Endorphins, Synchrony & Shared Effort
Moving or exerting in synchrony with others raises pain thresholds and bonding beyond what the same effort alone produces; shared ordeals create loyalty that outlasts the ordeal's rationale.
An everyday example
Boot-camp style sales kick-offs, group workouts and marathon hackathons leave people bonded to the group — and to whoever led it.
What it can cost you
Loyalty to a leader or vendor that was manufactured by synchrony rather than earned by conduct; exhaustion mistaken for commitment.
Warning signs
- I would follow this person anywhere, and we met three days ago.
- My loyalty rose with my exhaustion.
One thing to do
Separate the bond from the decision: after any high-effort shared event, wait a week and re-ask whether you would choose this partner from a rested, neutral state.
Is this happening to you right now?
Describe your situation and get a read across all six brains. No account needed.
Check my situationRelated
Not medical, legal or financial advice. How Decision IQ works
One decision idea a week
One useful idea. No daily drip, no pressure.