’s natural tyrosine stores are depleted, your brainpower is depleted as well.
N-acetyl-L-tyrosine is the ideal type of supplemental tyrosine for reversing brain fatigue. However, it is critical to keep in mind that NALT’s cognitive advantages are most noticeable in high-stress and activity situations. According to the studies mentioned below, the bio-benefits of tyrosine supplementation may help to enhance the following:
Working Memory
A study in Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior finds that L-tyrosine has been shown to preserve mental and memory performance when many activities are required [2].
Learning Speed
Researchers in a study found in Physiology & Behavior assert that L-tyrosine supplementation has been found to increase information processing speed and accuracy in individuals with impaired cognition due to acute cold exposure [3].
Sleep-Deprived Cognition
Tyrosine supplementation has been shown by researchers in Aerospace Medicine and Human Performance to significantly reduce the typical drop in cognitive function associated with sleep deprivation, i.e., “all-nighters.” [4].
A healthy motivation fueled by normal catecholamine levels needs an adequate supply of L-tyrosine amino acids. Mentally demanding jobs, physical stresses, and inadequate sleep – all of which are frequent characteristics of a busy life – all threaten to disrupt the biochemical system of motivation.
Note: there’s an effective dose of L-tyrosine as N-acetyl L-tyrosine in each dose of Maximum Mind.
This is why NALT is naturally one of the best nootropics for motivation. Read more about tyrosine on Marco’s Grounds Deep Dive or dig deeper into the benefits of tyrosine here.
L-Theanine
While the majority of the effects of L-theanine are related to its capacity to improve alpha brainwaves, this nootropic may also indirectly raise dopamine, serotonin, and GABA. This makes this nootropic one of the best nootropics for a motivation boost.
While both coffee and green tea contain caffeine, the former boosts energy while the latter helps soothe the mind. How is that possible? L-theanine is the solution. As one of the key bioactive ingredients of Camellia sinensis, the caffeinated plant used to make different teas, L-theanine is responsible for the calm, relaxed boost to cognition associated with a cup of green tea. (Or, more precisely, a “pot,” implying the requirement for an L-theanine supplement to achieve its nootropic benefits.)
As seen in a study in Clinical nutrition, what distinguishes this anxiolytic amino acid from other sedatives is that it induces calm without causing apathy or drowsiness [5].
That is to say: L-theanine induces anxiolytic relaxation while simultaneously preserving – and frequently boosting – concentration, attention, and motivation. It accomplishes this by boosting alpha brainwaves, the brain frequencies linked with meditative “relaxed wakefulness” as measured by EEG (Electroencephalography).
L-theanine, which is frequently combined with caffeine, is one of the most popular and best nootropics for motivation on the market today due to its complementing synergy with cognitive stimulants. The issue with direct stimulation is that the increase in energy may outweigh the increase in cognition, as defended in speculated research in Biological Psychology [6].
Caffeine may boost your enthusiasm and motivation, but it causes your thoughts to become jittery and inattentive, making actual productivity impossible. L-theanine calms overexcited nerves while maintaining energy.
Additionally, the amino acid has been linked to increases in dopamine, serotonin, and GABA levels in the brain, which results in a better mood, memory, and learning capacity averred by researchers in Herbal Pharmacotherapy [7].
Thus, L-theanine is the ideal nootropic for a more relaxed — “Keep Calm and Carry On” — work environment and therefore one of the best nootropics for motivation.
Note: There’s an effective dose of L-theanine from organic green tea leaf extract in each dose of Maximum Mind.
Read more about L-theanine on Marco’s Grounds Deep Dive or find out the best caffeine and L-theanine combination here.
Methylated B6 and B12 Vitamins
B vitamins are semi-essential cofactors in the production of catecholamines, making them effective sources of mood and motivation boosting.
Vitamin B6 is the most critical B vitamin for brain function; however, other B vitamins, such as B12 and folate, may also aid in neurotransmitter processing. B6 facilitates the following particular motivational neurotransmitter pathways:
- L-DOPA to Dopamine conversion.
- 5-HTP to Serotonin conversion.
- Tryptophan to Serotonin Conversion.
This is why B vitamins are frequently used in combination with L-tyrosine: they facilitate the conversion of dietary L-tyrosine to catecholamines. Additionally, other critical neurotransmitters like GABA, norepinephrine, and melatonin are impacted by B vitamin levels.
Note: there’s an effective dose of methylated vitamins B5, B6, B9, and B12 in each dose of Maximum Mind.
As such, methylated B6 and B12 vitamins are one of the best nootropics for motivation. Read more about methylated vitamin B on Marco’s Grounds Deep Dive and why you should never consider non-methylated B vitamins.
Organic Bacopa Monnieri Leaf Extract
Bacopa monnieri, commonly known as Brahmi, water hyssop, thyme-leaved Gratiola, or herb of grace, is a common Ayurvedic herb.
