Seeking System (Panksepp)
Panksepp's SEEKING system: a dopamine-driven appetite for exploring, anticipating and pursuing, which feels like curiosity or excitement and is satisfied by the chase more than the catch.
An everyday example
Hunting for deals, scrolling listings, opening one more tab — long after the original need was met.
What it can cost you
Being kept in pursuit by anyone who can supply an endless stream of 'maybe'.
Warning signs
- The search is more fun than the decision.
- I keep looking for a better version of something I already have.
One thing to do
Time-box the search and write the stopping criterion before starting; the SEEKING system will not stop on its own.
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