On Happiness

By Paul McKenna:

Brain researcher Gregory Berns has demonstrated in a number of recent experiments that it is a feeling of uncertainty that holds the key to satisfaction in life.

People like what's familiar, but are rewarded for what's different. The more things happen the way we expect them to, the less our brains notice. But when we experience something new or unexpected, our brains light up and massive amounts of dopamine (your brain's "motivation chemical") are released. Then, when you achieve your goal, your brain rewards you by releasing serotonin (your brain's "happy chemical"). This in turn increases your motivation to do more things in the future, and physically enhances the molecular structure of your brain, increasing your capacity for even greater feelings of satisfaction.