A study published in Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that it thrives in moist, tropical conditions and is popular for aquarium use due to its capacity to flourish underwater [8].
Another study in Phytomedicine asserts that Ayurvedic physicians have utilized bacopa monnieri for millennia for several purposes, including memory enhancement, anxiety reduction, and epilepsy treatment [9].
Indeed, evidence indicates that it may improve brain function and ease anxiety and stress. These advantages are attributed to a family of strong chemicals called bacosides found in bacopa monnieri. Here are the 3 emerging benefits of bacopa monnieri.
High in Antioxidants
Antioxidants are compounds that aid in the protection of cells against damage produced by potentially hazardous chemicals known as free radicals. A study in Inflammation & Allergy Drug Discovery found that free radical damage appears to be associated with various chronic illnesses, including heart disease, diabetes, and some malignancies [10].
Decreases Inflammation
Inflammation is your body’s natural response to aid in the healing process and the battle against illness. Researchers in EMBO Reports explain that chronic, low-level inflammation, on the other hand, has been related to a variety of chronic diseases, including cancer, diabetes, and heart and kidney disease [11].
Enhances Cognitive Function
According to research in Clinics, Bacopa Monnieri may assist in improving brain function. For instance, one study in mice showed that supplementing with Bacopa Monnieri enhanced spatial learning and memory [12]. Additionally, according to the same research, it boosted dendritic length and branching. Dendrites are brain nerve cell extensions that are intimately connected to learning and memory [12].
Note: there’s an effective dose of organic bacopa monnieri leaf extract at 50% minimum bacosides, in each dose of Maximum Mind.
For these reasons, bacopa is quite unsurprisingly one of the best nootropics for motivation. Read more on bacopa on the Marco’s Grounds Deep Dive or find out more about the benefits of bacopa here.
Conclusion
“Tell me, and I forget, teach me, and I may remember, involve me, and I learn.”
— Benjamin Franklin
Staying motivated is possibly one of the most important factors for productivity, and it is also one that many lack in our day-to-day lives. Maximum Mind provides you with the cleanest and purest nutrients that improve your mood, enhancing your motivation and focus so that you can carry on with your complex life.
Maximum Mind contains ingredients such as citicoline, a solution to memory loss, and huperzine A, to amend and protect nerve cells, and many more effective ingredients. All these ingredients combined will provide you with the best mood to face every day with motivation.
Why not experience the best nootropics for motivation in their purest form along with other clinically studied compounds for optimal brain performance and health with Maximum Mind?
Literature
- Barron AB et al. The roles of dopamine and related compounds in reward-seeking behavior across animal phyla. Front Behav Neurosci. 12 Oct 2010; 4: 163.
- Thomas JR et al. Tyrosine improves working memory in a multitasking environment. Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 1999 Nov; 64(3): 495-500.
- Mahoney CR et al. Tyrosine supplementation mitigates working memory decrements during cold exposure. Physiol Behav. 2007 Nov 23; 92(4): 575-82.
- Neri DF et al. The effects of tyrosine on cognitive performance during extended wakefulness. Aviat Space Environ Med. 1995 Apr; 66(4): 313-9.
- Nobre AC et al. L-theanine, a natural constituent in tea, and its effect on mental state. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2008; 17(S1): 167-68.
- Haskell CF et al. The effects of L-theanine, caffeine, and their combination on cognition and mood. Biol Psychol. 2008 Feb; 77(2): 113-22.
- Nathan PJ et al. The Neuropharmacology of L-Theanine (N-Ethyl-L-Glutamine): A Possible Neuroprotective and Cognitive Enhancing Agent. Journal of Herbal Pharmacotherapy. 2009 Aug 20; 6(2).
- Calabrese, C., Gregory, W. L., Leo, M., Kraemer, D., Bone, K., & Oken, B. (2008). Effects of a Standardized Bacopa Monnieri Extract on Cognitive Performance, Anxiety, and Depression in the Elderly: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 14(6), 707–713.
- Russo, A., & Borrelli, F. (2005). Bacopa monniera, a reputed nootropic plant: an overview. Phytomedicine, 12(4), 305–317.Khansari, N., Shakiba, Y., & Mahmoudi, M. (2009). Chronic Inflammation and Oxidative Stress as a Major Cause of Age-Related Diseases and Cancer. Recent Patents on Inflammation & Allergy Drug Discovery, 3(1), 73–80.
- Hunter, P. (2012). The inflammation theory of disease. EMBO Reports, 13(11), 968–970.
- Vollala, V. R., Upadhya, S., & Nayak, S. (2011). Enhancement of basolateral amygdaloid neuronal dendritic arborization following Bacopa monniera extract treatment in adult rats. Clinics, 66(4), 663–671.
